The First Test.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIII, Issue 185, 6 August 1932, Page 6

The First Test.

(By BUNT 1".)

Reflections and Deductions.—A Chance for Auckland.

England won the first Test against New Zealand fairly and squarely. It lias the "first leg in"' in the three international contests—the second to be at Christchurch on August 13 and the third at Auckland 011 August 20. To gaiii the iionours in the first round, the visitors, in spite of suggestions to the contrary, had, I think, to play all out for their margin of fifteen points against a younger and much lighter side, which had trained together previously for less than one week. The Englishmen had teamed in a strenuous campaign across the Tasman, and, if they were as brilliant a combination as report stamped them there, should have greatly benefited by the sea voyage and rest. After the opening match at Whangarei, and assiduous run-outs, they were expected to unfold something fresh in super tactics. Where New Zealand Failed. New Zealand failed in all the outeide positions, where its opponents were strong, and, worst of all, in the set scrums. To come extent an advantage in tlio latter department might have been anticipated when it is considered that the English pack weighed eightylive stone seven pounds and the. New Zealand sextet seventy-nine stone three pounds. The worst feature; of St. George's failure to rake the ball, was his persistence in putting his leg out across tho tunnel. The visiting half shrewdly threw the ball against that offending leg so that it quickly rebounded in favour of the Englishmen, who were given the benefit of the advantage rule. This prevented the holding up of play for penalties against St. George. When the latter happened to hook the hall, Masters, except on two or three occasions in the first half, seemed to. he all at sea. Whilst the forwards were standing up well to all demands in the loose. — Calder, Timms and O'Brien particularly —the breakaway and understanding was poor. Hutt was overshadowed by the resourceful Feetbam in this respect and two of his passes were costly. Still, the whole blame cannot be placed on Hutt. The opposing ruckers were quick to turn every mistake to account and swing their hacks into action. This found the weakness in the New Zealand covering defence and, but for magnificent collaboration by Brisbane, Cooke and List, each of whom tackled with admirable tenacity, the visitors might have piled up scores, for neither our wingers nor the full-back were equal to the occasion. Scott, who was expected to make the

JIM SULLIVAN, England's captain and full-back.

"come-back" he made against Parkin's side iu 1925, showed no initiative and Smith, well, he wilted. It was too grave a risk with both of these players, one of whom had made no pretence to being a wing-three-quarter. Laing showed that, apart from not being the' • fullback type, he was unequal to international requirements in that position. England's Three-quarter Stars. To Eisman and Atkinson must be handed the laurels of the match On the English side amongst the rear division. Time and again that classy and delightful stepper, Brogden, at fiveeighths (or what the visitors call standoff half), made valiant efforts to penetrate by straight, runs or swerves that wero invested with every guile, but the Brisbane-G'ooke-liist collaboration was too much for him. He then elected to deviate and bring his supports into the picture. This explains the regularity of the side actions that brought the scoring men right into line. Ellaby and Smith required little encouragement. The English forwards also took up the idea, and, in quick raids of fast-galloping passing, marked by just a suspicion of liberty at times, the rocklike centre defence of New Zealand was outmanoeuvred. Our flanks failed as no other pair has ever done. The English scrum half, Evans, ran crossways from every scrum and should have been an easy target for a fast, loose forward. That veteran frontrow man Thompson worked like a trojan for tho whites, whilst Lowe, Silcock, Hodgson and Fildes hunted with order and alacrity in the loose, fanning out and jumping off the mark at every opportunity. Yet one might add that they were but what was expected— weight and uniformity of speed being their greatest asset. The Auckland Side. The Auckland League selectors are not taking any risk. The Marist full-back, Campbell, who played such sterling football against South Auckland, may bo relied upon as the last-liner for Saturday. It is not generally known, that liko Cooke, he started as* a centre. His ability to defend, as well as link up in the chain, should be tested. A sound, fast and enterprising three-quarter line is marshalled in List, Davidson and Meehan. The City ex-Wigan centre recently has struck his best form. Meehan, whose defence is much improved this season, lacks nothing in pace and patrons will be glad to see him loose "a la Ellaby" style. With Hassan, Brisbane and Cooke operating together there should bo lively opening up movements. Tho whole rearguard is well-balanced. Supported by Hutt and Clarke (City Club and 1930 "Kiwi"), the Marist hooker, Campbell, may have a fair share of the ball. He is a proven rake. The second-row serummers, Clark and Lawless are fast and fearless and Trevor Hall, Newton's international, should complete a high quality pack. Its disability, of course, is weight. Seagar, of Devouport, is first emergency for the backs. The team, since we have seen Saturday's Test thirteen performing, gives tho brightest promise. It is solid' and speedy throughout and should be capable of providing the iinest of football against tho Englishmen.