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Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 259, 25 July 1908, Page 9

Thus the "Athletic News" of recent d.ato': When the names of tho "British" team to tour in New Zealand' wore first .announced,' this journal, without, beating about the bush, pointed out that tho players were not fit for-the task that had been set them, and declared that proof of their .weakness would be provided m the very first match they played with an.All New Zealand team! In many places our remarks woro objected to, it .being argued that they were not very encouraging to the mon who woro to make tho journey. What good would thero liavo been in saying, the reverse of'what was apparent to any mail' who knows form or who is able to contrast high merit and mcdiocrit.v ? Tho. Now Zealanders ~are artists skilled'in evory wile of Rugby football; not one of the "British" team would gain a place in' a fifteon really representative of tho Motherland. On Saturday A. F. Harding and his men met a Now Zealand team, who did not include Wallace, tho full back, and Deans, that splendid three-quartor back, who now ■that, he has gained in oxpcrionco must bo a grand player. Not many details ,of tho match are available, but tho "British" team were simply outclassed from beginning to end, and were beaten by 32 points to 5. That makos tho strength of' the visitors something ■ like that of a county ' fifteen, judged by tho ,form of the Now'Zealanders on their last tour in this country. But apart from that point of contrast, that is just at what wo should estinmto tho power of'the team. They are a poor lot.