PROFESSIONAL RUGBY.

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 23, 22 October 1907, Page 8

PROFESSIONAL RUGBY.

REPLY TO MR, GORDON RUSSELL. (By AY. M'Koiizio.)

When commenting on ' All Black Professionals' chances of success in England, some (lays ago in The Dominion', it was certainly not tlio intention of the writer to sneer at the Rugby qualities of tho men. Nothing would please mo better than to hear of their repeated victories, but no iiik.ii who thinks that ho knows anything about the game and tho players can' state honestly that he thinks that the tour will bo a great success. If the New Zcalanders do happen to beat tho English Professionals in the big games, then it will only 1)0 another proof of the immense superiority of the Maonlamlor at Rugby, no matter the form'in which it has to bo played. So far the New Zealanders have played three matches, and havo scored 93 points, while 31 points have been scored against them. Chances Not Too Rosy, Now it has been admitted that tho first four matches which the Alk Black Professionals were to play in England were to be merely pipe-openers in a way, and also for the purpose of allowing the visitors to accustom themselves to the different phases of tho Northern game. It is supremely evident that Bramley, Huddersiicld, and Widncs cannot be classed by any means as first-class combinations; still they managed to score 31 points amongst them. Wo may expect a larger proportion of scoring in these games than.those under the mor.2 restricted rules of English Rugby, but the fact that the Northerners, in taeir weak state, were enabled to penetrate the All Blacks' defence on so many occasions hardly justifies Mr. Gordon Russell's prophecy of great success when tho whole of the matches of tho tour arc tallied up. If Baskerville Wins. If Baskerville and his Black Pirates close their season in magnificent triumph, no person in the Dominion will be more amusedly pleased than the writer. In order to please Mr. Russell, who appears to pose as a sort of misguided Rugby Isaiah, wo will anticipate time, and assume that Baskerville's tour has been a record success, every match being won, points for 1000, against 100. Awed by the splendid record, the King grants an-in-terview to the whole of tho team without reference to Rowland Hill, Windsor Castle, and Knights George Smith and "Tom" Cross, who were tho principal try-getters. Baskerville meanwhile has been writing books on Rugby which havo been translated into all the languages of Europe, Greenland and Spitsbergen. The total sales amount .to £1,000,000, and as tho whole, business is being run on strictly co-operative principles in accordance with the agreement drawn,, every member of the team is a made man. On the ovo of the team's departure from England, Baskerville cables to the New Zealand Rugby Union calling upon that body in most peremptory manner to resign, and also requesting tho Premier, Sir Joseph Ward, to arrange for a general holiday on the arrival of the victorious combination in Wellington.

Resigns on the Spot. The New Zealand Rugby Union has a meeting, and takes a referendum on the subject from all the footballers of New Zealand. Thoy declare that the Union must'resign unloss it brings.in amended laws providing for payment for legitimate lost time in ordinary football matches, and a £10 minimum per man for.all representative'"matches. The Now Zealand Union resigns oh tho spot, and there is a Rugby revolution. Baskcrville, while still on the" sea, is. made' patron'of the Now Professional Rugby Union, • with Sir' George Smith and Sir Thomas Cross as vicepresidents. On tho arrival of the team in Now Zealand; Baskervillo is presented with an illuminated address by Sir Joseph Ward, and ho and Sir George Smith and Sir Thomas Cross arc invited to Government House, where they are thanked by His Excellency Lord Plunfvet for tho great services. they have rendered to their country. ' Professional Rugby is then installed in New Zealand great success, and Baskervillo and his merry men live long and die happy. If this prodiction does not satisfy Mr. Russell, then it cannot bo said to bo tho fault of the writer.