THE THIRD TEST.

Auckland Star, Volume LV, Issue 188, 9 August 1924, Page 3 (Supplement)

THE THIRD TEST.

WIN FOR ENGLAND.

VISITING BACKS BRUiLIANT

31 POINTS TO 18.

FIVE GOALS BY SUIXIVAN,

(By Telegraph.—Special to "Star.")

DTJNEDIN, this day.

In the presence of about 15,000 spectators, the third League test was played at Kahuna i'ark to-a.iy. ldeai weauier conditions prevailed, and tie ground was in good condition.

The blacks kicked off against a light ■breeze, and immediately set up a passing rush. The blacks were penalised, but Sullivan's kick went wide. Parkin set ,up a brilliant passing rush, which was stopped by McDonald. Gallagher then started a spectacular passing rush, and the ball travelled through several hands to Hurcombe, who scored a spectacular try. under the posts. Sullivan goaled. A few minutes later another spectacular movement by the Englishmen resulted in Howley scoring, and Sullivan converted. The New Zealand backs indulged in a passing movement, from which Delgrosso scored, but Dufty failed with the kick. Play was fast up and down the field, the English backs giving a splendid exhibition. Howloy, after a good run downfield, passed to Brough, who scored, and Sullivan aprain converted. A splendid passing rush by he blacks carried play to the whites' 25. Hurcombe and Howley carried pluy downfield, and t'arr, badly "beating the opposition, crossed, Sullivan adding the goal. Play continued fast, with spectacular movements by both sides, and at half time the score was: — England 20 New Zealand 3

NEW ZEALAND'S GOOD FINISH.

At the opening of the second spell, Price dashed over, and Sullivan kicked a goal. From a dribbling rush by the All Blacks, Mouatt transferred to Herring, who scored far out. Dufty kicked the goal magnificently. New Zealand were now playing with great dash and holding their own, the Blacks' tackling being deadly. Fitzgerald and Stewart then out-paced and out-manoeuvred the opposition, and from this brilliant piece of play, Brisbane scored and Dufty converted. This was easily the most sensational episode in the match. The Blacks returned to the attack, and O'Brien scored from the ruck. Dufty again goaled. The pace did not slacken, and a kick by Dufty was charged down. Brough eecured and scored an easy try and Sullivan missed with the kick. Give and take play followed, until Parkin broke away and passed to Evans, who out-paced the opposition and scored. Good runs by both sets of backs followed, and New Zealand were pressing strongly when the final whistle sounded with the scores:— p England ... 31' New Zealand 18

COMMENTS ON THE GAME

(By Telegraph.—Special to "Stai;.")

DUNEDtN, this day. The third test was played at Tahuna Park, in delightful weather and before a huge crowd. The large grandstand was packed. Tahuna Park has been the scene of many historic encounters. It is known as the ideal wet-weather ground, and is used by the Rugby Union for important fixtu.es when conditions are unsuitable on its own ground. ' The game was a most brilliant one, play eec-sawing up and down the field. The English backs early showed superiority, the work of Parkin, which ably seconded by Gallagher, the burly break-away forward, being particularly brilliant. He opened up play time after time.

The chief weakness in the New Zealand backs was Stewart , , the threequarter line being starved in consequence of his fumbling. Dufty, at full-back, thrilled the crowd with his kicking, which saved the New Zcalaanders frequently. Delgroeso was always prominent. The Few Zealand forwards held their own, O'Brien and McDonald showing up at all times. Interviewed after the match the New Zealand captain stated that the match was played in a very sportsmanlike manner, and he had no complaints to make whatever. ' The referee also stated there was not the slightest suggestion of any foul play. Dufty played a great game for -New Zealand.

The attendance was estimated at 12,000.