Rugby Football

Dominion, Volume 22, Issue 184, 2 May 1929, Page 8

Rugby Football

By

"FIVE-EIGHTHS"

• BACK TO THE OLD RULES.

LESSONS LEARNED ON THE VELDT

It is very satisfactory to observe that the authorities of the game in this country are taking steps to put the Kugby house, in New Zealand, in order betcre the Britishers descend upon us next since the tour of Great Britain by the All Blacks in 1924, leading New Zealand Kugby authorities have been convinced that the 2—3—2 serum ioi nation was inferior to the system adopted in Great Britain, and sjich innovations as the new k rule further handicapped New Zealand players when they were compelled to plaj under international rules. . The doubt concerning the superiority of New Zealand’s scrum formation became a certainty when the New Zealand team visited South Africa m 19-8. , , Here is what that sound judge of the "ame Mr. F. M. Howard, who had viewed th“ All Blacks in the international matches in Britain in 1924, had to say after the first test match between New Zealand and South Africa in 1928 • 1* the terrific lesson administered to them at Kingsmead still fails to convince the New Zealanders and all New Zealand of the inferiority of their scrum fo ™?' tion, and of the fallacy upon which then forward play generally is based, then nothing ever will. Their men were as heavy and, it is reasonable to suppose, as powerful as the Springboks. There is no’reason to suppose that they are less intelligent, man for man. And jet even with numbers equal in the scrummage nil through the second half, and _ with Pretorius not infrequently out of the aerum in the first half, they were more and more clearly and completely mt >stered the longer the game proceeded. . . . oounu forward play is the basis of all goo* l Rucbv football, and the New Zealand forwani y game i is built up upon an unsound someone may remark, “but that is the opinion of an Englishman, who is naturally prejudiced in favour ot th welL then, let us look at what Mr. G E the representative of the New Zealand Press A BBO -^ 10 ?^’ S ay All Blacks in Africa m 1928, had to say on the subject:— . R “In nine matches, wrote Mr. Beam ish “New Zealand has been beaten on nearly every occasion in the scrums. There comes the question ‘Whose is he better formation?’ and there comes the answer, as far as I am concerned, South Africa’s,. and if the Rugby supporters in New Zealand had seen the trouncing that their champions got on Saturday they, Joo would be satisfied that New Zealand will have to change her formation if she is to do any good in international matches. The whole course of the game on Saturday went to show that, all things being equal. South Africa’s scrum is infinitely superior to that evolved by the All Blacks. There has always been something of a doubt in the min s shrewd judges in New Zealand about the merits of the diamond-shaped, scrum, mainly because of its deficiencies in the hooking department. Besides the fact that New' Zealand’s front rankers have to face an extra man, the whole weight of the serum has to be borne by them. Inis is not the ease in the South African serum. The hooker has two flankers who have to take the strain and give him freedom to hook. He must shove, but he has not to bear the weight which is thrust on the All Black hookers. At one stage the Springboks .won actually sixteen serums in succession. . Inere is not the slightest doubt that New Zealand if she hopes to win international matches, w’ill have to settle down to a serious reformation in the scrummaging department.” To the everlasting credit of M. Brownlie M. Nicholls, N. McGregor, and R. Stewart, the All Blacks in 1928 brought their wing-forward into the scrum, and, by playing the Springboks at their own game, succeeded in finishing up all square in the Test matches.

Back to the Old Game. Now we are on the eve of another series of international games it is very pleasing to see that those in control of the destinies of the game in this country are wise enough to advocate a return to international rules in order that our players may be able to meet the Britishers next year on something like equal terms. The first move came from the Petone Club, unquestionably fathered by the experienced brain of M. Nicholls. The Petone Club suggested to the Wellington Rugby Union that in view of the visit of the Bt' ish team next year all interprovincial matches, the North v. South Island game, and the trial contests this year should be played under international rules. To their credit, the Management Committee of the Wellington Rugby Union promptly endorsed Petone’s sensible suggestion, and forwarded the following letter to the New Zealand Union last Wednesday night:—“My committee has received from the Petone Club a letter urging that in view of the forthcoming tour of New Zealand by a British team during the 1930 season, that this season (1929) all interprovincinl matches and the North Island v.. South Island match be played under international rules, and I am directed to ask that your union will favourably consider bringing this matter forward at the annual general meeting of delegates.” Not only did the Management Committee of the parent body at once see the wisdom of Petone’s proposal, but they went one better by deciding to recommend to the annual meeting of delegates that all matches in New Zealand during both the 1929 and 1930 season should be played under international rules. This was the obvious stand to take, and Messrs. H. S. Leith and E. McKenzie are to be commended for insisting that it should be the whole hog or nothing. It would be farcical to decree that interprovincial and trial matches should be played under international rules while club games were being played under New Zealand rules. It goes without saying that the delegates at the annual meeting of the New Zealand Rugby Union on May 16 will carry the resolution which will be brought forward by the Management Committee. If the game is played in New Zealand under international rules this y ar, we need not seriously fear the British invasion next year, formidable as it will undoubtedly prove. New Zealand has a proud record on the Rugby field, and can still produce men fit to compare favourably in physique with those of any nation. Up to the present, New Zealand has played 89 international matches,, of which 69 have been won, four drawn, and fifteen lost. New Zealand has more than held her own against the three British teams which have visited these shores in the past. The All Blacks beat Bedell-Siev-wright’s team which visited New Zealand in 1904 by 9 points to 3. Harding’s Anglo-Welsh team played three matches against New Zealand in 1901. of which New Zealand won the first, at Dunedin, by 32 points to 5; the second, at Wellington, was drawn, each side, scoring 3 uoints; and the All Blacks won the third, at Auckland, by 29 to nil. As all the world knows, New Zealand only lost one international match on the tours made to Great Britain in 1905 and 19114.

It in only those terrible fellows the Springboks whom our fellows have been so far unable to vanquish, and we are all square with them. It will be a splendid thing if New Zealand decides to come into line with England. Scotland, Wales, Ireland, and South Africa and play the game under international rules. The British team and the AU Blacks would then take the field against each other on level terms. There would be no necessity to sign any agreement before the tour started. It would bo a case of a fair field and no favour, and the devil take the hindmost. New Zealand Selectors. The New Zealand Rugby Union are to be complimented upon the soundness of

their choice ot selectors for national teams during 102!) and 1030. It was a well-de-served vote of confidence to re f® lec A J^ E. McKenzie (Wairarapa), N.McKenzie (Hawke’s Bay), and A. J. Geddes (boutn land), all of whom have Proved themselves sound and Impartial selectors during the past pleasing to see that Auckland has been given a re P r< j““J t; 'H' C on the committee. It was a peculiar mistake that the northern portion of the North Island should have been denied a member on the committee during recent years, but this happily has now been rectified and Auckland, North Auckland, South 6 Auckland, and the Bay of Plenty should be well served by Mr. G. Nichol son who, in his day, was one of New Zealand's most noted forwards. He was a member of the New Zealand team which toured Great Britain in 1005, and played for Auckland and New Zealand for many seasons. He has kept in close touch with the game since his retirement, and has more than once acted on the New Zealand Selection Committee. Mr A. McDonald, of Otago, was also a member of the 1905 All Blacks who made historyin Britainkln 1905 His experience should also be most helpful in building up a solid team to meet the Britishers next year. Mr W. Maxwell, of Canterbury, is a sound judge of the game, who has served as a New Zealand selector before. It can be taken for granted that these Close students of the game will thoroughly comb the Dominion for Rugby talent, and, quite Irrespective of where the players mav reside, see to it that the very best men available bear the silver fern against the Britishers next season. Champions In Form. If the University fifteen can maintain the form they ■ displayed in the opening championship games aga nst Boys at Athletic Park on Saturday, they should have no difficulty in retaining the proud title of champion club team of Wellington. The students have a really good fifteen. They were handicapped for some time through lack of weight in the-vanguard, but last season this defect was rectified by the inclusion of Blacker, and the Varsity pack can now hold its own with the best of them. Edgar has lent additional solidity to the green pack this season, and he was going very well until a torn muscle in the shoulder compelled his retirement about halfway through the second spell. The ’Varsity forwards Infused rare, dash into their work on Saturday, and did as they liked with the Old Boys’ pack on the line-outs. With the forwards going well, the backs had a chance to shine. The success of the University team was largely due to outstanding work by Mackenzie at first five-eighths. LeyS, although he did much smart work at half, was by no means at his best, and allowed J. Lamason and Hand to smother him several times when he had plenty of time to get the ball ■way. ~ .. MacKenzie always took the ball on the move, and took it very surely, no matter how the pass came to him. Moreover, he never passed to a man in a worse position than himself. Mackenzie is a really good inside back, and is fast qualifying for national honours. Irwin lent able support at second fiveeighths. He was a bit light last season, but appears to have become more set. He certainly got Into tha defensive work well on Saturday, and his pace made him a thorn in the Old Boys’ side. He was responsible for the second last try, when he brilliantly cut out both Du Chateau and D. Dustin, and raced away to make a beautiful opening, which sent Foden over in the corner. Ramson would be New Zealand’s centre-three-quarter if he could only infuse a little more devil into his defensive work. He has all the attributes for an ideal centre —height, reach, pace, weight—and he can kick like a mule. He piled on no fewer than 15 points himself on Saturday, scoring a try, converting three tries, and landing two penalty goals. His goal-kicking from the side-lines and the centre of the field was superbj Nepia or M. Nicholls could not have done better. The two wingers, Mackay and Foden, clapped oh great pace, and took their passes well. If the ’Varsity backs were only a bit surer in their handling, they would pile up cricket scores, as there is no doubt about the pace at which they can, travel. -‘F. Cormack performed creditably at full-back. He is a big chap, who keeps cool, and is not afraid to get right Into the defensive work. He is a powerful kick. Sleeping Sickness. Old Boys some years ago contracted an attack of sleeping sickness. They shook off the malady, but sleeping sickness, like malaria, has a nasty habit of recurring nt intervals. Old Boys had a bad relapse on Saturday. The forwards stumbled about the field like men in a trance. . “Get into it, Old Boys; what’s the matter with you?” more than once was shouted from the stand in the first spell. ■ True, the forwards did better in the second spell, but they were only spasmodic bursts; the students kept going hammer and tongs all the time. To make matters worse for Old Boys. Fisher, their half-back, was unwell, and in quite an unfit state to play. The only man on the Old Boys' side who came” out with credit was Malcolm, who gave an almost perfect exhibition of full-back play. He took the ball surely, and kicked with rare accuracy, frequently calling forth applause with his 'brilliant line-kicks. He also.collared well, saving a certain score when he brought Foden down. Hand and Claridge were the only forwards to put any ginger Into their play. The former deserved the try he scored, as he had been mainly instrumental in taking the leather from midfield right on to the 'Varsity line, Berhampore Do Well. That there are many Richmonds in the field this season was evident by Berhampore's defeat ot Poneke on Saturday by 11 points to 9. The lied and Blacks were greatly fancied for this game, but Berhampore played up well, and had the satisfaction ot opening the competition with a victory. Lang, Pickering, and T. Taylor . made a solid three-quarter line for Berhampore, and Love and Brettls worked well together as inside backs. The forwards combined nicely, doing well both in tight and loose play. The Poneke backs could not get going, due doubtless to solid tackling by the Light Blue force. Once Harry Tilyard broke away, and sent the speedy Elliott over for a try. Julian played a heady game behind the Poneke scrum, his try being a clever bit of work. The Red and Black forwards lacked their usual dash, and were well held by the husky hillmen. A Close Game. Athletic and Petone had a battle royal on the Petone Oval on Saturday. M. Nicholls was absent through the death of his father, and Porter was prevented from playing through a bump received in the seven-a-side tourney the previous Saturt’<The sides were very evenly matched, and it was anybody’s game right up to "noside." Petone, who played the 3—2—3 scrum formation, gave their backs plenty of ball, but little use was made of the opportunities. Out of 23 set scrums, Petone secured the leather on thirteen occasions to Athletic’s eight. ' . Petone fielded a big man' at full-back in Boroman, the ex-Southland . and Canterbury player. He is a good kick, but is too “^r^pfa^ed^ri^aStly‘for Athletic, being the best forward on the ground, though Thomas and Monigatti worked hard for Petone. The forwards throughout did better than the backs, who showed an utter lack of combination. Heazlewood, as usual, was reliable at fullback for Athletic, the ■'oal he potted from the centre of the field being a great effort. Huxtable, the exHawke’s Bav winger, showed pace at wing-three-quarter for the blue and blacks, while the two promoted fourth grade players, Pollock and Wilkinson, were active for Petone.

Murist Commence Welt. Marist started off well by downing the Oriental colours by 1) points to 0. It was another close and exciting game, which would indicate that the teams are evenly matched this season. Condon, McDonald, Broderick, and G. Barry were prominent amongst the Marlst backs, while McHardy and E. Barrv allowed up in the vanguard. Bolton played a sterling game for Oriental in the pack and loose, but the backs did not reveal any signs of combination. Short Passes. University have got hold of a flyer in Eastwood, a Masterton High School old boy. Playing for ’Varsity against Selwyn in the senior B competition at Athletic Park on Saturday, Eastwood raced away to score no fewer than four tries. Mr. Martin Smith should keep his eye on this voting greyhound. It is reporled Hint G. T. Alley may turn out for the University team in Christchurch duylng th* vacation. This young

theological giant, who toured South Africa with the All Blacks in 1928, stands Oft. 2’/Mn. in height and weighs 18st. While practising at Christchurch with follow-members of tse Old Boys’ Rugby Club prior to the opening of the season, the All Black, S. R. Carleton, collided with a goal-post and gashed his forehead. He had to have three stitches put in the wound. PUZZLING RULES WILL LITTLE ERIC APPROVE? "Oh, these rules!” writes Mr. C. F. Atkinson, the well-known Wanganui referee. “Every Easter finds New Zealand referees ‘swotting’ hard at the Rugby rules deciding the best way in which to interpret puzzling problems: ‘The hours I spent with thee, dear heart.' Then suddenly the London Society also thinks it lias found a better way and Issues a ‘blue book,’ ‘How To Do It.’ Of course, being a loyal part of the Empire, the N.Z.R. Union upholds this ‘blue book,' and it goes. For Instance, one time New Zealand whistlers decided that ‘a man on the ground was out of the game.’ Now this little ‘blue book' comes to light and states that the gentleman on the ground must be accorded full privileges, and may play the ball on the-ground: mustn’t be disturbed if he’s only resting: can collar an opponent passing with the ball, or pass the ball from the ground, or may put up a periscope, if behind a tussock, and lie in wait for the other chappie, or even walk on his knees and score. Altogether the ‘blue book’ is very considerate to the gentleman on the ground. But what is Little Eric going to say when lie sees an ‘Ori‘ player pass from the ground, and get a score when he Ims ids ‘sugar’ on Petone? It's bound to make things very interesting for the gentleman with the whistle, and such a state of affairs may even a,fleet his popularity. The London Society •is apparently more concerned about the gentleman on the ground than about the intricacy of the rule or its effect on the public, but a season in Little Eric’s company would doubtless make them revert to the old-time religion.”

“DADDY” NICHOLLS AN APPRECIATION. (By Marcus Marks.) Another great-hearted sport and true man has passed over the Great Divide. “Daddy,” as he was affectionately called by all the boys of the old school, has gone to join Charlie Skerrett, Jimmy Muir, Archie Merlet, Charlie Hume, Frank Dixon, and Joe Gage (all of whom served under his able generalship nearly half a century ago). No man who has been laid to rest in recent times has left a greater number of loving hearts to mourn their loss than has Sid Nicholls. His straightforward and manly nature inspired feelings of affection in the. hearts of all who knew him, and especially in those who had the privilege to be led to battle by him on the field of sport. He was the ideal captain: the power and control he had over his team stamped him as a real leader of men. I first became acquainted with him when we were both lads at Mowbray’s School (Thorndon). His father was attached to the Governor’s (Sir James Fergusson) staff, and our present Governor General was himself a lad in residence at Government House. Sid was a leader even in those days, and when later he moved to Te Aro, and became by such removal the natural enemy of all Thorndon boys (feeling ran high between boys at different ends of the City in those days), his power as a horn leader soon made itself felt Subsequently (I think, 1882) he organised and captained the Our Boys football team, which a year later changed its name to Poneke, and became, under its able lender, a power to be reckoned with in the football world. He was ever a brave-hearted soul: and I venture to say that not one of the hundred or more guests who were in attendance but two weeks ago, and saw him launch his daughter Into a new condition of life, could have imagined (what he himself must have known) that his end was so near. It was another evidence of the indomitable, spirit of the man. When the history of New Zealand is written, and the names are given of those responsible for Its mana on the field of sport, that of Sid Nicholls (dear old “Daddy”) will stand out in letters of gold —not so much as father of two All Blacks as of one who placed honest and straightforward ‘conduct before all else on the field of sport. When It conies to my turn to “cross the bar" I hope that I may "go out.” as well respected as be was by nil who were privileged to come Into contact with him.