Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. TUESDAY, AUGUST 23, 1949. THE ALL BLACKS

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 69, Issue 266, 23 August 1949, Page 2

Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. TUESDAY, AUGUST 23, 1949. THE ALL BLACKS

HoW would the All Blacks have fared in the first two tests, and in some of the other matches had not M. P. Goddard had the misfortune to fracture a wrist? That is a question- which is extremely difficult to answer. In one match early in the tour, Goddard showed flashes of brilliance, but in a subsequent match his form was nothing to enthuse over. Unfortunately he suffered the injury in the closing stages of one of the early games, and until recently was out of action for many weeks. He did not cease to train, however, and in his first game, that against Northern Universities, he played brilliantly. Again on Saturday, when the team was a forward short because of the loss of Thornton through a leg injury, it was Goddard who scored a brilliant try and also “made” Henderson’s last-minute effort, which turned apparent defeat into victory. Over 30 or 40 yards Goddard is briljiant. In fact in speed trials held by the team, none of the players could head him over t.his distance although Henderson and Elvidge proved superior over the full length of the field. The first few yards are frequently vital, however, and that is where the South. Canterbury player scores. His brilliant form of the last two day's has increased the hopes of the side for subsequent matches, and some South African papers have gone so far as to say that he has given the team a “new look.” It, has always to be remembered, however, that one swallow does not make a summer. Goddard is without question a fine attacking player, but he needs room in which to move, just the same as Elvidge does. The secret of their effectiveness lies in quick receipt of the ball. If the sluggishness apparent recently continues, and the opposing forwards are given time to get to the New Zealand five-eighths, then Goddard’s match-winning ability is gone. The selectors apparently realise this and are attempting a dangerous experiment, that of playing N. H. Black, of Auckland, behind the scrum, in the hope that he can speed up the service. The special coriespondent with the team said that Black, at practice, sent out long, smait passes, but any player can perhaps do this, when the pressure is not on. It is to be hoped that the experiment proves a success. Another move which might well be tried is the playing of Kearney and Elvidge as (five-eighths, with Goddard ds centre. Allen’s form has not been such as to inspire confidence, whereas Kearney aqd Elvidee have been most consistent. If the selectors intend experimenting at this stage they might as well go the whole distance.