The All Blacks

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30367, 17 February 1964, Page 10

The All Blacks

The All Blacks have emerged from thfir 34 matches as a fine team with a good record; not a great team, by all accounts, though it seems in the nature of modem Rugby that it is almost impossible to play a truly balanced game. The forwards once again, by their weight and determination, and of necessity, mastered almost all their opponents but djnainished the opportunities of the backs. The All Blacks only twice played complete Rugby—in their matches against London Counties and, to end the tour on a high note, against the Barbarians. There were other flashes of their wider abilities, but these were not sufficient to establish their brilliance. Competent and successful they have been, and between their matches they have been all that New Zealand could have expected of good ambassadors. Much credit for their popularity as Rugby players and New Zealanders must go to their outstanding captain, Wilson Whineray. The tour was virtually free of unpleasant incidents, and if critics found fault ip their technique, no-one questioned the standard or energy of their play or their sportsmanship. They played

best when at ease and when they went on to the field with confidence. They played least attractively, though still successfully, in the international matches in Britain when tension stifled the spirit of adventure: in two of these matches, against Ireland and Scotland, they came near to defeat. Rugby’s distinguishing and most exciting feature is the handling of the ball by the backs. If a disproportionate amount of play on the tour was among the forwards it must not be assumed that the All Blacks were at fault. It was rather that the quality of their opponents demanded a great forward struggle before useful opportunities could be given to the backs. If New Zealand is more successful than other countries in assembling powerful fopwards, it is largely because of the eminence Rugby has in our sporting life. South Africa and Wales enjoy the same advantage. New Zealanders are not innately superior at Rugby. It is just that most of th® best talept and strength goes into this game. Without being immodest, the All Blacks can feel pleased with themselves because their good record has been generously acknowledged by their opponents.