REFEREES’ RULINGS CRITICISED

Press, Volume LXXXIX, Issue 27226, 18 December 1953, Page 15

REFEREES’ RULINGS CRITICISED

WELLINGTON MAN’S COMMENT (New Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON, December 17. The interpretation placed on the rules by British referees weighs heavily against the All Blacks, in the opinion of Mr B. G. Ross, a Wellington businessman who returned by air this week after following the team’s fortunes in England till about 10 days ago. Mr Ross said the British backs crowded the New Zealand backs before the ball came out of the All Blacks’ scrum. Though they were standing 10 to 15 yards off-side—as the rules are applied in New Zealand —no action was taken against them, he said. As a result, the visiting backs rarely had a chance to show their paces. On the other hand, the booing and slow clapping that had occurred at some matches were directed against the referee rather than against the AIL Blacks, he said. Mr Ross said that British press criticism, which he described as most unfair, was having a bad effect on the team. Although the All Blacks were first rate, especially in the forward play, they were very worried by the criticism and were not letting themselves go as they did in earlier games.