THE 1924 ALL BLACKS

Dominion, Volume 18, Issue 214, 4 June 1924, Page 10

THE 1924 ALL BLACKS

FULL TEAM ANNOUNCED FINAL TEST GAME AT ATHLETIC PARK CREDITABLE DISPLAY UNDER ADVERSE CONDITIONS The last series of tests to enable the N.Z. selectors to choose the All Black Rugby team which is to visit Great Britain was played yesterday, and in the evening the selectors announced the names of the men chosen to make the trip. BALANCE OF ALL BLACKS THE FINAL THIRTEEN The selectors last night chose the following as the balance of the All Black touring team:— Robilliard (Canterbury) \ Brown (Taranaki) Svenson (Wellington) C. Badeley (Auckland) McGregor (Canterbury) Paewai (Hawke’s Bpyj Dailey (Canterbury) Mill (Hawke’s Bay) Munro (Canterbury) Q. Donald (Wairarapa) Cuppies (Bay of Plenty) West (Taranaki) Masters (Canterbury)

' THE FINAL W GAME . CLOSING SCENE IN SELECTION DRAMA - PROBABLES D'EFEAT POSSIBLES BY 16 TO 8 The closing scene in the selection of the All Black team for England was enacted at Alhletic Park yesterday afternoon, when Possibles and Probables,' minus the majority of the sixteen players who had already been selected to proceed to England, tried conclusions, and gave a most creditable display under the most adverse conditions. Bitterly cold weather, with driving showers from , the south, rendered the ground heavy and the ball /’ greasy, but the players battled manfully against heavy odds, and proved that there will be many really good players left behind when the chosen 29 embark for England. The only alteration in the chosen teams was that Hart replaced Svenson as wing-three-quarter in the Probables team. The latter, who were led by H. E Nicholls, appeared in white uniforms, while the Possibles, who were captained by Perry, of Otago, •wore all-black colours. The Possibles wbn , the toss, and elected to play with a strohg breeze behind them. There was

only an attendance of about 7000 when the match opened with a burst of sunshine from a sky whjch lyid been weeping all through the morning hours. The first incident of note was a passing movement by the Possibles, in which Dailey got the ball smartly away from a scrum to Perry, who .sent on to Badeley, but the Aucklander was resolutely downed by McGregor. The Possibles were having the best of the play in the opening stages.. Williams came through a rack with the ball at his feet, and was doing nicely until Brown flopped at his feet. From, a scrum in midfield, Tunnicliffe and Munro hooked the leather to H. E. Nicholls, who whipped it away to Paewai, but Brown was well stopped by Bell. The Whites kept up the pressure, and kept throwing the ball about freely. Much of • the passing went astray, but eventually McGregor gave Brown an opening, and the ex-New Pljmouth High School player flashed over the line to score a brilliant try at the corner. Ne»ia, from the touch-line, kicked a magnificent goal in the teeth of the strong wind.

Probables , 5 Possibles 0 On resuming, Dailey slipped cleverly ; round a scrum, and was going well until Paewai bumped into nim. The Whites then got .goiim, and from a scrum Nicholls shot tne leather out to Paewai, and it travelled to Brown, but a high pass from the latter was missed by Bailey. Badeley received a knock which delayed proceedings ' for some minutes. Hie Blacks combined nicely in a passing rearguard rush, which took play to the White line, where a fierce tight was waged. As Perry handed to Bell right on the line, Jacob intercepted and cleared with a hefty punt. An attempt at goal from a mark by Dailey was charged down. Tho latter was playing brightly behind the Possibles’ pack, and he once again set his backs in motion. Perry sent on to Badeley, who tried to cut through, but the defence was too solid. From a penalty, taken behind his oyn line, Nicholls kicked to Harris, the Possibles’ full-back, who had a glorious chance to pot a goal, but ho elected to punt high, and Paewai found the line with a good kick. The Probables were shaping nicely behind the pack, and Nichclls, Paewai, and McGregor were seen in a passing movement, which ended in the last-named being upended by Perry. The scrum work was ragged, and rarely did the ball come out cleanly from the pack. The Whites once again started to throw the leather about, and it passed from Nicholls to McGregor, to Bailey, who set off with a resolute dash for the line. When within striking distance he was gamely tackled by Elvey, and lost possession. Brown, however, snapped up the ball, and showing a rare turn of speed, outpaced tho opposition and scored in a handy position. Nepia again converted. Probables 10 Possibles 0 Nepia took a high kick on the full, and set off for the line. He feinted a pass, and got well up field before handing on to Jacob, whose pass to Hart went astray. The Possibles, with and Pringle in tho van, , r oaoe up field’, hut McNab stopped their ■ career. Passing by the Whites saw Badoley. Perry and Parker handle the ■ball, but Munro called a halt. The Blacks came back with a counter rush. Dailey, who was getting the ball out

smartly, sent on to Badeley, who shot it on to Bell, but Hart intercepted, and got well away until upended by Brown. Jacob showed up with good footwork, but Knight got offside. Nepia made a ran and passed, to Brown, who failed to take the ball. Immediately afterwards Brown got away and sent to Bailey, who made a strong run, but the reverse passing went astray. Elvey came through, , and collared Bailey close to the line. Hot work here saw Badeley snap up the leather and make a good opening, which enabled Robilliard to race across. O’Regan converted with a good kickProbables 10 Possibles 5

The White forwards pushed the Blacks before them in a scrum,, as drenching rain set in from the south. Nepia stopped a fierce Possibles rash near the line by diving on the ball at their feet. Munro made a great dash, in which he controlled the ball well. The Blacks again started passing. The ball went from Dailey, to Perry, to Bell, to Elvey, but Nicholls stopped the rush valiantly. A little later passing by Dailey and Perry was stopped by a good tackle by McGregor. A Black rush was well stopped by Nepia, who sent out at the corner. From the ensuing line-out, the ball was swept over the line, and Turpin scored. Perry failed at goal. Probables 10 Possibles 8 Oh resuming, passing between Dailey, Perry, and Badeley saw Jacob cleverly intercept, and start a passing i rush, which was checked by Cuppies. From a scrum, Nicholls -sent the ball out to Paewai, who made a brilliant dash through a gap. Badeley, however, brought off a fine .tackle, and I Paewai had to leave the field with a badly injured shoulder, his place be--1 ing taken by Cooke. The. second spell opened in drenching rain. Nepia was prominent for brilliant work at full-back, handling the greasy ball in faultless style, and repelling three desperate attacks by the opposition in quick succession. Tire sturdy full-back again elected to run, instead of kicking, and looked like going right through, but Cooke missed his pass. McGregor was prominent for good defensive work. A long kick by Nepia saw Cooko follow up fast, and smother Harris before the latter could get his kick in. A fierce fight ensued on the Black line until Harris cleared with a good kick. Passing by ths Probables saw Cooke fail to handle the ball cleanly twice., Dailey camo right round a scrum, and kicked to Nepia, who made a mighty punt, which was well taken by Harris right on the goal-line. A little later, a dashing Probables rush looked like scoring till Harris cleverly marked right on the line. The Probables then shook off the invaders, and took play to the other end of the field, where they were stopped by Nepia, who was showing fine defence. A cross-kick by Nepia to Bailey saw the latter make a good dribble up the line, and then centre nicely, and Cooke was nearly over with a fast dash. The Blacks now commenced to play with great spirit, but the Probables counter-attacked, and a sweeping rush carried all before it. Four of the Probables swept over the line, and Knight and Jacob fell tr the ball, the former getting the credit of the try. Nepia failed at goal. Probables 13 Possibles 8 A high punt by Jacob saw play again in the Black goal-line. The ball came out to Nepia, who ran up and passed to Brown, who sent on to Cooke, who failed to hold the greasy ball. In attempting to clear from p scram on tho line, the Blacks kicked out to Bailey, who calmly marked right in front of the posts, and landed a goal with a left-foot kick. Probables 16 Possibles 8 On resuming, a great White rush took play right on to the Possibles’ line, but Harris forced in time. Knight was prominent for a good solo dribbling effort, but Bell camo with a fast dash and robbed him of a score. Play was hard and fast, and tho players kept at it. Jacob made a mighty kick, and Brown, clapping on tho pace, followed up and collared Harris right on the goal-line. A mark by Nicholls right in front of goal, saw tho Probables’ captain make a poor attempt at goal. There was no further score, and tho game ended:

Probables 16 Possibles 8 Mr. J. S. King controlled the game well. A COMMENTS ON TOE PLAY Considering tho adverse conditions, it must be admitted that the teams gave a very creditable showing. Nepia added to his reputation as a full-back of all-round excellence by taking, fielding, stopping, collaring, and kicking in first-class style. Yesterday ho was not only a groat player but a lucky player. Everything ho

The policy of centralisation which is being pursued by the Education Department, Wellington, was condemned by Mr. H. D. Acland, chairman of the Board of Governors of Canterbury College, in the course of his statement for the year 1923. presented at a meeting of the board in Christchurch (reports the “Lyttelton Times”). Mr. Acland, said: “In regard to administration the policy of centralisation is still being pursued by tho Department in Wellington. Such a system is being carried into effect mainly by means of regulations. A conference has been called by the governors of secondary schools -with a view to taking united action on the subject. It is difficult to understand tho policy of the Government and the Department in regard to this matter. I am quite satisfied that the policy will have only one ending, although it may he a short time before such a result is achieved. There is no doubt that the authors of the policy, whether they be Ministers of tho Crown or public servants, will find that the country will put a summary end to these methods. I ain confident that persons in Now Zealand who have taken an interest in educational matters have already come to the conclusion that a change of policy must bo insisted on. I do not believe that the system of government by bureaucracy and regulation has, in any way. tho support of the electors of this country, and when they understand the trend of tho policy of tho Department they will take steps to bring about a change. Moreover, the policy of centralisation must inevitably have tho effect of alienating tho sympathy and interest of mon who arc giving their time voluntarily and freely to the causo of education.”

did came off, no matter what risk he took. , Bailey, the youthful Manawatu player, shaped most promisingly at Aying-three-quarter. He has good physique, pace, and runs strongly, while he kicks well, and is sound in defence. He has all the attributes of a useful scoring wing three-quarter. Brown, the ex-New Plymouth High School boy, made a most favourable impression. He has great pace, and feeds his wings unselfishly, while there is little wrong with his kicking or defensive work- With experience in good company he should develop into a first-class ■ centre.

McGregor, the Canterbury fiveeighths. proved himself a great defensive player. He is quick to sense danger, and struck hard at attacking movements yesterday. Ho has pace, handles the ball well, and keeps his wits about him always. Paewai did not find the heavy going to his taste, but he played a useful game until he was forced to retire with an injured shoulder. Cooke, who took his place, is, like Paewai, a brilliant fast-moving five-eighths, who shines best on a dry ground, which gives him foothold for side-stepping and swerving. He did not handle tho ball well yesterday,' and dropped many passes, but his pace made him dangerous at all times. H. E. Nicholls played well behind the Probables’ pack, but he did not get the ball away with the celerity of Dailey, his opposing half. He was game at defensive work, but was too light to stem the rushes of the heavy forwards opposed to him. When he did flop on the ball the attacking forwards had little difficulty in grabbing him by the jersey and carrying him along with them, particularly in the *econd spell. Jacob did serviceable work at wingforward, but for a man of his weight and height he did not lend as much aid in the heavy work as he might have done. The Horowhenua man appears to have, got to that stage when lie lets the other fellows do the work, and is all there when an opening presents itself.

Knight, McNab, Masters, and West were the pick of the forwards. On the Possibles side, Harris gave a good display at full-back. Ho took the ball well, kicked powerfully, and saved his side on many occasions by coolness and judgment. There was little to choose between the wing-threequarters, Robilliard and Elvey. One would have liked to have seen them in action on a dry ground. Bell, without being showy, did a lot of useful defensive work at centrethreequarter, and his pace saved : score on more than one occasion. C. Badeley was the best of tho fiveeighths, but was not seen at his best. Perry again failed tp reveal any of the form which has earned for him the reputation of being the best fiveeighths in Otago. As at Invercargill, Christchurch, and in the North-South game at Wellington, he could do nothing right. It must be admitted, however, that his showing yesterday was an improvement on his display ix tho North v. South match. Dailey, the sturdy little Christchurch half, was the best back on the ground on the day’s play. He got the ball away from the scram better than any half-back who has appeared in the trials, with the exception of Mill Sturdily built, ho goes down to tho rushes in great style, and tackles resolutely, while he is quick in getting in his kick.

Parker again showed up well at wingforward, but the heavy and slippery ground prevented him from showing his pace. Cuppies, Donald, Pringle, O’Regan, and Turpin showed up best amongst the vanguard. As' in the other trials, the scrum work was the greatest weakness of the play. The packing was so ragged that it was difficult V'. put tho ball in, and seldom did the leather come out to the halves as it should do.

INTERPROVINCIAL MATCH WANGANUI BEAT TARANAKI By Telegraph—Press Association. Wanganui, June 3. A Rugby football match between Wanganui and Taranaki was played to-day in fine but bleak weather. There was an attendance of about 6000. Wanganui had the better of a straggling hard game and won by 17 points to 3- The home side showed good combination on occasions, whereas Taranaki failed to combine, and their display generally lacked finish At tho end of the first half Wanganui led bv 9 points to nil (unconverted tries by Collier, Bellis and Head). At the opening of the second spell Ennis accepted a pass in front of the Wanganui goal and scored a good try. From thence on Wanganui had tho better of the game. Collier scored as the result of a fine solo run, and ns the outcome of a brilliant passing bout McAuliffe crossed unopposed, Head converting the latter’s try. Taranaki rallied on occasions, but the finishing touch was lacking. Bellis was injured during the game and had to retire.

SEVEN-A-SIDE TOURNEY AT TIMARU (BY TELEGRAPH—PRESS ASSOCIATION.) Timaru. June 3- ■ Great interest centred in the seven a-sido football tournament here to-day between teams representing the districts between Christchurch and Waimate. There was a record attendance of the public, and 77 teams competed. The senior competition was won b.v Old Boys, the junior competition by Boys’ High School, and the third grade by Waimate High School, the fourth grade hy Old Boys, and the fifth grade by Star. Play was of a high order.

THE ALL ELACKS TOURING TEAM SELECTED PROSPECTS OF TOUR ABROAD VETERANS GIVE WAY TO YOUTH The All Blacks are chosen—at last! The selectors have had a more gruelling task than any of the players, the critics, or the followers of the game. The people have withheld criticism of the work of selection, and will support, generally, the choice, for tho good of the country, and the amateur game in the Dominions. The players are about to leave our shores, to do battle at Rugby, our and their national winter game, with England and the countries affiliated with the English Rugby Union, which is financing the tour, and the International Rugby Board, which now controls the game’ throughout the world. The country wishes them God-speed, and the fullest measure of success in their enterprises, for they have been selected by the most exhaustive system of athletic candidature—one which, at the behest of the controlling body, has been searched at the sources of the Rugby game in New Zealand. The remote and little-known hamlets of the Dominion have been combed for the best Rugby talent that is fit, willing, New Zealand has set her standards at homo and abroad. It is for the All Blacks of 1924 to uphold these standards.

THE FULL, TEAM AND THE PLACES OF THE MEN The team chosen and the places and weights of the men are as follows:— FULL-BACK Nepia, 13.1 (Hawke’s Bay). THREE-QUARTERS Steel, 12.7 (West Coast). Hart, 9.12 (Taranaki). Lucas, 10.4 (Auckland). Brown, 11.7 (Taranaki). f Svenson, 10.12 (Wellington)* Robilliard, 11.8 (Canterbury).

FIVE-EIGHTHS Badeley, — (Auckland). McGregor, 10.6 (Canterbury). Paewai, 11.8 (Hawke’s Bay). Cooke, 9.12 (Auckland). M. Nicholls, 11.0 (Wellington). HALVES Dailey, 10.2 (Canterbury). Mill, 10.12 (Hawke’s Bay). WING-FORWARDS Parker, 12.7 (Canterbury). Porter, 12.8 (Wellington). FORWARDS M. Brownlee, 13.13 (Hawke s Bay). C. Brownlie, 15.0 (Hawke s Bay). McCleary, 13.1 (Canterbury). Irvine, 12.12 (Hawke’s Bay). White, 12.6 (Southland). Richardson, 14.5 (Southland). Stewart, 14.0 (Canterbury). Harvey, 14.8 (Wairarapa). Munro, 11.12 (Canterbury). Q. Donald, 12.6 (Wairarapa). Cuppies, 13.12 (Bay of Plenty). West, 13.12 (Taranaki). Masters, 14.0 (Canterbury).

• A SELECTOR’S VIEWS OF THE TEAM Mr. E. McKenzie, representing the Management Committee on the Selection Committee, in reply to a question regarding tlie prospects of the All Blacks abroad, said: “Rugby football, on the average, as the committee have seen it throughout New Zealand, is satisfactory. “The selectors have travelled from the northern to the southern extremity of the Dominion, and have seen the cream of the Rugby players presented to them. , , . - “I consider that the play to-day compares favourably with the play in the Dominion when tho All Blacks of 1905 left. This refers more particularly to the forv-ards In regard to the backs, I think that the inside backs chosen in this team will dispel the idea that New Zealand has no inside backs. ■ “I understand that Rugby at Home has improved since tlie visit of the 1905 All Blacks. I believe it will have to be improved relatively to dispose of the present organisation. “The Selection Committee have done good work. We have been an amicable party. We have done our work conscientiously and honestly, always realising the responsibilities placed on us, not only from Rugby players and followers of the game, but from the people of New Zealand generally. “Wo are confident that the players will worthily uphold the high traditions of the Dominion’s Rugby abroad."

RANFURLY SHIELD WAIRARAPA CHALLENGE FAILS EASY WIN FOR HAWKE’S BAY Bv Telegraph-Press Association. Napier, June 3Hawke’s Bay convincingly held their grip on the Ranfurly Shield to-day by stalling off Wairarapa’s challenge. The holders won by 30 points to 14. Tho match was played in dull weather on a greasy ground. Tho visitors won tho toss and M. Brownlie kisked off against a fair wind. A fast pace was set early and tho speed and dash of the Wairarapa forwards enabled the challengers to make vigorous onslaughts on tho local territory, compelling the defenders to force. 'The Bay forwards broke through the scrum and then Mill sent Falwasser away. Several backs handled the ball in a spectacular passing rush, and Grenside scored. McCarthy converted the try. Wairarapa resumed the offensive. keeping the local backs busy defending. Following tho failure of

a passing rush by six backs, Desmond dived from a line-out, but Booth s kick missed. Hawke’s Bay 5, Wairarapa 3. In the succeeding play Donald sustained an injury which appeared to affect him for the rest of the game until he went off towards the end. Continued onslaughts by the visitors culminated in a couple of local backs being bustled and Desmond again touched down, but the kick at goal failed. Wairarapa 6, Hawke’s Bay 5 The defenders of the shield took a turn at attack, backs and forwards mixing dribbling and passing. Mill initiated a piece of back play in which splendid in and out passing saw Falwasser score near tile posts. McCarthy missed the kick. Hawke’s Bay 8, Wairarapa 6. . A free kick to the visitors resulted in Hiroti piloting the leather over the bar. Wairarapa 9 Hawke’s Bay 8. Till halftime honours were slightly in the Bay’s favour. Several back movements were initiated, but the Wairarapa tackling was effective. The home side immediately attacked on resuming after half-time and the visitors were required to exercise solid defensive work which they did for a time, but long kicks resulted in Wairarapa forcing down. Getting the ball from Mill, Mardon set off for the visitors’, line and was only just stopped. Continued knocking at the door compelled Wairarapa to force three times to get out of difficulties. From a line-out in tho Wairarapa twenty-five passed to Blake, who ended a nice ran with try at the corner. M. Brownlie’s kick failed. Hawke’s Bay t 11; Wairarapa, 9. With their nose m front, the defenders now never looked back. They had the measure of the challengers, whose efforts to keep the local men at bay were frequently broken through. Some splendid in and out passing, in which Irvine was prominent, ended in a couple of scrums on the line, from one of which Mill secured and cleverly sneaked round the scrum and scored. McCarthy landed a beautiful goal. Hawke’s Bay, 16; Wairarapa, 9. Carson went off with ah injured wrist, and was replaced by Parker. The Hawke’s Bay pressure continued without relief until from a line-out M. •Brownlie passed to Kirkpatrick, who scored at the corner. McCarthy converted. Hawke’s Bay, 21; Wairarapa, 9. A passing rush, in which backs and forwards mingled, was started by a long in-pass from Falwasser and resulted in Mardon scoring. McCarthy missed the kick at goal. Hawke’s Bay, 24; Wairarapa, 9. Donald left the field, and was replaced by Roberts. Tho visitors gained the Home territory and endeavoured to make an impression, but before long Hawke’s Bay again got a chance, and a back movement let Grenside over. McCarthy missed the kick at goal. Hawke’s Bay, 27; Wairarapa, 9. The visitors attacked, and only Grenside’s speed prevented a Wairarapa back from getting over. Booth missed n easy shot at goal from a free-kick. The visitors attacked without success quite a time, and then Ormond and Gemmell associated in a movement from a lineout, and the latter scored. M. Brownlie failed fo convert. Hawke’s Bay, 30; Wairarapa, 9. With only a few minutes to go Wairarapa did not throw up the sponge, and from some loose play Willoughby got going after some smart handling. The defence was beaten and Parker scored in the corner. Hironi converted with a great kick. Hawke’s Bay, 30; Wairarapa, 14.