FURTHER IMPROVEMENT IS LIKELY FROM ALL BLACKS

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30529, 26 August 1964, Page 15

FURTHER IMPROVEMENT IS LIKELY FROM ALL BLACKS

TF the AU Blacks felt their non d test performance could only be an improvement on their display in Dunedin, they were perfectly correct At Christchurch last Saturday, they showed vast improvement in nearly every way. Now they have every reason to believe that at Wellington next Saturday, they will advance their standard further. The most notable improvement on Saturday was the play of the forwards: at Dunedin, the outside backs rarely saw the ball. But there were still weaknesses in the second test, and the return of A. J. Stewart may help remedy them. His jumping if he is in his best form, could give the All Blades a better share of lineout possession than they enjoyed in the first two tests, and his driving could help exploit an asset used only at times, but spectacularly, at Lancaster Park. The new hooker, McLeod, seems to have the measure of P. G. Johnson, and with C. E. Meads at number eight. New Zealand’s scrummaging should give McLeod all the support he needs. With the series won, New Zealand can still not afford to take the Australians lightly, for within a year the Springboks will be on tour and New Zealand’s build-up for that challenge has already begun. The New Zealand forwards, sluggish

at Dunedin, were quicker to the loose ball on Saturday, but even more speed is needed. There was however, power and mobility on Saturday, weapons which need only a little more sharpening. . The right of All Black backs peering and running time after time thrilled the

spectators, and that was not surprising. This time the half-back and first fiveeighths were given some sort of freedom, because the ball came back so much faster than it did at Dunedin. This improvement was exploited by D. M. Connor’s long passes, and outside him P. H. Murdoch made a most impressive first test appearance. Speed off the mark.

safe band*. elusiveness—these were all great assets. A greater one was his willingness to take and deliver the ball without hesitation so that the frequent use of I. S. ,T. Smith as an extra fireeighths, or D. B Clarke further out, was most effective. R. C. Moreton established his position in the team without doubt, for he gave a very polished display. The centre, R. E. RangL does not usually fan on defence, and it may be assumed that at Wellington his tackling will be more in keeping with his reputation. As a hard-cun-ning three-quarters he looked very good indeed. Twice he cost tries by holding on too long, but it was. after all, his first test and he too may be expected to improve. R. W. Caulton on the left wing was not entirely convincing, but Smith had a remarkably successful match. His speed off the mark was startling, and the timing of his in-field covering was perfect; in this respect he recalled the splendid defence of k M. Smith. Not the most popular figure at Lancaster Park. D. B. Clarke had a very good game. He used his strength when in possession, and he was cool and safe under the most severe pressure. His inaccurate line-kicking was a surprising weakness, and it accounted in some mea-

sure for the territorial advantage the Australians enjoyed in the first spell. But all in alt it was a fine game for the All Blacks. At Wellington, on Saturday, they may play even better.