SCOTT PRAISED

Press, Volume LXXXV, Issue 25870, 1 August 1949, Page 8

SCOTT PRAISED

“THE IMPECCABLE FULL BACK ” [From CLAUDE KING, Special Correspondent, N.Z.P.A.] (Rec. 12.10 a.m.) SALISBURY, July 31. Rhodesians are naturally very proud of their fine performance against the All Blacks, and the “Salisbury Mail” carries a six-column heading, “Greatest Day in Salisbury’s Sporting History.” At the same time the paper recognises that the All Blacks had the match within their grasp and failed to win through lack of finish. “Scott was the most brilliant individual of the match,” says the “Salisbury Mail.’’ “He was the impeccable full-back, who seemingly got tired of his team mates’ inability to press home many attacks in spite of his helping hand and speedy feet. He looked for the chance to do the whole job himself. and that has rarely ever been done before in a game in which the defence proved so efficient. “His try was a superlative effort, and was also a fitting reward. Perhaps an even greater reward was merited, for he appeared to have the way open after another great burst through but elected to pass to Henderson, and Brink just managed to deflect the ball.

“Nothing could have been more appropriate than had Scott won this match by his own efforts, for his was one of the greatest full-back displays seen for many years.” Some indication of the possession the All Blacks enjoyed is reflected in the statistics of attacking movements. They began attacking rushes from 22 line-outs, eight scrums, and three rucks. Of this total of 33 attacking movements, five went to the wings and eight through most of the backs. In the remainder the ball was either kicked ahead by the inside backs or an effort was made to break through but was halted.

All Blacks on the spot claimed after the match that Meates actually grounded the ball when he crossed the line at the corner. A big crowd at this particular area prevented a clear view of the incident from the press stand.

Elvidge, Allen, Meates, and Johnstone all received minor injuries In this match.

The team to play the powerful Northern Transvaal side next Saturday at Pretoria contains all but one of the first test pack. The only change is that McHugh, who has been showing fine dash lately, has been given a further chance to prove his claims for the test side, and is paired with Harvey in the lock position. The team is:— Full-back: R. W. H. Scott. , Three-quarters: I. J. Botting, G. W. Delamore, E. G. Boggs. Five-eighths: J. C. Kearney, N. W. Black. Half-back: L. T. Savage. Forwards: J. G. Simpson, E. H. Catley, K. L. Skinner; J. R. McNab, L. R. E ar J e &. M ‘ J - McHugh, L. A. Grant; N. H. Thornton.