GUEST RUGBY CRITIC

Press, Volume XCIII, Issue 28008, 30 June 1956, Page 3

GUEST RUGBY CRITIC

The guest Rugby critic this week is Mr R- W. Blazey, former Canterbury centre three-quarters, and the present president of the Canterbury Rugby Union. He had this to say of last Saturday’s game between Linwood and High School Old Boys at Rugby Park:—

“The game between Linwood and Old Boys at Rugby Park last Saturday was one of ever-changing phases and consequently produced a very interesting game of football. “This side of the match was more pronounced in the second spell, and it is some considerable time since we spectators have been treated to an exhibition of football where the advantage has been repeatedly lost by one or the other side to the benetit oi their opponents. We saw the Old Boys' backs in full flight for their opponents’ goal line, but due to good tackling or a dropped pass. Linwood would immediately reverse the movement, causing its opponents to go back on defence.

“Both teams received plenty of ball from set scrums, line-outs and tucks, and it was to the credit of the backs that they attempted to do something constructive with it. However, there were a number of occasions when that

Vital possession was needlessly frittered away by too much kicking, and consequently opportunities were lost. Another major fault of both back lines was that after a player made the initial break, he ran too far. anti as usually happens, was tackled. “It was, however, a game in which the team's fortunes were continually changing, with play swinging from one end to the other. Had the handling been more certain on occasions, the result might have been different.

“One thing was certain —both packs played tirelessly, with the Old Boys’ pack a little superior, especially in the rucks. Taking everything into consideration, however, there was little difference in the two teams, and the 11-all draw was. in my opinion, a fair indication of their respective merits on this day. It was. for us spectators, a most enjoyable game.”

Eye On The Brawl “Are the players still inspired with correct, healthy motives?” asks the assistant manager of tne Springboks (Mr D. de Villiers). A Canterbury referee looked as if he was also pondering that question last Saturday. After some neat rucking, a senior side had just got the ball clear when the referee blew his whistle to break un the ruck. In answer to the puzzled looks of the players he said: “I’m sorry, black. I was watching two chaps having a go on the side.”