There has been little cohesion in the forwards. To be outplayed in scrums and line-outs by the strong Poneke pack was not surprising, but it was disappointing to see the University forwards so slow to the ball—traditionally their strong point. After a very good all-round display, for which every pack member deserves credit, there was another lapse against the not very highly rated St. Pat's eight. Only Don Reisterer seemed to have any purpose and vigour in his play that day. The rest of the forwards rarely showed any concerted drive or any desire to cover up errors in the backs. Apart from Reisterer (his imminent departure for Southland will be a seemingly irreplaceable loss both in general forward play and in goal-kicking) other individual forwards worthy of mention are lanky Hanker Dave McDowell and captain Barry Hutchinson.

Varsity has never been short of good loose forwards and this year is no exception. Weir House President Don Trow began the season in brilliant form with vigorous and intelligent displays. When he was injured young ex-Scots College player Don Campbell (an outstanding third first forward last season) took his place for one or two games but as yet is a little inexperienced and gave way to McDowell. Starting with a versatile game against Petone he shared the general lassitude against St. Pats, in the Old Boys game McDowell did some outstanding things without giving the same impression of 80 minute vigour and all-round usefulness as Trow. Still, both are young players with a promising future.