AUSTRALIA V. NEW ZEALAND.

Auckland Star, Volume LXV, Issue 190, 13 August 1934, Page 6

AUSTRALIA V. NEW ZEALAND.

A defeat of New Zealand by Australia in Rugby is no longer an event, but it can be a sensational piece of news. Australia's margin of victory on Saturday was the largest against New Zealand in the history of these tests, and is made all the more creditable to the winners by the fact that the side was behind at half-time. Apparently New Zealand's defeat can be definitely assigned to two causes. We were beaten for the ball in the serums, and the defence of our backs was inferior to that of the Australians. Each side fielded a set of backs strong in attack, but whereas our backs did not score, the Australian backs did. It is conceded in Sydney that it was only first-class defence that kept our men out. The Australians play a very attractive game, and those who have seen their backs in action here can easily imagine what happened .in the second spell on Saturday. The tries by Towers recall a magnificent score by this great three-quarter at Eden Park, which will be remembered always by those fortunate enough to witness it. What happened on Saturday strengthens the belief that in New Zealand football defence has definitely declined of late years, and the selectors of the team for Britain will have to give this department a great deal of consideration. The lack of outstanding insMe backs is still noticeable. Australia seems to have swept New Zealand off its feet on Saturday, but the home side will not make the mistake of supposing that it will be easy to repeat the performance. New Zealand lost the first match in 1932, but Avon the rubber. In the meantime there is the thought of a game , that was played with magnificent zest and great skill. Such exhibitions are the salt as well as the champagne of this great game. (