RUGBY CHAMPIONS IN ACTION

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 7, 3 October 1927, Page 10

RUGBY CHAMPIONS IN ACTION

EXCITING CONTEST BETWEEN NORTH AND SOUTH ISLANDS SOUTHERNERS WIN BY MARGIN OF ONE POINT MANY THRILLS IN HEAVY-SCORING GAME In an exciting and stubbornly-fought Rugby contest before 20,000 spectators at Athletic Park on Saturday, the South Island prevailed over the North Island by the narrow margin of one point in a heavy-scoring game, which seesawed in a manner which kept excitement at fever heat right up until “no-side” was sounded. There was very little between' the teams, but the South deserved their victory, as their forwards put more weight into the scrum and hammered more honestly in the ruck, thus giving their backs better opportunities. The Southern backs were superior on the day, and outplayed the Northern rearguard, amongst . whom the famous Auckland trio failed most unaccountably. Though combination was not of the best, many spectacular , passing bouts were witnessed, and it was clear from the quality of the fifteens on the field that New Zealand is still • a powerful Rugby nation, and should be able to send a great team to South Africa next year.

•_Thaf Rugby is New Zealand’s national game was abundantly clear from the great crowd which attended the match, the playing field being ringed by a sea of faces, with the western bank a wall of, massed humanity. Amongst those ■ present were the Governor-General (Sir Charles Fergusson), ■ the Prime: Minister (Right.-Hon. J. G. Coates), and several members of Cabinet, who were received by the president of the New Zealand Rugby Union (Mr. Harry Manov). 'The weather conditions were almost too good for Rugby, a strong sun beaming down from a cloudless sky, with only the gentlest of southern breezes at the start, which changed to' the north about half-way through the first spell, to temper its rays. NORTH ISLAND- - Full-back: M. Nicholls (Wellington), list. 71b. Three-quarters: , B. Grenside (Hawke’s Bay), 13st. 41b.; ; T. R. .Sheen .(Auckland), list.; L. Hook (Auckland), list. Five-eighths: Ar Berridge "(Auckland),. 12st. (Tib:; L - . - Johnson (Wellington), 12st. _.. _ ..... .. Half-back: - - T. D. Kilby (Wellington), lOst. 91b. --— - Wing-forward: ~ A. Keene (Auckland), 13st. 31b. ’■ Hookers: "" S. Hadley (Auckland), 12st._ 61b,; J. Swain (Hawke’s.Ray), 13st. 21b. .• . Lock: I. H. Harvey (Wairarapa), 15st. 121 b. .' Supports: I. Finlayson (North Auckland), 15st.: 41b.; M. Brownlie (Hawke’s Bay), 14st. ,61b. Back Row: C, Brownlie (Hawke’s Bay), 15st. 31b,; R. McWilliams (Auckland), 14st. SOUTH ISLAND. Full-back: H; 'Lilburne (Canterbury), list. 121 b. Three-quarters: A. C.• C. Robilliard (Canterbury), list. 121 b.; S. R. Carleton (Canterbury), list) - 6ib; F.. Snodgrass (Nelson), ,12st. 121 b.. '.r.i. - . d ' ; - Five-eighths.: A. Strang (South. Canterbury), list. 11b,; N. P. McGregor (Canterbury), - list. - Half-back: W. C. Dailey* (Canterbury), lOst. 101 b. ' Wing-forward: G. Scrimshaw (Canterbury),.list, 111 b. Hookers i Jl' Hore (Otago), 13st;; J. T. Burrows •-.(Canterbury), - 12st. 81b. : • Lock:. G. T.. Alley (Canterbury), 15st. 61b. -Supports: R_T. Stewart (South Canterbury) , lost. ■ lib.; W.' Hazlett (Southland), list. 5 101 b. Back Row: Al - Mp.fslin (Otago), 13st. 61b.; E. Snow Nelson), 13st. 71b. Giant Forwards. When the teams took the field it was evident that the Southern forwards were every, bit as ; hefty as those of the North. Alley and . Stewart, _ both of whom scale over 15st., towering up on the Southern side, arid offsetting. the Herculean proportions of Finlayson and the Brownlie brothers. 'The North Island played in black and the South in white, M. Brownlie leading the former and N. P. McGregor the latter. J. Steel, of Canterbury, who had ruptured a vein in his.side through having been thrown on to the corner flag in the trial match at Christchurch last Saturday, was unable to take his place at wing three-quartep for the South, being replaced by Snodgrass, of Nelson. North Wins the Toss. M, Brownlie won the toss, and the Northerners played with the strong sun behind them. The ball had no sooner been set rolling than Marslin headed a Southern forward rush, which looked dangerous until Nicholls, who was making a, first appearance at full-back, saved in good style. The Whites, who were moving fast, came back, and Strang went close from a penalty for lifting in the scrum. The Southern forwards, with Alley, Stewart, and Hazlett prominent, came at the line in determined style, and the Northern defence was severely tested, the defenders being lucky to get out of a dangerous position through a Southerner getting offside. Southern Backs Show Promise. The South Islanders were going strongly, and soon brought their rearguard into action, Strang making a ■ clever swerving run, until stopped by Sheen. Then Dailey, McGregor, Strang, Carleton, and . Snodgrass collaborated, but a forward pass to the winger spoilt the movement. The Southern backs came at the line again, but Grenside took Robilliard well. First Blood to North. Headed by the Brownlie brothers and Finlayson, the Blacks then got on a hammering rush, which swept all before - it, arid the ball was carried oyer the line, Swain opening the scoring with a smart dive. Berridge failed with an easy kick. - . .- North; ....i........ 3 •- -'South 0 On .resuming,, the North Auckland 15st. 41b. giant, I. Finlayson, made a good run till stopped by Lilburne. The Northern backs got going, Berridge makinn- a- sharp dash and sending on to Hook, whose kick ahead reboundin" from the : tall Southern forwards, and Carleton cleared to the quarter-mark. A Brilliant Try. 'Die Southern backs then gave a taste of their quality.. McGregor snapped

’ up the leather in midfielu and, beating Johnson and Sheen, travelled fast right ahead, but Nicholls cleared from his stab-punt. Then, from a scrum, a perfect piece of passing by Dailey, McGregor, Strang, Carleton and Robilliard saw the winger cleverly beat Hook and score with a dive in the corner. Strang made a weak attempt to goal. South 3 North 3 Another Try to Swain. Dallev was playing brilliantly behind the Southern pack, getting the ball away smartly and detenc(jng well. The Northern forwards, however, infused a bit of life into their work and came downfield in dashing style, McWilliams sending on to Swam, who sprintedwSO yards for his second try. Kilby failed at goal. . North 6 South . 3 North Backs Sparkle. The Northern backs showed to advantage in ensuing play. Kilby, Johnson and Sheen made ground, but Lilburne drove them back. Hook next sprinted for twenty yarsd and started passing, which ended in Snodgrass ; downing Grenside on - the opposite wing. - The Northerners came at the line again, and a brilliant burst of passing ended in Kilby flashing over in- the corner. Nicholls goaled with a splendid kick from the side-line. North ....... 11 South - - 3 Fast play continued, the Southern backs being seen in some bright passing, with Dailey and McGregor prominent. Another Try to the Southerners. The Northern forwards were playing better on the ]iu6-outs, Finlayson, C. Brownlie, and M. Brownlie frequently tapping the leather back to Kilby, but the Northern backs were failing to do much with their opportunities. The next incident of note was a brilliant burst of passing by the White real guard, in which McGregor, Strang, Carleton, and Robilliard figured. The winger was tackled by Hook, but sent the. leather back to McGregor, who let Carleton over for a. beautiful try. Strang made a great effort to goal, the ball hitting an upright. North 11 South .........?. 6 Mark Nicholls pnt another three points on for the North by kicking a good penalty goal. North 14 South . 6 Swain Scores His Third Try. The Northern forwards worked play towards trie White line, and Hook made a great run, which enabled Swain to snap trie leather up, and dive over for his third try. Nicholls failed to convert. North 17 South 6 A Clever Half-back. Dailey continue:! to show outstanding form as half-back for the Southerners. Flay. for a time was fast, but of a rather wild order, and attack and coun-ter-attack followed in rapid succession, it must have been strenuous work, as the afternoon was more suited to cricket than Rugby. Robilliard Over Again. On resuming. Dailey cleverly cut round the blind side of a scrum, andgave the ball to Scrimshaw, who allowed Robilliard to cross and run right round behind the posts. Strang easily converted. North 17 South , 11 The Southern forwards were now more than holding their own, and were working n ost conscientiously in scrum and ruck. Stewart, Alley, Hazlett, and Hore were particularly prominent. The North Island captain, M. Brownlie, who was leading his side in inspiring fashion, broke away just before half-time, and passed to his brother, Cyril, who was adjudged to be in front. Fortune Favours the South. The Southerners had a little touch of luck in that the breeze had veered round from south to north, and was fluttering the flags when the second spell opened. Even play followed for a time, play being fast, and the collaring by both sides sharp and sudden. Eventually, Burrows led a Southern forward rush, which ended in Ilore sending Scrimshaw over for his second try. Strang failed badly from an easv position. North 17 South 1 H Infringements Cost North Dearly. For obstructing Carleton, the Northerners were penalised, mill Snodgrass landed a splendid goal, thus equalising the scores. South I” North 1” . A little later, an infringement in a scrum saw the referee again penalise the North, and Carleton put the leather over the bar. South 20 North - 4 17 Johnson Places North in the Lead. Amidst a roar of cheering play continued at a fast bat. Then the Northerners gave a taste of their real quality. The forwards worked play right up to the line, anil from a scrum Kilby gave the ball to Johnson, who swerved through the Southern backs to score near the posts. Berridge goaled, and North were in the lead again. North 22 South 20 The Nelson Touch. After a period of strenuous play. Snodgrass, the Nelson representative, had an inspiration. The leather was kicked out to him, and, instead of going straight, he raced right across tho field at rare pace, and initiated an attack on the opposite wing. He passed to Robilliard, who made a fast dash, which allowed Scrimshaw to score between the . posts. Carleton added tho extra points. South 25 North ■■ ........ 22

Deadly Collaring. The North Island forwards, seeing the game slipping from them, played with the frenzy of despair, but they iounil themselves up again:< stout opponents who were prepared to contest every inch of the ground. For a time the tackling was deadly. It was a game of “no nian standing.’’ Each man who touched the leather was promptly downed. Eventually, Grenside got the leather, and made a strong run to near the South line. Here Harvey got possession, and charged through the Southern ranks to score a great try, with Carleton hanging to him. near tho posts. Berridge made a feeble effort to goal. North 2? South 25 A Sensational Try. From the kick-off, the Northerners aroused great enthusiam by going over for another try. Grenside. secured and made a sensational run, in which he beat Snodgrass, McGregor and Carleton, and then passed to Johnson, who brilliantly swerved past Lilburne to score between the posts. Nicholls converted. North 30 South .- 25 Carleton was injured in this rush ana had t? —' e. Heazelwood (Otago) coming on as full-back, and Lilburne moving up to first five-eighth.

See-saw Continues. Play had not been in progress long when Strang landed a great penalty goal from well out. North South ■ •••• -6 With only two points bctwee» I is? teams, the greatest excitement reigned. The Northern forwards were now playing with great dash, going better than they riad yet done. The Winning Try.

Then a great final effort brought victory for trie Southern forces. A splendid burst of passing, in which Alley, Lilburne, Strang and Snodgrass figured, ended in the Nelson winger racing over the line. Strang failed at goal. South 31 North .... 30 The Blacks made desperate efforts to save the day, Grenside and M. Brownlie being conspicuous for spirited dashes, ’['he defence held, however, and the South Island fifteen emerged victorious from a stirring contest victors by one H. J. McKenzie, of Masterton, controlled the game admirably. I COMMENTS ON THE PLAY AND PLAYERS SOUTHERNERS FULLY DESERVE THEIR WIN STEWART BEST FORWARD ON THE DAY The South Islanders deserved their win, as they had the best of the run of the play, though the teams were very evenly matched in point of merit. The Southerners owed their victory to the honest work done in the tight stuff by their forwards. They put every ounce into tho scrum, and battled manfully in the ruck. The best forward on the ground was R. F. Stewart, the 23-vear-old giant from Tiniaru, who scales a pound over 15st., and who is particularly fast for liis weight. His height enables him to do great work on the line-out. but his chief merit is his unflagging zeal, which enables him to keep battling from kick-off to final bell.

Close behind him in point of all-round ability came G. T. Alley, another giant, who scales over 15st. He locked the South Island scrum well, and was prominent alike in line-out, ruck, and open. This ex-Southlander is a great forward, fit to -rank with the world’s best, in which category Stewart. M. Brownlie, and Finlayson can be placed. W. Hazlett, who scales list. 101 b., was another' fine forward, who helped to bring victory to the South. Southland seems to grow great forwards, as Alley also hails from this province. For many years past, the North Island has had a distinct advantage in the size and speed of their vanguard, but on Saturday the Southerners had every bit as. hefty a set in the pack as had the North. J. Hore (the Otago lock), E. Snow (Nelson), J. T.-Burrows (Canterbury), and A. .Marslin (Otago), all toiled faithfully from start to finish and refused to yield a yard of ground to any man.

G. Scrimshaw proved himself a most serviceable rover. He was very active in the open, notching a. couple of tries, and 'fitting in well with both backs and forwards, - ,

Tho best back on the South Island side was W. C. Dailey. 'The little snowyhaired Canterbury half-back had never previously allowed to advantage in Wellington, but on Saturday he conclusively proved that he is a master behind the scrum, and that he was fully entitled to the high reputation he built up with the All Blanks in Great Britain in 1924. Both on attack and defence. Dailey played a sterling game on Saturday, getting his passes away even when in the grip of attackers. He exploited the blind side cleverly, and kept his wits about him nil the time. A. Strang, who hails from Tiniaru, was the best of tho inside backs. He is fast, and has a sure pair of hands, and travels fast.

N. P. McGregor, who also played on the five-eighths' line, was not so prominent as Strang, being inclined to overdo the short punt. Ho is, however, a great defensive player, and several times brought down big Northern forwards when they broke awny. The South Island fielded a ically good three-quarter line, of which A. C. C. Robilliard, tho 23-yertr-old Canteibury winger, was the bright particular star. This player accompanied the New Zealand team to Britain in 1924, and is now putting into practice the experience lie gained abroad. Close upon 12st. in weight, he has rare pace, and finishes

with determination. He is also clever at giving ft reverse pass while travelling at top speed. Two tries euine his way on Saturday, and many more should be gathered in by the youthful Canterbury winger in South Africa next year. F. Snodgrass (Nelson), who played on the opposite wing, is also a resolute wing-threetjuarter, who runs very strongly, Ho dropped a few misses on Saturday, but somo of these did not come to hiin too well. He showed that he had Rugby brains when ho streaked across from one wing to the other, and sent nis mates over for a try on tho open Bide. Carleton, without rising to great heights, played soundly at centre-three-quarter, being perhaps stronger on defence than on attack. He, however, scored one good try. 11. Lilbilrno (Canterbury) made quite a good showing at full-back, playing coolly and making few mistakes. Lilburne is a versatile player, as he has played this season mostly at five-eighths, anti moved up to this position when Ctirleton retired in the second spell.

M. Brownlie, the ' captain, was the outstanding forward on the Northern side. He led his team-in inspiring fashion from start to finish, and never battled more manfully than when trying desperately to turn defeat into victorv in the last few ininutes. He had an able lieutenant in I. Finlayson, the last. 41b, North Auckland giant, who was in the forefront of all trie rieavy work that was going. He is as fast as any back in the loose. I. Ilarvey, tho 15st. 121 b. Wairarapa forward, who locked the scrum, was prominent also in tho loose. It was a great try he scored when he carved a passage through the Southern ranks by sheer force and scored near the posts. One of the best forwards on the field, however, was unquestionably J. Swain, of Hawke’s Bay. This player can be found wherever the ball is. He is tireless, and his pace enables him to be up with everything that is going. He reaped the reward of smart following up on Saturday by gathering in three tries, a unique performance in an All Black trial match, and particularly for a hooker.

C. Brownlie showed up on the lineout, but ho took things rather easily in the loose, and was slow in getting back several times. He appeared to be short of a gallop.. The two Aucklanders, Hadley and McWilliams. played honest games, but did not stand out particularly. Keene, the Auckland rover, was active as wing-forward, and showed up well on defence.

Kilby grafted hard behind the Northern pack, but was overshadowed by the cleverer work of Dailey. Still, Kilby did valuable work, particularly on defence. This player will have to go for his place on Wednesday if he wishes to be preferred, to Holden, the Otago half-back.

The surprise of the day was the failure of the Auckland backs to reproduce the form which gained them places in tho trials.

L. Johnson was easily the best five-eightri on tho field. He is playing at the top <sf liis form just now. and Johnson at his best is a great inside back. It is amazing to watch the surety with which ho takes all kinds of passes while travelling at top speed. He would make an excellent slip field at cricket. The try he scored when he swerved through the Southern backs to score between the posts was worthy of A. E. Cooke at his best. Berridge (Auckland) played well in patches, but neither ho nor Sheen, who filled the centre three-quarter position, seemed to fit into the picture too happily. . It was a tragedy that these able players, who have played so brilliantly for Auckland throughout the season, should have had a day off when on tlieir trial for the trip to Africa. It was all the more incomprehensible seeing that the conditions were ideal for accurate handling. The biggest failure of the day was Hook, w’llo played so well in the trial at Palmerston North last Tuesday. This winger seemed all at sea, and liis attempts at defence made the crowd on the western bank laugh more than once. Tfis display was too band to be a real indication of his true form, and he mav redeem himself on Wednesday. M. Nicholls was tried out in the unaccustomed position of full-back and gave a mixed display. lie took the ball very surely, kicked powerfully, and brough't off some very resolute low tackles. Ho has a bad habit

of turning his back when tackling and allowing his man to fall over his buttocks, but one or two of tho Southerners side-stepped the hurdle. He let one rolling ball pass through his legs towards the end of the game, but chased i the leather and made a good recovery, beating several men by side-stepping on his return run. The failure of the North Island team was due to the fact that the forwards did not put sufficient weight into the scrum, being too ready to break away. Tho Southerners built a much more solid scrum and held it firmly till their job was done. This had much to no with the indifferent showing made by the Northern rearguard.

FINAL TRIAL MATCH ON WEDNESDAY POSSIBLES v. PROBABLES THE TEAMS SELECTED ; The-following have been selected by the New Zealand selection committee as tho teams for the Possibles-Probables match on Wednesday:— POSSIBLES. Butler (Auckland). Hook (Auckland), Stringfellow (Wairarapa), Lucas (Auckland). Cooke (Wairarapa), Johnson (Wellington) McManus (Auckland) Scrimshaw (Canterbury) Collision (Wanganui), Burrows (Canterbury). Alley (Canterbury), Godfrey (Canterbury), Freitas (West Coast), McWilliams (Auckland), Bird (Southland). PROBABLES. Heazlewood (Otago) Rushbrook (Wellington), Brown (Taranaki), Stewart (Otago) Berridge (Auckland). Nicholls (Wellington) Holdeli (Otago) Porter (Wellington) Hadley (Auckland), Young (Nelson), Conrad (Hawke’s Bay), Knight (Auckland), Ward (Taranaki), • Marslin (Otago), Snow (Nelson). _ Emergencies: Kilby, South, in the backs, and Pringle and Hore in the forwards. The Railway Department give particulars in this issue of cheap fares and train arrangements in connection with the New Zealand Possibles v. Probables football match on Wednesday next. PLAY IN OTHER CENTRES AUCKLAND BENEFIT MATCH. Auckland, October 1. Tn' a charity Rugby match for Hie widow of the ex-All- Black. W. Cunningham and the Unemployment Fund. Ponsonby heat Grammar Old Boys by 11 points to 3. DEACON CUP. Dunedin, October 2. In a Deacon Cun match between the leading tennis of 'Otngo and Sonfli.lancl. Pirates defeated University by 15 points to 6. WARATAHS BEAT SWANSEA WELSH BACKS OUTCLASSED (ißoc. October 2, 5.5 p.in.) London, October 1. Torrential rain fell when New South Wales met Swansea. The Welsh forwards held their own. but the backs were completely outclassed. The visitors crossed their opponents’ line three times, and converted one try before the interval. In the second half tho ground broke up, making it impossible to handle tho ball accurately. The Welsh levelled in the mud, and kept the Waratahs busy defending, but the defence was too strong, and the game ended: New South Wales 11, Swansea 0.