1914-1919 ARMY RUGBY.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 273, 16 November 1940, Page 5 (Supplement)

1914-1919 ARMY RUGBY.

"THE 1940 Rugby season in New Zea- * land has passed, but I don't think one need apologise when he brings back pleasant memories of that truly great Army team of 1914-19. Here was a team that had everything that goes for success—splendid raking forwards with ability to burn, with oqually capable backs, possessing that very necessary element that goes to make up a truly great- team—complete understanding in every department. Let us have a look over the forwards. There are many men still living who, like myself, during the last 40 years have had the pleasure of watching some of -the greatest forwards New Zealand has ever produced. I refer to Charlie Seeling, George Gillett, Dave Gallaher, but what did they have over "Moke" Belliss, Alfle West, Jock Kissick? These latter were just' as honest and capable in the tight and fast, and could handle like backa when the opportunity arose.

But if the forwards were good, what about the backs? When did New Zealand possess such a wealth of great inside baoksT Get an e.yeftil of them and try to pick out the best of these: Teddy Roberts, "Billy" Fea, Sam Cameron, the Ryans, "Dicky" Robert*, and others of like calibre. All possessed splendid penetrative ability and were thoroughly sound on defence. But to my mind one stands out supreme, "Dicky" Roberts, the type one sees perhaps in a decade— the type that brings the grandstand to it« feet by suddenly opening up play from the loose and going over himself or sending someone else over for a splendid try. This is Rugby in excelsb, although it gives most full-backs the "'jitters" and others caught on the •'hop." Old-time Rugby fans well remember this player when he sprang it twice on to one of the finest sets of backs Auckland has ever produced—-I refer to 1913, one day we lost the Ranfurly Shield. First, when he sent Loveridge over; and second, when he sent Dewar over between our posts.

Two great forward* of the Army team, Alfle West and Arthur Singe, have crossed the Great Divide, but they have left pleasant memories of outstanding personalities who played a game that forms character, and if England won battles with men from the playing fields of Eton, likewise New Zealand won hers from the Rugby fields of her provinces. J. H. (Ranui).