RUGBY

Evening Star, Issue 18034, 31 July 1922, Page 3

RUGBY

ALL BLACKS in AUSTRALIA. WIN FIRST TEST MATCH. THREE-QUARTERS SPARKLING PLAY. Ten thousand spectators witnessed the test match New Zealand' y. Now South Wales in fine but clqudy weather on Saturday. Fitzgerald (N.Z.) replaced: Svonson,'who was taken to hospital probably suffering from measles. Blackwood (N.S.W.) played in place of Fowlea, who was injured during the week The first half resulted in a score of 16 to 12 in favor of the Blues, the score fairly reflecting the respective merits of the 'displays. The ground was somewhat heavy, but nob sufficiently so to make the ball greasy. The Blue bocks participated in a number of fine bursts, but frequently were swamped by the Bliack forwards with the ball at toe. For the Blues, Sheehan and Wogan scored a try each, and Stanley kicked two penalties and one field goal. For New H. Nicholls, Beiliss, Dickinson, and Richardson scored a try Each.

The Blacks treated the 'spectators to sparkling play by the three-quarters after Hie interval. Ford raced down the wing dangerously to the full-back and passed in to Richardson, who scored, and .Nicholls converted. The Blues flung themselves at the visitors in the hope of gaining the lead. Walker started his backs going in their own territory. The hall was handled by the whole of the backs, terminating in Raymond scoring. Stanley failed with the kick. The Blacks renewed their attack, forwards and backs delving in vigorously, carrying play to New South Wales quarters.' Smith getting off-side gave Nicholls an opportunity to place a penalty goal, which he accepted, making the scores 20 to 19 in favor of the All Blacks. Fast following up by Whyte was rewarded by the bounce beating Nothling over the Bhio goal line, and Whyte scored. Nicholls failing to convert. Play continued fast and open, with the tackling on both sides of a more determined character. The game several times was held up in consequence of injuries to Beiliss and Badcleky, the latter, who had replaced Dickinson, temporarily leaving the field. The play for a period scintillated with bright passing movements. New South IVales twice were narrowly deprived of a, score by the deadly tackling of the Black three-quar-ters. Steel bullocked through the ruck and punted do.vn the wing, and beating Nothling for the hall kicked it over the line and scored. Nicholls failed with the kick. From now on the play was entirely devoid of “ beg pardons.” Walker, Sheehan. and Wogan repeatedly assailed the Now Zealand territory with ma-chine-like combined movements, but Steel. Fitzgerald, Nicholls, and Ford repulsed each attempt in a magnificent manner. The play wag very fast and exciting, Beiliss twice breaking through and leading his colleagues down the field. The whole fifteen Blacks shared the honors of the victory, though Steel at times was entitled to special mention. WEDNESDAY’S GAME. The Metropolitan team which is to meet the New Zealanders on Wednesday is as follows:—G. Walker, J. Black, J. Dawson, E. Newman, W. Jacobs, W, Prentice, L. Mingay, E. Early, 0. Lindsay, H. Brown. G. MTvay, W. Marriott, G. Thorn', R. Elliott, and A. Armstrong.—Sydney cable.