THREE TESTS WANTED

Evening Post, Volume CXVIII, Issue 49, 27 August 1934, Page 9

THREE TESTS WANTED

NEW ZEALAND TEAM'S FORM

QUEENSLAND SECTOR

(From "Tho Post's" Representative.) SYDNEY, August 21.

It is generally regretted in Australia that the programme mapped, out for the New Zealand Eugby team's tour did not make provision for the playing of three Tests with Australia. Had this been the ease thero would certainly have been a record "gate" at the Sydncy Cricket Ground for the final Test, provided, of course, that New Zealand won the second Test. In their two matches in Brisbane, the New Zealanders completely dominated the play. Tho first was whon they met Queensland, and the second was when they defeated an Australian team in what some have boen pleased to term an unofficial Test. The Australian team in this latter match, however, was not up to Test standard, though individually there was not such a vast difference from that which represented Australia in the first Test. Tho Australian backs were almost the samo as in the first Test, but Boss was missing from his usual position at full-back. He is probably the safest full-back that has over played Rugby in Australia, and his absence uudoubtedly made a great difference to the Australian side. FINE BACKING-UP. A feature of the All Blacks' play that has struck Australians is that the New Zoalanders never hunt singly. Wherever the ball may be there are always two or more All Blacks, and their baeking-up in general has been splendid in every match. The team has undoubtedly improved since its first match on this side of the Tasman, though it is still a matter of doubt as to whother it can equal the speed of the Australians. A heavier ground at Sydney would have been helpful to the New Zealanders. The Sydney Cricket Ground is very haTd and fast—the typo of ground which Australians like best. The cricket pitches in tho centre of . tho ground have been almost flint-like, but much rain has fallen of late to mako the ground softer. OPENING UP THE GAME. Against the Australian team at Brisbane tho All Blacks revealed a glimpse of what must be their true form, and it is reasonable to suggest that tho margin of points should have been much greater in their favour than was the case. However, the match was not great as a spectacle, for there were too many mistakes on both sides. The greatest offondors were the Australians. Tho All Blacks seemed ovor-anxious to open up tho game. The team seems imbued with tho idea that Australian spectators demand fast, open football, and they do their best to provide it. Many of tho errors in handling and passing were caused by an eagerness to open up the game, whereas other tactics might have brought about tries. In tho second spell tho Now Zeaiandcrs woro immeasurably better than tho Australians and should have mounted up quite .1 respectable total. As it: was they just got homo. 1 CLASH BETWEEN FORWARDS. ' Contrary to genoral expectations the Australian forwards were not outclassed by the heavier Now Zealanders so far as the serums were concerned. ActnaUy, in tho scrum work, the Australians always held ,a slight advantage. In tho line-outs Now Zealand was always on top. The All Black forwards were not given the same opportunity to throw the ball about —a feature of their play in tho first Test while their condition lasted. In the rucks tho New Zealanders wero matched in rigour, but not in science, and their work in this department was always the more effective. Tho forward play was very trying on both teams, and it was not surprising, therefore, that a little ill, feeling should have entered tho game at one stage. B. King was one of the New , Zealanders who received a well-directed ' blow from ono of tho Australian for--1 wards, and had tho referee seon this • little bout of fisticuff's it is certain that 1 one Australian would have been ordered off tho field. Happenings like those are not common in tho Union code, and particularly in matches between Australia and New Zealand., Jt looked as .though, the Australian forwardsj

■would get out of hand, but they woon sottled down again, and the giiin battle procoeded. LILBUKNE'S VERSATILITY. The New Zealand backs were a disappointment, for their passing was not as crisp and clean as it had been in the earlier games in Sydney. Thero seemed to be a complete lack of penetration in their play.' Often when the ball did go from one to the other, no ground was made. Lilburne went to the full-back position, and his sterling game was one of the features of the match. Lilburne has shown himself one of the most versatile players in recent years, and the Australian critics havo nothing but praise for him. His handling was wonderfully accurate, his clearances beautifully timed, and his line-kicking and general play all that. could be desired. Corner, at hall:, completely eclipsed his rival.

Among tlio forwards McLean was outstanding. . Of McLean it lias been, said that lie its hi the world class. On the whole the .forwards wero a, line lot.