STRONG CRITICISM.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 249, 21 October 1935, Page 12

STRONG CRITICISM.

N.Z. LUCKY AGAIN. PRIMITIVE LINE-OUT WORK. FORWARDS BREAK TOO QUICKLY. LONDON, October 20. The special correspondent of the United Press Association states that the game must go down as another lucky one for the All Blacks, who seldom looked formidable. The best attacking movements were individual efforts, and much better things were expected of the backs, who were not impressive to the spectator, while lack of combination among the forwards surprised a email army of London newspaper critics. Although the previous fault of slow packing was somewhat remedied in the second half, the team owes a lot to Hadley getting so much of the ball in this spell. Spectacularly, the game was one of the poorest of the series, play generally being ragged and loose.

There was a frequent absence of thrust in. the combined back movements, while one weakness of the All Black forwards was that they were too quick in breaking after winning the ball, allowing the opposition to pour through and overwhelm Corner. The same failing had been noticeable in previous games, due to the forwards endeavouring to outfan in readiness for an attack.

Oliver did his utmost to keep the backs on the job, but often the m< :n were out of position, which was inexcusable. Gilbert generally was sound, and brought off some gieafc lino-kicks. He wat called upon for much defensive work. Tindill was not convincing, while Caughey was but a shadow of hie former self, although his tackling was sounder. Pepper, King and Hadley were the best forwards.

Kendrew, Webb and Watkins were outstanding in the Services pack, but the team mieeed many chances by "wild passing.

3-4-1 Should Bβ Dropped,

The Sunday newspaper critics generally regard the AH Blacks' display as unimpressive. The "Observer" is of the opinion that, considering the All Blacks had become acclimatised and were fielding approximately their best team, they were disappointing. Although safer in giving and taking passes than the Services team, they attempted only obvious movements. The forwards heeled over-slowly, and the line-out work for such tall forwards was primitive..

The "Dispatch" eays the All Blacks still do not pack sufficiently low, and wheel crudely. Compared with the Springboks they are children in knowledge employing the 3-4-1 formation, which should be dropped.

The "Sunday Graphic" saye that, far from being a great side, the All Blacks never ehowed distinction.