"WELL PLAYED, ALL BLACKS!"

Evening Post, Volume CIX, Issue 63, 17 March 1925, Page 5

"WELL PLAYED, ALL BLACKS!"

END OF TRIUMPHAL TOUR

STIRRING WELCOME TO RUGBY RECORD-BREAKERS

FINE TRIBUTES TO A WONDERFUL COMBIN-

ATION OF SPORTSMEN

Never before in the Dominion has such a show of enthusiasm been made towards returning sportsmen than that in evidence in Wellington to-day. The occasion is worthy of it. By the X.M.S. Tahiti, which arrived from San Francisco, via way ports, this morning, the All Blacks of 1924-25 returned from a tour which, by the unbroken record of success, has been the greatest of all time in the history of Rugby football, and it was in fitting manner that the citizens of Wellington, with many people from various parts of the Dominion to swell the vast throng, gave the triumphant footballers a real New Zealand " welcome home." These All Blacks were welcomed as heroes, and rightly so, for by wonderful deeds they had proved themselves heroes of the playing fields, winning highest honours for the country which has made Rugby its national game. And more than that, they had won fame as fine sportsmen. Recognition of both distinctions accounted for an exceptional display of enthusiasm from the time that the All Blacks first came into view at the Pipitea Wharf until the procession through the streets brought them to their "home goal." It was from this point seven and a half months ago that they had set out on their great mission, with confidence in them of their ability to uphold the country's reputation, and carrying the best wishes for a successful tour. To-day they returned with a record of which the Dominion was justly proud, and throughout the length and breadth of the country there was for these great footballers a unanimous "Well played, All Blacks!"

Of their own experience, the All Blacks had one special word: Wonderful. They had pulled together splendidly throughout the tour, and this was a great factor in the success that had been achieved. With the exception of the vice-captain, J. Kichardson, who was suffering from a broken leg, the team was all well, and generally appeared to have benefited considerably from the tour. In the words of the manager, Mr. S. S. Dean, 'they have left a record of sportsmanship which will be very hard to beat by any team." Of their welcome home, the All Blacks felt that it exceeded all other functions, great as they had been, m the course of the tour. They were glad to b© back.