RUGBY FOOTBALL

Press, Volume LXXXI, Issue 24741, 5 December 1945, Page 9

RUGBY FOOTBALL

KIWIS’ MATCH AGAINST ARMY

HIGH PRAISE BY ENGLISH CRITICS

(Official War Correspondent N.Z.E.P.) LONDON, December 3. Although the loss of Ward, their centre-three-quarters. by the British Army in the second half of the Rugby match at Bristol undoubtedly had much to do with the final result, critics agree that the Kiwis did not find their form until the closing minutes of the first half, and that, in the end, stamina and youth won. 'ln the first half,” says “The Times.” "British Army palpably were losing chances, and, as the older side, wasting much valuable energy. In the closing minutes of the first half the Kiwis, forwards and backs, suddenly found their form and from then on the match belonged almost entirely to the Kiwis. British Army not only lost the Initiative, they lost a man as well, and the twb things between them proved disastrous. 'Perhaps the New Zealanders Were a trifle flattered by the final tally of points. Which Scott’s infallible place-kicking at goal magnified considerably. But the way m which the whole of the Kiwi team pressed home their advantage was most impressive and certainly good to watch." "Youth and stamina told their tale in round figures when the Kiwis beat the strong but ageing British Army team,*’ says the “Daily Mail." "On the Rugby held, old age begins at 30. For the first naif-hour the Army attacked incessantly, giving a semblance of great superiority, and up to half-time had 20 good chances. The Kiwis had two, and from the second Smith burst through to- score a grand try between the posts. " The picture changed completely In the second half. Like a burst bubble, the British Army's dominating ascendancy was gone. Injuries to Ward and Thomas, who had to leave the field, were a severe handicap in the later stages, but Army were a beaten side before these incidents occurred." Hylton Cleaver, in the “Evening Standard,” , says: "Judging by their form at Bristol, not even Cardiff should beat these Kiwis. Ever since I first saw the New Zealand touring team beat Swansea, I hedged about them beating Cardiff, whom they meet on Boxing Day. • I thought the Welshmen would present a perfect team combination—and the Kiwis, so far, have been meeting scratch fifteens.

.“Now I think the Kiwis will'beat Cardiff and finish their tour unbeaten. • Not only did they beat England convincingly, but they took a great risk against -the.Brl- • hj Army team of making nine changes m their team, and a tenth on the morning of the match. They had a new captain and they travelled down from London the same morning, arriving af the ground about 45 minutes before the start. This Was a dangerous policy, because after a long train journey players are so often stiff. They.; took ;on 'a very strong fifteen including ’l2 internationals, and liberally laced with Rugby League stars. For half the game they were. outplayed. The second half revealed the, greatness in this team so impressively that I can visualise no defeat for ttfem In Great Britain now.”