BRITISH PRESS COMMENT

Press, Volume LXXXIX, Issue 27201, 19 November 1953, Page 11

BRITISH PRESS COMMENT

“NEW PENETRATION BY BACKS” (Special Corres; indent N.Z.P.A.) (Rec. 10.30 p.m.) LONDON, Nov. 18. Rugby correspondents who watched the All Blacks beat Llanelly say the New Zealanders are not yet at the top of their form, but generally agree the game was the best victory yet of the tour—a game notable for the complete i domination in the loose by the All Black pack. Several commentators say the New Zealanders’ unbeaten record did not survive as comfortably as the score might suggest, “In the end, however,” says the “Daily Telegraph,” “the power of the All Black pack prevailed, its ascendancy coinciding with new-found penetration and cohesion among the backs. “The running of the backs certainly showed a little of the improvement which playing together must surely bring. “It is an All Black misfortune that each one of their matches is a chance of glory and a place in the hall of fame for their opponents. “Llanelly began with an almost fanatical fire and fury, which could have swept a less able defence off its feet. It was asking too much for it to be sustained throughout, and before halftime the flames were dying and the All Blacks had taken the initiative. “To judge by their comments, many Welshmen felt that they had seen nothing that Cardiff, now in fine form, could not cope with next Saturday* The “News Chronicle” says: “The All Blacks’ splendid fitness, stamina and physique proved too much for Llanelly, who couldn’t supply the answer to the ferocity of their forwards in loose and lineout. “In that phase of play, the New Zealanders ranked with the Springboks, and that is high praise indeed.” The “Daily Express” says Llanelly showed the All Blacks how to play an open game, with a series of wonderful back movements. “Time and time again they slashed through the New Zealand defence, and only a fine covering defence could have kept them out. The New Zealanders did —but only just.” The “Manchester Guardian” says the New Zealanders’ attack suffered from a paucity of ideas and a marked lack of thrust. “'The moment either Haig, Tanner or Fitzgerald was given the ball, he seemed to be trying to get rid of it—and that at half pace. “One decided advantage the New Zealanders had was their quickness to take advantage of their opponents slightest slip, but against that all their passing movements were guileless.’ “The Times” comments on the All Blacks’ better passing: “Although still not as clever in midfield as their admirers would wish, their passing was much rnore in evidence this time. [Earlier Reference Page 81