N.Z. BEATEN BY AUSTRALIA

Press, Volume XC, Issue 27502, 9 November 1954, Page 11

N.Z. BEATEN BY AUSTRALIA

RUGBY LEAGUE

WORLD CUP MATCH AT MARSEILLES

BRITAIN AND FRANCE DRAW (N.Z. Press Association—Copyright) MARSEILLES, November 7. New Zealand’s, hopes in the World Rugby League Cup faded away today when it was beaten by Australia, ..by 34 points (eight tries and five goals) to 15 (one try and six goals). The Kiwis, lacking thrust and initiative, were outplayed by the betterbalanced and more powerful and more experienced Australians, whose victory leaves them the chance of winning the trophy, for which they started the favourites. They are now only one point behind Britain and France, whose 13-all draw at Toulouse today put them equal first with three points each.

The New Zealand handling and passing were not up to standard, and they were slow in backing up when they did get the ball. Failure to gain possession prevented the Kiwis from getting their brilliant three-quarter. Eastlake, moving. Apart from one or two runs during which he showed a deceiving swerve*' and swiftness of foot, he was generally subdued and failed to initiate many of the openings for which he is generally noted. Scrum half, Erickson,- saw plenty of ball and showed a gopd turn of speed, particularly when he streaked to the line from 45 yards out for New Zealand’s only try, but he often made the mistake of running inside into Australia’s cover defence. Atkinson Outstanding Atkinson, fit again after a stomach disorder, was outstanding for New Zealand. He set up attack after attack as he weaved his way through, but it was his brilliant tackling which earned the applause of' the 16,000 spectators. McKay ran him closely for leading honours with some immaculate kickWhen the Kiwis, led by Eastlake and Atkinson, fought back spiritedly after a 10-minute onslaught which gave Australia a 16-0' lead, the crowd chanted “Kiwi, Kiwi.” This spurred them on. McKay kicked goal after goal and Erickson went over to pull the score back to 19-13, with Australia defending desperately. But the Kiwis could not sustain the effort. As they flagged, the bigger, stronger Australians burst through to add 15 more points in the last quarter-hour.