'VARSITY RUGBY.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIV, Issue 115, 18 May 1933, Page 20

'VARSITY RUGBY.

GREAT OPENING GAME AUSTRALIA V. AUCKLAND. * THRILLING FINISH. It opened with a sensational dropped goal; it ended in a whirlwind which sent the seas of enthusiasm running mountains high. Such Was the opening match of the Australian Universities' touring' Rugby team which played Auckland University College at lulen Park yesterday afternoon. Auckland won by 27 points to 23, after a match which will long be remembered for its sparkle. After that spectacular field goal by Vi estfield, the Australian full-back, and a good try by Cuughey for which Mulvihil] did the spade work, there was a • drab period, and there was* a suspicion that the game would be like many opening games of a tour—only mediocre. But as the game went on it took on a new glow, and finally was brilliant. When, near the end, both sides alternately held the lead, the 8000 spectators cheered with wild enthusiasm.

Everyone would have excused the visitors if they had not played up to form in this opening match, for they arrived in Wellington from Sydney on Monday, travelled by train to Auckland that night, arrived in Auckland on Tuesday morning, and practised in the afternoon. With so much travelling, and the fact that yesterday was their first game together, their exhibition was remarkable. They improved with the play, and in the end they were scattering the Auckland defence with dazzling scissors passing and sweeping attacks that raced the length of the field. They played the open game, and tossed the ball about, even in the face of defeat. They impressed as a side that is likely to settle down into a dangerous combination. Clever Full-back. There were several players oil the Australian side who gave impressive exhibitions, notably Westfield, the full-back. His clean handling and accurate kicking, his positional play, "and his ability to extricate himself from the most difficult situations showed him to be a full-back well above the average. His tackling was always deadly. Kennedy, the captain, is a wing three-quarter of fine dash and determination, whose straight running was the outstanding feature of his play.

Australia's fast and dashing wings were hampered by the fact that they were not served by a distinguished intermediate line, although there were odd occasions when the insides, especially Lowndes, cut their way through. Towards the end they gave an unsatisfying taste of real ability— a taste that made the spectators ask for more. There could be little doubt about the ability of the Australian pack. They were a solid spearhead, fast and clever in the open, and they settled down to their job of work far more quickly than did the backs. In fact, on yesterday's display, one could not help but think that herein lies the real strength of tne Australian team. Their scrummaging was sound, and they did not show the tendency to break as so many Australian teams do. Outstanding among them were Robertson, a big forward wlio played a raking game; Booth, a middle row man who was always in the picture, and Harris, whose fast breaking when Auckland won the ball often caused Green, the Auckland first five-eighth, uneasy moments.

Mulvlhili's Brilliance. Once again the play of the Auckland second five-eighth, Mulvihill, reached brilliant heights, and, if the second fiveeighth in the combined New Zealand team for Saturday is up to the standard of Mulvihill, lie must be a back of real class. Mulvihill was the star and the brains of the University attack. So fast off the mark was he that there were times when Caughey, playing alongside him. at centre, could not follow him. And what made Mulvihill's exhibition all the' more impressive was the fact that his work was restricted bv the poor play of Green, the first five-eighth. Mulvihill often had to take wretched passes which hit his shoulder, but he nevertheless scattered the defence at times with dazzling corkscrew runs, and crowned an afternoon of brilliant football with a solo effort which was superb. Next in order of merit among the Auckland backs was Milliken, and then McICearney. Fast in possession, Milliken showed all the old determination on which he built his reputation. With shoulders hunched and teeth clenched he often sailed down the line, brushing aside tacklers with a solid fend. The tries he scored could only have been obtained by a player with the ability of Milliken. McKearney gave i onerous service from the base of the scrum, and added further to his reputation by the clever manner in which he opened up the play in the loose. Caughey started off with a fine try, and one expected that he was about to play one of those rare games of which he in capable, but he faded. Kedgeley was unlucky. He was eager for work, but the run of'play did not go his way. Bush did good and grotesque things. He stopped the most solid rush, but fumbled badly on occasions. . Perhaps more prominent in the loose than in the tight work, the Auckland pack nevertheless played a good all-round game. McVeagh was the best, playing with any amount of dash, and showing a real appreciation for an opening. Few stuck to their task better than Thomas, and splendid games were also played by Colgan, Drake, and Anderson, whose quick eye _ for an opening led to one of Milliken s tries. How the Points Were Scored. All through the scores alternated and were close. Fifty points were scored. Australia was first to score. Irom tie opening their forwards went down the field in a sweeping rush, and near tlie Auckland line were penalised Bush failed to find the line, and Westfield, the Australian full-back, took the ball on the full. raced infield as though to start a three-quarter movement, but, running at top, he dropped at goal, and the ball went low over the bar. Australia 4, A 'll!e al game had hardly restarted before Auckland were over. A scrum went down between half-way and the Australian twenty-five. The ball came out to Mulvihill, who carved his way tlnougli bill liantly, and sent on to Caughey, who threw himself over as Lowndes di\ ed fiom behind. Bush converted. Auckland o, Australia 4. A two-point lead came to the Australians when Westfield kicked a goal from a penalty from 40 yards out m fiont of the posts. Australia 7, Aucklaiul o. A loose kick .by an Aucklandforward was followed up by Colgan, Kedgeley and Thomas, who raced along in hue. ihe ball bounced for Kedgeley, who scnt to Thomas for a try. Ihe kick by Bush missed. Auckland 8, Australia 7. McKearney and Milliken were associated in a -pretty piece of blind side work,-which ended in Milliken scoring. Bush missed. Auckland 11, Australia 7. Tke ball was kicked through by Kennedy to Bush The full-back, appearing casual, tound Kennedy on him. Ihe winger kicked past Bush, the ball bounced into his arms, and with the Aucklr/.l defence hopelessly out of position, he scored an easy tiy. ; Westfield goaled. Australia 12, Auckland

A great rush by the Australian forwards and a clever run by Kennedy, took play to the Auckland line, where McKay went over following a melee. Westfield missed. Australia 15, Auckland 11. Milliken kicked high, and three Auckland forwards dived on the ball at once, for Thomas to score. Bush goaled with a great kick. Auckland 16, Australia 15. A hectic burst of play followed. Anderson threw out a long lob pass to Milliken, who raced diagonally for the corner, and with a desperate dive scored. Bush missed. Auckland If). Australia 15. Three Australian forwards were associated in a great passing rush. One dropped the ball, but Lowndes, all in one movement, picked up the ball and dived between three defenders to score by the posts. Australia 20, Auckland' 19. Then came Mulvihill's brilliant solo effort. He 6ide-stepped and swerved imd feinted.

changed hie direction cleverly, to score wide out. It appeared that he knocked on, but that was not noticed. Bush missed. Auckland 22, Australia 20. Anderson started a passing rush and passed to Thomas, to Milliken, who .was brought down with a great dive tackle by Kennedy as he scored. Bush goaled. Auckland 27, Australia 20. Three more points came to Australia right on time. Westfield concluded his fine ■ exhibition just as he had opened it—by scoring points. He drop-kicked a good goal from a penalty, and the final whistle sounded Auckland 27 Australia 23 Captain J. G. C. Wales was referee. THE CURTAIN-RAISER. TAKAPUNA WINS WELL. The Takapuna Grammar School first fifteen defeated the Auckland University i'uniors in a curtain-raiser match at Eden 3 ark yesterday, the score being 8 points to 0. Swain and Fish scored tries, Swain converting one. Mr. A. A. Lucas was referee.

EVERYBODY SATISFIED. After yesterday's delightful game the players foregathered at the University for a smoke concert, at which Mr. M. Rocke O'Shea, president of the Auckland University College Football Club was in the chair. Keith Anderson (Auckland captain), A. K. Kennedy (Australian skipper, who made the sneeeh of the evening), Messrs. J. G. C. Wales (referee), and J. T. Gunther (Australian manager) all expressed pleasure with the various aspects of a bright and exciting game of Rugby, Kennedy incidentally paying a snorting compliment to the controlling official. This morning the members of the team started early on their visit to Hamilton and Rotorua. They return to-morrow in time to fraternise with the New Zealand players before Saturday's Test match at Eden Park.