HARSH LESSON FOR ENGLAND RUGBY

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30143, 29 May 1963, Page 13

HARSH LESSON FOR ENGLAND RUGBY

England was taught a harsh Rugby lesson by New Zealand in the first test —that international Rugby in New Zealand demands strength and also a direct application of that strength. In simple terms. New Zealand won the match because it used its forwards to the best advantage, whereas England dissipated much of its strength in the backs by not using its big, strong centres, M. P. Weston and M Phillips, against the smaller New Zealand backs.

That the first half of the match contained some dull Rugby for the spectator cannot be denied, nor approved. But the All Blacks only did so well in the second half because the first half was what it was—a trial of strength. New Zealand won the trial and consequently played better, and winning Rugby, in the second half "file most significant factor to emerge from the game was not that the All Blacks returned to the driving and

rucking game. That was expected after the earlier games played by England. Rather, it was the fact that when the All Blacks were gaining good possession, the backs were used to far more purpose than when the rucking game was in vogue some years ago. In the second half, the inside backs were given every opportunity to run and pass, and this they did swiftly and expertly. That they did not succeed in really bringing the threequarters into the game was because of the resolute defence of the English backs and their own limitations A big, strong running second five-eighths may have made all the difference to the backs, and allowed more attacks to develop in mid-field, rather than having to use the blind side. If this trend continues, and the selectors have stated it is their aim. New Zealand back play may more often complement its aggressive forwards. The signs are there now that a more equal balance between the forwards and the backs has been reached.

England certainly lost the match decisively, but the final margin of 11 points did not reflect the great and whole-hearted efforts by its forwards or the tenacity of the backs on defence. But possibly. South Africa, alone of the Rugby countries, could have stood up to the Al] Black pack in the second half.

There were only two new caps in the New Zealand team, A J. Stewart and I N Uttley, and both earned their retention for the second test. Uttley, perhaps, more because of his promise, but Stewart for his

magnificent display. Not for many years has such a young lock made such a grand debut in test Rugby. He lost nothing in comparison with any of the other experienced players. In time he could become one of the greatest of the All Black forwards