RUBBER WON

Evening Post, Volume CVIII, Issue 24, 27 July 1929, Page 9

RUBBER WON

AUSTRALIA'S SUCCESS

(By "Drop-Kick.")

In the light oi' what was written before tho New Zealand team's tour to Australia, and in view of tho run of particularly bad luck which this year's AH JBlaeks have had in the way of injuries, etc., tho success of Australia in winning tho rubber was not altogether unexpected. After the New Zealanders had done so well in the first Test in being beaten by only a point when by no means at full strength, it was not generally anticipated that Australia's win in the second Test last Saturday would bo by so good a margin as eight points; in fact, with Porter back in the Now Zealand team and Australia without the services of one or two outstanding players, tho All Blacks' prospects looked to be quite fair. But, the team which was fielded did not impress as being up to' tho standard of most teams which have represented New Zealand in international clashes. Certainly, they did their best, and throughout the tour never entirely free from misfortune' they have endeavoured to give of their best, at times rising to good heights It was recognised all along that the opposition would bo particularly strong in the main games of this tour, and strong' it is, though possibly not reaching the very high standard about which there were reports prior to the tour. There can be no doubt that the Rugby came in Australia is definitely on the rfsc, and the success in winning the rubber against 'New Zealand will be of great help to Australia in the endeavour to become established as one of the strongest Rugby nations.

Various messages about illnesses and injuries to players have indicated how the New Zealanders have been up against it. The selection of the teams for the-various matches also suggests that the selectors have been hard put to it to fill some of the places. It seems that quite a few versatile players are being developed. Cundy (chosen as a aye-eighth) has played as wing-forward, five-eighth, and full-back; Lilburne as uve-eighth and centre-three-quarter-Tuck as half-back and full-back; Hook (five : eighth) as wing-forward, fiveeighth, and throe-quarter; and Stringfellow (centre-throe-quarter) as fullback and three-quarter.