OUR RUGBY STALWARTS SAIL TO-DAY

Evening Star, Issue 19840, 13 April 1928, Page 4

OUR RUGBY STALWARTS SAIL TO-DAY

MOMENTOUS GAMES AHEAD

World’s Rugby Supremacy at Issue

The All Blacks sailed by the Manama to-day for Sydney, where they will join the Euripides for South Africa.

OUR FOOTBALL PRESTIGE AMD THE WIDER VALUE OF THE TOUR Twentv-nine Sew Zealand Rugby etalwarts left Wellington to-day to uphold the prestige of our national game on the playing fields of South Atnra, and it is with feelings of pride Hint the people of this country wish them an revoir and good luck. At the end of next, month, when they play the first game of the tour at Capo Town, the interest of tin* whole ot the Rii£ » world will ho centred on their progress, for it is generally recognised that the world's supremacy in the- game is to he decided. Seven years ago our Hlight pride was given a. healthy shock h\ the achievements of the Springboks of 1921. who, after winning one test match, losing one, and drawing one, lott l°r their home country w.th '‘honors even. Interest will he intense in Mew Zealand when the IKS Ail Blacks commence their programme of matches, and their record will be lollowotl with the liveliest. interest. Reports from Smith 'Africa indicate that the visit of the New Zealand team will cause a stir there—ns one African writer has put, |jt—“ the biggest stir in the history ,of South African sport.” In the mansion of the mining magnate on the Hand, in the hovel of the Ala lay fish hawker at the Cape, at the .street corner (and out on the veldt, in cloister and in mart, the tonic is said to bo of the prospective Rugby games. Now Zealand has good reason to he proud of tho record of her sons on the .Rugby held. It is a man’s game. In it there is developed the spirit of team •Work, unselfishness, and other manly Cvirtnes that make a race virile and (strong. There are those who say too much attention is paid to sport ;* that •football is a dangerous game; and that there is a risk of its becoming an obsession with our young men. Jt is to be hoped their counsels will never prevail, and that they will not persuade the sons of New Zealand to avoid the arena jof manly exertion. The more boys who play football tho better is it for the Country. Tho value of such a field for prowess and as a training ground for the development of the manlier virtues is not bo measured by numbers, jit is not the twenty-nine All Blacks who jare rendered more athletic by the pro(cess of selection, but the thousands of ' others, who cither aspire to excel or at least to climb a little way up the ladder of athletic fame. Every man worth his salt has an amusement to [which some part of his thoughts are directed. It is obvious that the devotion of tho younger men to outdoor exercise, the training of the healthy body as the home of a healthy mind, is tho contribution of no small 'element towards the success of the next generation in whatever their hands find to do. More of the football spirit could with advantage be introduced into everyday life. It would be a sorry day for New Zealand if its young men forsook the football field. While all enthusiastic Now Zealanders devoutly hope that the All Blacks of 1928 will he successful in their games and emerge triumphant in at least the majority of the test matches, they should also take a wider vision of the trip. Onr footballers might well be palled “ ambassadors of Empire.” They are not only representatives of the great game they play so well, hut are also representative of New Zealand. , .Our country’s standards will ho largely ( judged by the showing of the team, i which, if its members play the game f ton and off the field as well ns previous ! teams that have gone abroad have done, should create that feeling of comradeship between various parts of the Empire that is so vital nowadays. South 'Africa already has a warm spot in her heart for New Zealanders. She has met and welcomed many in the stirring days of war. If tho members of tho 1928 All Blacks can enhance her regard, they will have performed a valuable (sendee. New Zealand rests assured that its prestige on and off the field will he (honorably upheld bv its representative £ido of 1928. i PERSONNEL OF 1928 TEAM I

The members of the team for South Africa, with their ages, heights, and jjseights, are as follow

fC; TEST MATCHES First tost, at Durban, June 30. Second test, at Johannesburg, July 21. Third lost, at Tort Elizabeth, August 18. Fourth test, at Cape Town, September 1.

OBiiOH’S TEST RECORD

SOUTH AFRICA'S TEST RECORD Smith Africa, has a splendid record in test matches in the last, few decades, as the following table shows:—

THE ITINERARY FIRST GAME OH MAY 30 The Now Zealand Rugby team, which sailed from tlio dominion to-day, is due to arrive in Cape Town on May 26, and, a Her playing two matches thore, will proceed jo Kimberley and Johannesburg. The latter place,'it seems, will be made the team’s headquarters for a, considerable period of the tour, which will finish at Capo Town with the fourth test on September 1. Provision has been made for the trip to the Victoria Pails to rake place between the first and second tests. The itinerary is as follows ; Monday, May 21.—Arrive at Durban, per Euripides. Tuesday, May 22.—Leave Durban. Saturday, May ‘26. —Arrive Cape Town. Wednesday, May 3(l.—Play at Cape Town. Saturday, June 3. —Play at Cape Town. Monday, June 4 (4.15 p.m.).—Leave Capo 'Town. Tuesday, Juno 5 (7.40 p.m.).—Arrive Kim her ley. Wednesday, June (s.—Play at Kimberley. Thursday, Juno 7 (7.30 p.m.),—Leave Kimberley. Friday, Juno 8 (7..‘J0 a.m.). —Arrive at Johannesburg. Saturday, June i).—Play at Johannesburg. Tuesday, Juno 12 (11 a.m.).—Leave Johannesburg. Tuesday', Juno 12 (5 p.m.).—Arrive Kroonstad. Wednesday, Juno 13.—Play at Kroonstnd. Thursday, Juno 14 (12,37 p.m.).— Leave Kroonstad, Thursday, June 14 (6.15 p.m.).—Arrive Johannesburg. Saturday, June 16.—Play at Johannesburg. Tuesday, June 19 (10,10 a.m.).—Leave Johannesburg.

Tuesday, June 19 (2.40 p.m.).—Arrive Potchefstroom. Wednesday, June 20.—Play at Potchefstroom. * Thursday, June 21 (2.20 a.m,). —Leave Potchefstroom. Thursday, June 21 (6.J0 a.m.). —Arrive Johannesburg. Thursday, June 21 (2.15 p.m.).—Leave Johannesburg. Friday, Juno 22 (6.52 a.m.).—Arrive Maritzburg. Juno 20.—Play at Maritzburg. Monday, June 25 (8.35 a.m.). —Leave Maritzburg. Monday, Juno 25 (12.16 p.m.).—Arrive Durban. Saturday, June 30.—First test, Durban. Tuesday, July 3 (9.56 p.m.).—Leave Durban. Thursday, July 5 (4.13 a.m.). —Arrive Bloemfontein. Friday, July 6 (9 a.m.).—Leave Bloemfontein. Friday, July 6 (1.28 p.m.).—Arrive Kimberley. Saturday, July 7.—Play at Kimberley. Sunday, July 8 (.8.35 p.m.).—Leave Kimberley. Tuesday, July 10 (8.40 a.m.),—Arrive Bulawayo. Tuesday, July 10 (6 p.m.).—Leave Bulawayo. Wednesday. July H (10,12 a.m.). —Arrive Victoria Falls, Friday, July 13 (12.30 p.m.).—Leave Victoria Falls. Saturday, July 14. (7.30 a.m.). —Arrive Bulawayo. Saturday, July 14.—Play at Bulawayo. Monday, July 16 (5 p.m.).—Leave Bulawayo. Wednesday, July 18 (4.34 a.m.). —Arrive Johannesburg. Saturday, July 21.—Second test, Johannesburg. Monday, July 23 (5.10 p.m.).—Leave Johannesburg. Monday, July 23 (6j25 : Ag?iv6

Wednesday, July 25.—Play at Pretoria. Thursday, July 26 (6.30 p.m.).—Leave Pretoria. Friday, July 27 (7 a.m.).—Arrive Bloemfontein. Saturday, July *2B.—Play at Bloemfontein. Monday, July 30 (7,15 a.m.). —Leave Bloemfontein. Monday, July 30 (3.07 p.m.).—Arrive Burgh ersdorp. Wednesday, August I.—Play at Burghersdorp. Thursday, August 2 (3.07 p.m.).— Leave Burgbersdorp. Friday, August 3 (6,30 a.m.).— Arrive East London. Saturday, August 4.—Play at Fast London. Tuesday, August 7 (1.1.05 a.m.). —Leave East London,' Tuesday, August 7 (1.53 p.m.).—Arrive Kingwillmmstown. Wednesday, August S. —Piny at Knm'villiamstown. Thursday, August 9 (2.14 p.m.).— Leave K mgswilhamsl own. Fndav, Aimnsl 10 (6.05 a.m.).—Arrive Port Elizabeth. Saturday. August 11.- I’Ll v at Port Eliza bet h. Saturday. August I'. I hud test, Port Elizabeth. Sunday, August 19 (3.15 p.m.).—Leave Port. Elizabeth. Mondav, August 20 (7,20 a.m.).—Arrive Oudtshonrn. Wednesday, August 22. Play at Dndtsliooni. Thursday. August 23 (7.35 a.m.).— Leave, Ondl slmorn. Fndav. Aliens), 21 (7.51 a.m.). —Arrive ( ape I own. Saturday. Anen.-t 2a.— Plav at Capo Town. Saturday September .I. —Fourth test, ('ape T own. Tuesday September 4.—Sail per Ceramic from Cape Town.

THE MANAGER MR VI. F. liwßillG’S CAREER Mr \V. I' 1 . Hornig, the manager of the 1923 All Blacks for South Africa, lias boon prominently connectedwith tlie New Zealand Rugby Union for a long period of years. _ In the days of the Wednesday hall-holiday in Wellington lie played in the Wednesday matches, and later be joined np with the old-established Oriental Club, Wellington, of which Jig has been an executive officer for years, having boon several years president. He also served on the Wellington Rugby Union, and has enjoyed a long of activity on the Management Committee of the New Zealand Rugby Union.;

WHO WILL WIN? ■■ ■s' l " COR PROSPECTS i SOUTH AFRICA OEBIORABLE CORTESTS EXPECTED Thu subject of the chances of the 192 S All Blocks iti South Africa has been Ihc chief topic of Rugby enthusiasts for some considerable time, and various arguments have been adduced to show that one side or the other should he bettor. Records have been quoted and statistics produced to support arguments, while the advantage of each country’s particular style of play Ims been stressed. At till events, the interest that is being trtken—and it is just as great in South Africa as here —shows that the contests which arc 10 take place will ho memorable mu's. They w>JI ho trials of strength between the two greatest Rugby lootball playing countries in the world. The strength of tlie 1921 Springbok te'am is the basis of comparison of most Rugby followers. That, team played nineteen matches in Mew Zealand, won fifteen, lost two, drew two. and scored 244 points against SI. The three, test matches resulted as follows: hirst. Test,—Mew Zealand won by Id Io 5. Second Test.- South Africa won by 9 to A. Thin! 'test.- -Drawn; South Africa 0, Mew Zealand 0. So the Africans left, these shores with *‘ honors even ” as far as the test matches were concerned, and altogether with a highly creditable record. ft was contended on all hands that New Zealand Rugby was at a very low ehb_

in 1991, the war having left its mark on the game as well as on everything else. Admittedly that was the case, but was it not natural to assume that the same thing applied to South Africa ? At, any rate, a healthy shock was given to our Rugby pride,'and probably did us a great/deal of good, for in the following year the standard of play improved immensely. The writer, who saw the Springboks in five of the games of the tour, was of the opinion, and still is, that they were a far better team than they wore generally given credit for. In the throe tests the Africans score 14 points to New Zealand’s IS, so there was not much difference. Among the provincial sides Taranaki drew with the Springboks and Canterbury won. In the last nine games pf ;tbeh: tout’, including two mteßoa-

tional matches, the Springboks were not defeated. To go back, for tho moment, twenty years or so, it will be generally conceded that Paul Roos’s South Africans of 190 C-07 were very little inferior in playing ability to Dave Gallagher’s All Blacks of 1905. The probability that this is a correct estimate becomes all the stronger when due* allowance is made for the element of surprise enjoyed by the New Zealanders, and no longer in operation when the Springboks arrived on the scene. As for W. A. Miller’s South Africans who visited the Home countries in 1912-13, they were the first dominion side to win all tho test games against England, Scotland, Ireland, Wales, and Franco in a single tour. In achieving that feat they had their goal-line crossed on only two occasions, and gave away but 8 points in all their five international encounters, fewer than any visiting team belore or since. .The Springboks of 1912 also hold the distinction of having scored the most decisive victory—3B to 0 against Ireland—gained by any dominion side in an international match in Europe. But when we come to the performance of the 1924-25 New Zealand team that toured Great Britain and France we find a record that eclipses the very best tho Africans can show thirty games played and thirty won, including four international games. And there was no element of surprise on this occasion; Great Britain was ready, but had to give way before a great side. As lar as the number of matches won is concerned, the record of the 1924-25 All Blacks may be equalled by a visiting team, but it can never be beaten. There is no doubt that since the Springboks’ visit of 1921 New Zealand Rugby lias greatly improved. According to her own critics, South Africa has not made a corresponding recovery in the past seven years. It is true that the British team in Africa in 1924 failed to win more than nine games out of twenty-one played, losing three out of lour tests, and drawing one; but the bard grounds, injuries, and lack of combination between such a varied collection of players provided ample explanation of (heir failure. The South African forwards were giants in size, and vigorous enough, but it is said the back play was not to be compared with that of the 1906 and 1912 Springboks. As the Now Zealand forwards of 1928 will not lack size, weight, or pace, it remains to he seen what they can do by sheer skill. Great side though it undoubtedly is, tho New Zealand team of 1928 will ho up against a strong proposition, and all its brawn and brains will be needed on tins strenuous tour. Besides the strain of playing twenty-two games, including four tests, there will be long distances to travel. In tho space of three months the team will travel something like 6 200 miles. The grounds in some places will be extremely hard, and the atmosphere in certain districts may he found trying and unusual for football. Despite all those difficulties, however, the writer thinks the teany will come through with credit, and win at least a majority of the test games. It is the best side'that has left New Zealand—that opinion is shared by very many—and the experience of many of the men who have already worn the silver fern should bo ol great value to it.

THE BEST FULL-BACK ' HEPIA'S PRAISES BY ENGLISH WRITER Writing on the subject of the best full-backs, which arose as the result of the Warn,tabs’ visit and many fine displays by A. W. Ross, Mr H. J. Henley, a well-known critic, lias the following in the London ‘ Daily Mail ’ of January 7 this year:— “Since the war few full-backs of a quality to earn that precious _ word ‘ great ’ have been produced in this corner of the world. Perhaps the best has been Daniel Drysdale, of Scotland. But neither Ross nor Drysdale can be compared with George Nepia. the young Maori, whoso play delighted so many thousands of people when he toured with the All Blacks team in 1924. He was little more than a Imy at the time —bis age, in fact, was only nineteen. But be bad the physique of two ordinary men, both in strength and endurance. Not very tall, with high, square shoulders, and with beautifully-propor-tioned limbs, he was at once a sprinter and a man hard as iron. It was a delight to see him tackle—low, fearless, ruthless. It was a still greater delight to see him in an adventurous mood, when instead of kicking he raced down tho field, dodging and tricking like an accomplished three-quarter. There were few matches in which sooner or later he did not seem on the point of scoring a try. And there was always the joy of batttle in those black eyes which shone so vividlv. Nepia was a Rugger genius. Ross Is strong and clever and sound. But a !genfug-*#iq| Uigfeis-dbe , differenced

SOUTH AFRICA’S TALENT leading critics review « " The tournament has revealed that we have in this country a plenteous stock of good material wherewith to build our team next year,” wrote “Cypher,” in the Johannesburg ‘Star’ at tno conclusion of the 1927 South African Currie Cup tournament. “It is possible that in certain departments the stock is not as plentiful as in others. There is, for example, a scarcity of centre-three-quarters, but it will be bad luck if those which have been discovered do not suffice for the needs of next season.

“ It would be presumptuous, as well as foolish, if at this stage I attempted to forecast the South African fifteen, which will meet the All Blacks in the first of the tests. The selectors themselves would not undertake the task at the present moment. Before he can be deemed worthy of a place in a South African side a man must be tried in higher company than an interprovincial game. The interprovincial games this season between Western Province, Transvaal, Free Stale, Eastern Province, and Natal have, however, provided fairly severe tests, severer tests, I think, than in any previous season since the Var. “ During the season the writer saw all the centres in action except Borden. In order to venture an opinion

as to which were the most likcl.v players to gain South African colors, lie selected the following players:— Full-backs—J. S. Du Plessis (N.E.), H. W. Jackson (N.), and Lategan (S.W.). Wing threes—Boschoff (S.W.), J. oosthui7/Gn (T.), J. P. Prinsloo (T.), N S Tod (X,), and J. Van Nickerk (W.P.). Centre threes—-K. Dohie (T.), W. 11. Rousseau (W.P.), Van Rooycn (W.T.), R. Waushury (0.F.5.). Fly halves —M. Francis (0.F.5.1. A. Holton (G.W.), R. L. Osier (W.P.), B. Sieff (T.). Scrum halves— Rotsma (E.P.). D. Devine (T.). C. Maris (G.W.), W. H. Townsend (N.l. Forwards—C. S. Barlow (N.). J. J. Rasson (O.F.SA, S. Rotha (W.T.). A. Gericke (G.W.), D. Jordaan (0.F.5.), J. J. Kipling (G.W.). T. L. Krugoi (T.). C. E. Lomv (T.), H. Melck (W.P.), P. J. Mostert (W.P.), J. 11. Naude (N.), P. J. Nel (N"l. J. Oliver (T.l. N. F, Pretorius (T.). S. Protorius (W.P.), Ross (S.WA. J. Shoeman (N.E.), I. J. Siodlc (NO, Dr J. Van Druten (T.), J. P. Van Heerdon (N.E.), Van HeerdeiT (E.P.), White (E.P.). “ I am not suggesting the above are the best men in South Africa. They are merely the men whom I have picked out from" the games T have scon, the one exeption being J. Van Nickerk, the wing three-quarter, who was crocked before the first Western Province match. The choice of forwards is very rich, and it will be a most difficult task to prune the number to eight without inflicting injustices.” “WE CAN SEAT ALL BLACKS ” VIEWS OF 1921 SPRINGBOK CAPTAIN “We can heat the All Blacks. What is more, we must.” wrote T. Pienaar, captain of the 1921 Springboks in New Zealand, in the Johannesburg 1 Sunday Times’). ‘‘But wo must realise that we shall have to tackle the task in grim earnest. Our dilatory methods of selection must he abandoned, as also our happy-go-lucky way of assembling our test and provincial sides two or three days before a match. Some anmtenr-run-mad will, probably fall foul of mo for even daring to suggest a thing like this; but it is either this or tamely saying to the All Blacks 1 We do not wish to be considered as serious competitors in world Bugger; wo are quite content to take a, hiding for the mere fun of the thing; wo shall therefore play you with practically scratch teams in a friendly, happy-go-lucky spirit. and_ retire gracefully in you favor.’ Unthinkable. is it not? The All Black is out for our scalp, make no mistake about that, and will' strain every nerve to_ pet it. Any excuse will merely convince him that the Springbok is suffering from cold feet!

“Surely what was possible to the 1921 Springboks in New Zealand is possible to bis younger brother in 1928 on bis own soil. Wo have the physique, the spirit, the determination, the football genius; but, may I whisper, the query to the 1928 would-be Springbok, will he have the necessary form?” FIRST RUGBY PLAYER A unique and interesting tablet is in position bn the wall overlooking Rugby School playing fields. It was placed there in commemoration of a, boy named Webb Ellis, who, while playing football in 1823, caught and ran with the hall in his arms instead of kicking it in the orthodox manner, this being the origin of the present style of Rugby football. The tablet boars the following .unique inscription:—

“This stone Commemorates the exploit of William Webb Ellis, Who, with a fine disregard for the rules of Football as played in his time, First took the ball in h/[s anus and ran with it, Thus originating the distinctive feature of Thq Rugby game,

RECORDS COMPARED SOUTH AFRICA AND HEW ZEALAND It was in tlio 1905-06 tour of Great Britain that New’ Zealand jumped into the limelight of the world’s Rugby stage. In the following year South Africa endeavored to emulate the startling deeds of the All Blacks, and a comparison of the success achieved is interesting at the present time. The Now’ Zealand team of 1905-06 played thirty-throe matches, won thirty-two, lost one, and scored 86b points against 67. The South African team in Great Britain in 1907 played twenty-eight matches, won twenty-five, lost two, drew’ one, and scored 633 points against 79. While actual figures seem to show that the New Zealand side was the better, it has to be remembered that there w’as great interest stimulated in tho game after flic All Blacks’ visit, and that tho Springboks probably met stiller opposition. in the international games New; Zealand beat Scotland 12 7, Ireland 15-0, England 15-0, and lost to Wales 0-3. The Springboks beat Ireland 16-12, beat Wales 11-0. Inst to Scotland 0-6, and drew with England 3-3. The following table gives the total figures for the international games above mentioned

In 1012 nnother South African team visited Great Britain. It played twentyseven games, won twenty-tour, and lost three, scoring 441 jfoints against 101. In international games the 1912 Springboks beat Scotland 16-0, Ireland 38-0. Wales 3-0, and England 9-3, scoring 66 points against 3—a good performance. The record of the 1924-25 All Blacks, still fresh in. the minds of enthusiasts, shows that they won all o! their thirty games, in which they scored 721 points against 112.' Scotland did not meet the All Blacks, who beat England by 17 to 11, Ireland by <3 to 0, and Wales by J!) to 1.1. Then there is the record ot_ the New Zealand Army team in Africa. This combination played fifteen games, won eleven, lost three, and drew one, scoring 176 points against 69. The records ol the above Now Zealand teams are splendid ones, hnt it must not he forgotten that the record of tlio Springboks in New Zealand in 1921 is also one that ranks high. South Africa played nineteen games, wou fifteen, lost two, and drew two, scoring 214 points against SI. Canterbury boat the Springboks by 6-4, and Smith Africa, lost one tost hy 5 to 13. The scores in the test matches were: First test; South Africa 5, New Zealand 13. Second test: South Africa 9, Now, Zealand 6. Third test; South Africa 0, New Zealand 0. Total scores: South Africa 14, New Zealand 18. The alxivo records servo to show that each country can claim to be about as good as the other. No wonder the Rugby world will he looking on with intense interest at the momentous games in 1028!

SPRINGBOKS OF 1921 The South African team which loured Australia and New Zealand in 1921 consisted of the following players;— Backs.—G. I‘. Morkel (Western Province), J. B. do Villiors (Transvaal), A. Van Heerdcn (Transvaal), Henry Morkol (Western Province), C. du P. Meyer (Western Province), W. C. Zellar (Natal), W. A, Clarkson (Natal), J. Woopener (Western Province), W. Sendin (Griipialand West), 8. S. Straus (Griqualancl West), J. P. Michau (Western Province), J. S. do Koch (Western Province), J. Tindall (Western Province). W. Townsend (Natal). Forwards.—W. 11. (Boy) Morkel (vice-captain, Western Province and Transvaal), M. Ellis (Transvaal), T. Kruger (Transvaal), J. W. Van llooyen (Transvaal), J. M. Michau (Transvaal), N. du Plcssis (West TransVaal), A, P. Walker (Natal), J.. B. Siedle (Natal), J’. W. Mollish (Western Province), Royal Morkel (Western Province), Many Morkel (Western Province), P. J. Mostcrt (Western Province), It. Seholtz (Western Province), T. B. Pienaar (captain, Western Province), J. Olivier (Western Province). Manager, G. H. Bennett (Kimberley).

The complete record of the team in Australia and New -Zealand iVas as follows : Juno 18—v, Victoria ; won, 51 to 0. June 25—v. New' South Wales;'won, 25 to 10. June 27—v. New South Wales; won, 16 to 11. July 2—v. New South Wales, won, 28 to 9. July 6—v. Metropolitan Union (Syd'ney) ; won, 14 to_B. July 36—v. Wanganui; won, 11 to 6. July J6—v. Taranaki; drawn, no score. July 20—v. Wairarnpa and Bush District; won, 18 to 3. July 23—v. Wellington; won, 8 to 3. July 27—v. West Coast, won, 33 to 3. July 30—v. Canterbury; lost, 4to 6. August 3—v. South Canterbury; won, 34 to 3. August 6—v. Southland; won, 12 to 0. August 10—v. Otago; won, 11 to 3. August 13—v. New' Zealand; lost by 5 to 13. August 17—v, Manawatu; won, 3to (U August 20—v, Auckland: won, 24 to 8. August 24—V. Bay of Plenty; won, 17 to 9. August 27—v. New Zealand; won. 9 to 5. August; 33—v. Waikato: won, 6to 0. September 3—v. Hawke’s Bay; won, 14 to 8. Sentemhor 7—v. Maori team; won, 9 to p September 30—v. Nelson and Marlljorough; won, 26 to 3. September 17—v. Now Zealand; drawn, no score. Summary of matches played in Australia Played, 5; won, 5; points for, 134; points against, 38. Summary of matches played in New Zealand:—Played, 19: won, 16; lost, 2j drawn, 2; points for, 244; points against, 83,. Summary of all matches: —Played, 24;-won, 20; lost, 2; drawn, 2; points for, 378; points against, 119.

THE PLAYERS'-NUMBERS Eve rolling possible has been done t® ensure the success of the New Zealand team in South Africa. Even superstition has had something to do with the arrangements, for the allegedly unlucky number thirteen has been left out 'in the numbering of the jerseys, so that the numbers for the twentynine plavers run from one to twelve and from fourteen to thirty. It is strange, however, that the departure of the team was scheduled from Wellington on April 13. By a coincidence the English Rugby Union will consider on that date an invitation by the NeU* Zealand Union to send a team to tour Now Zealand and New South Woles in 4930.

MAURICE BROWNLIE CAPTAIN A WORLD-FAMOUS PLAYER Maurice Brownlie, whoso appointment as the captain of the New Zealand team for South Africa is most popular with players and the public alike, is generally acknowledged to be one of the very best forwards New Zealand has ever produced. On the All Blacks' tour or 1925 English critics gave him the palm of being one of the greatest forwards of all time. Scaling about 14ist, the Hawke’s Bay captain infuses great dash into his play and is a most difficult man to hold, often sending opponents flying with a •hake of his powerful shoulders. He is a tower of strength on the line-out, and in the open can move and handle like a back. Apart from his football prowess, Maurice will be a decided acquisition as skipper, for he is a good speakei'j sound and discreet.' Maurice Brownlie .'earned the rudiments of football at St. Patrick’s College, Wellington, and returned to bis home in Napier, where, at the age of sixteen, he played senior for High School Old Boys in 1913-14. Went to the war in 191 G, played l'or_New Zealand forces in Palestine, 1917-18. Captained the famous Hawke’s Bay provincial team which held New Zealand premiership from 1922 to 1927. Maurice has represented the dominion without a break since 1922, during which time he visited Australia thrice and Europe once. Ho is regarded as the best forward playing in New Zealand to-day. South Africans will find him very much like Van llcoyen, the famous forward of the 1921 Springboks. M. Brownlie plays in the second row of the scrum. ALL BLACKS’ TRAINER MR ANDY MERGER, OF DUNEDIN New Zealand's footballers should go on the fields of Africa tit and .well, for their trainer is a man who knows his job thoroughly. He is Mr Andrew Mercer, of Dunedin, who has a long list of successes iu training athletes and footballers. His appointment as trainer with the team should be a highly popular one. At various times Mr Mercer lias trained some of the most notable athletes of the dominion, these including Dr A. E. Porritt, H. D. Morgan, and Dr C. Kingston, all of the Otago University athletic team. The first runner ot any note trained by Mr Mercer was George M'Knight, of the Caversham Harriers, who had considerable success in distance running. Other members of the Caversham Club, which for many years was the strongest here and whose members at that time won most of the important races, were also trained by him. In 1920 he was appointed as official trainer to the Otago University athletic team. Four years in succes-sion—l922-1925—this team won the interuniversity tournament. In 1921 Mr Mercer trained the All Black team (captained bv the Rhodes scholar, Geo. Aitken) which beat the Springboks in the first test match at Carisbrook, and he also trained the New Zealand team which defeated New South Wales at Dunedin in 1923. For several seasons ho trained the Otago representative Rugby teams, including the 1922 combination. which had ;ui unbeaten record. The training of the Otago University fifteen which won the championship three years in succession, also the Payne trophy, was in the capable hands of Mr Mercer. Mr Mercer travelled the South Island with the South African athletic team, which comprised Messrs Emery, Oosterlook, Bukes, Kinsman, and Lathern. On being transferred to Christchurch several yours ago Mr Morccr was appointed trainer to Canterbury College, and turned out a number of promising athletes, including Messrs E. B. Taylor and D. Bain. AH OPEH LETTER ADDRESSED TO THE ALL BLACKS Gentlemen,-Just a short note to wish you an revoir, the best ol luck, and an enjoyable trip. Whoever wins, whether your scores are large or small, raav the memory of the tom' remain with you till the last whistle. Now and acrain when the stands are roaring, high excitement or a painful knock may cause some of you "to fed like losing vour temper. Perhaps a remark from the hank may rouse your ire. or the referee may pull you up. But forget it. Get on with the game, the great old game of Rugbv football. New Zealand would like to see yon win every match, but, far more important, she wants you to act as sportsmen and gentlemen, as she knows you will. Good sportsmanship lasts for ever. Here’s to yon, men of South Africa and men of New Zealand, a hard turf, a fair wind, no favors, and no regrets. Yours sincerely, New Zealander. BRITISH TEAM, 1924 ITS RECORD IN SOUTH AFRICA The record of the 1924 British Rugby team in South Africa was as follows: W. Province (Town and Country) lost 6 to 7 W. Province (Universities) won 9.t0 8 Griqualand West won 28 to 0 Rhodesia won 16 to 3 Western Transvaal won 8 to 7 Transvaal draw 12 to 12 Orange Free State (Country) lost oto 6 Orange Free State lost 3 to 6 Natal draw 3 to 3 South Africa lost 3 to 7 The Rand lost 6 to 10 South Africa lost 0 to 17 Pretoria lost 0 to 16 riorth-eastern won 20 to 12 Cape Province won 13 to 3 Border won 12 to 3 Fvastern Province lost 6 to 14 South Africa draw 3 to 3 South-western won 12 to 6 South Africa lost 9 to 16 Western Province won 8 to 6 Played 21, won 9, lost 9, drawn 3. Points for, 175; against, 155. NEW ZEALAND ARMY TEAM ITS REODRD IN AFRICA The New Zealand Army team, which ■visited South Africa on the way home from the Great War, consisted of twenty-eight players and a manager. The tour commenced on July 24, and ended on September 16. The team’s record was as follows:

“DIGGERS” IN AFRICA ARMY TEAM’S SUCCESSFUL TOUR FIRST NEW ZEALAND INVASION The results of the New Zealand military service tour of South Africa in 1919 are not as well known as they should bo in New Zealand. Invited to tour the Union under the auspices of the South African Rugby Board, the holders Of the King’s Gup, won in the interservicos’ tournament in England, arrived at Cape Town in July, 1919. Winning eleven out of the fifteen games played in the next eight weeks and drawing one, the New Zealanders did exceedingly well. Among the members of the Army team winch went to Africa will be found the names of many who in tho years after 1919 gained a place in New Zealand representative sides after they had doffed tho unifcmm and returned to civilian life. Lieutenant R. W. (Wally) Baumgart (now of Rum, Westland) led the following thirteen backs and fifteen forwards into action at the Cape:— Backs.—Full-backs: Sergeant-major J. G. O'Brien (Auckland), Sergeant W. L. Henry (South Canterbury) ; three-quarters—Sergeant J. Stobr (Taranaki), Lieutenant E. W. King (assistant manager, Wellington), Sergeant Eddie Ryan (AVcilington), Sergeant W. A. Ford (Canterbury). Stalfsergeant P. W. Storey (South Canterbury) ; five-eighths—Sergeant R. W. Roberts (Taranaki), Lieutenant G. J. M'Naught (Wanganui), Sergeantmajor Jas. Ryan (N.Z.P.S., vice-cap-tain, Wellington). Sergeant W. R. Fea (Otago) ; naif-backs—Staff-ser-geant Chas. Brown (captain, Taranaki), Sergeant D, M'K. Sandman (Canterbury); forwards—wing-forwards; Sergeant A. A. Lucas (Auckland), Sergeant A. P. Singe (Auckland; hookers —Sergeant M. Cain (Taranaki), Staffsergeant H. G. Whittington (Taranaki), Sergeant S. J. Standon (Wellington), Staff-sergeant E. W. Hasell (Canterbury) ; locks—Lieutenant J. E. Moffitt (Wellington), Sergeant J. A. Bruce (Wellington and Auckland) ; packers—Sergeant J. Kissack (Taranaki), Sergeant A. H. West (Taranaki), Sergeant E. A. Beilis (Wanganui), Sergeant A. Gilchrist (Wellington), Staff-sergeant R. Fogarty (Otago, Taranaki, and Auckland), Staff-sergeant E. J. Naylor (Otago), Lieutenant E. L. J. Cockroft (Southland).

No fewer than fifteen of the above players won international caps in New Zealand football after their return, and others would undoubtedly have done so but for injuries and other reasons. The first game of the tour was played on July 24, and the last game on September 16, and of the fifteen matches played tho diggers won eleven, lost three, and drew one. No match was arranged against a representative South African fifteen. Two of the provinces beat the New Zealanders, though tho visitors had their revenge against Western Provinces by winning by 20 to 3 after tho previous week’s loss of 6 to 17. The other teams which beat the Army team were Griqualand West and Universities, while a drawn game was played with the town clubs of Capo Town.

It was the mission of the famous South African sporting journalist, who saw all the Army teams in his country, to discover the source of New Zealand’s strength and any weaknesses revealed in the various games. But as he slated after the tour, they did not play consistent football at any time; while always playing as a- team the form had differed so materially in various games that no dependence whatever could be placed on the results. His advice was to accept the lessons of the tour with certain reservations, because any little weakness may have been clue entirely to the limited field of selection, and the fact that the New Zealand Army team had played a tremendous amount of football since the armistice, and may have been suffering somewhat from staleness and hospitality. Fie concluded :

“ That the New Zcahinders have had a happy time is undeniable. They will confess, frankly and freely, that it has been the time of their Jives; but—is all this tremendous hospitality likely to conduce to good football ; J The wonder to me is that they have done so well, for, since they reached Cape Town, over two months ago, every town seems to have done its best to excel its predecessor—and Johannesburg stands easily head and shoulders above all others." One endless succession of busy, interesting days and cheerful nights in the best of good company. These gallfuit fellows will carry byck delightful impressions ol South African hospitality, but it has not tended to improve' their football. Who cares? Through the smoke and flame of the blood-sodden Holds of Flanders these big-hearted lads have stormed their way; they delayed their homeward voyage for our benefit, and it is little enough that we were able to do in return for all they have done for us. The sentimental value of the New Zealand Army tour of South Africa is incalculable. It was responsible for the tremendous crowds that attended the matches, and it has given the Rugby game just that stimulus that is so badly needed.” A SUCCESSFUL START.

Remarkable interest was shown m the New Zealanders’ first game, against the Western Province Country fifteen, at the historic Newlands Ground, a few miles out of Capo Town. the attendance was estimated at 12,000, and the game was played in brilliant weather. Until well on in the first spell the dashiim tactics of the African forwards worried the New Zealanders, who then found their feet and scored two tries in quick succession, brown scored the first try of the tour, Stohr converting, and Roberts gained another try. Neu Zealand failed to score in the second half, and their opponents succeeded in goaling a free kick and scoring a try. Result; New Zealand Army 8, Western, Country 6. , . Three days later the Army team met •the Western Province (town clubs), and the result was said to' ho “ magnificent and a finished exposition of Rugby.” It was a Titanic struggle—a battle of styles fought to the bitter end without quarter asked or given—and for the final twenty minutes It was not a cheer that wont up from nearly 20,000 throats, but one continuous round of applause. The game swung from end to end without warning. Jerseys were torn, the tackling was hard, and the pace was terrific. Though it was a grim battle there was not an incident to mar the fair repute of New Zealand or South African Rugby. Here is what a South African writer said: “Heavily tested in every department, it can be written without fear of contradiction that cleaner players and better sportsmen than the New Zealanders it would be impossible to meet. They came with comparatively new methods and original ideas; in a conservative community the task of the missionary is not an easy one, but by the absolute fairness of their methods they have disarmed all criticism, and proud indeed is South Africa to have them with ns.” Percy Storey, who was regarded as the champion scoring back of the Army team, and whose try, by the way, in the first Springbok test at Carisbrook in 1921 should not be forgotten, scored New Zealand’s only try in the first spell, and Botha scored a try for the home side in the second spell. Final score; 3 all. At Oudtshoorn the Army team mot and defeated the South-western District team by the large score of 23 to 0, the whole of which was scored in the

second spell A local Press report at tho time stated: “We have only seen one display at forward to anything like equal that given by our New Zealand visitors (even then the All Blacks' seven were greater), and that was at Inverleith, when tho 1912 Springboks beat Scotland 16-0. When South Africa has developed its forwards like the New Zealanders, who can run like three-quarters, are untiring in every quarter of the game, and are never at a loss to know what to do, 'and in tho process of development its backs do not suffer, then ami only then would the No. 3 Springboks team (1921) be capable of approaching New Zealand form and tour tho All Black country with success. We fail to see, unless the All Blacks crack up on the hard grounds up country, where tho pack is to hail from that will get the better of New Zealand’s seven forwards in the loose, either with their hands or feet.” The fourth game was played against Eastern Province at Port Elizabeth, and was won by the New Zealanders by 15 points to 0. There was an attendance of 8,000, another record. In the first spell tries wbre scored by Singe and Sandman, and in the second half Beilis and Ford scored, and J. O’Brien put over a free kick from halfway. The Eastern Province team was captained by Tom Van Vnnron, a Gft 4in and lost forward of the 1912 Springboks. At Bloemfontein the New Zealanders met Orange Free State. West, Ford, and Storey scored for the Army side in the first half, Hasell converting one try, and the homo side obtained a converted try. In the second half Beilis scored, and West converted, the game ending: New Zealand Army IG, Free State 5. THE FIRST CHECK. By 3 points to S the Army team suffered its first defeat in the match with Griqualand West at Kimberley. Soon after the start Bcnnotto scored for tho home side, and later in the spell Dobbin scored, the try being converted. In the second half no tries were scored, but Hasell put over a free kick for the Army. Final: Griqualand West 8, New Zealand Army 3. WINNING AGAIN.

At Johannesburg the Now Zealanders met the Wit walersvand side, which included four of the 1912 Springboks (Douglas Morkcl, Van tier Hoff, Jan

Luyt, and Joe Francis), and a doughty forward of the 1921 Springboks in New Zealand (Van Rooycn). Jt was a bard game, the home side running the Now Zealanders to one score per spell—a try by Storey just on half-time, and a penalty goal by Stohr. In this match the Now Zealand forwards for the first time met their match. Summed up, the African Press comment on the match was that from the game one fact was outstanding—that it would bo hard to beat the visitors, no matter how well the orthodox African game was played. Final score: New Zealand Army (3, IVitwatorsrand 0.

Groat interest was shown in the match between the New Zealand Army team and Mines, at Johannesburg, wheno. at the famous Wanderers’ Ground, there was an attendance of 15,000, which included Generals Botha and Smuts.

in no uncertain way the Army team showed its superiority, and won handsomely by 24 to 3. At the interval New Zealand led by 13 to 3. Tries wore scored by Beilis, Bruce, and Ford, two of them being converted by Stohr. The try for Mines was scored by Joe Francis. In the second half Beilis scored another try, which was converted by Stohr, who also put over two goals from free kicks. The game ended: New Zealand Army 24, Mines 3. One of the features of the match was the excellent kicking by Stohr, who was responsible for half of the New Zealand total.

A CLOSE CALL. At Pretoria, against Pretoria, the New Zealanders had a close call, emerging victors by y points to 4 (a converted Iry to a potted goal). Brown scored from a scramble on the line in the first spell. Stohr converting, and Vnn Qiiivzow pot Pula "oal for the home side in the second half. Local Press comment said: “The football was absolutely disappointing. The visitors, who are magnificent thletcs and good sportsmen, play a game of their own. They cover up wonderfully, and obstruct immensely-, and their interpretation of the rules of the scrum are widely divergent from the accepted tenets of the game.”-

CLOSE TO THE WIND AGAIN. Back to Johannesburg, the New Zealanders met the Transvaal side, and won by 5 points In 3. It was a team of fine young athletes tht represented Transvaal, but they found the Army defence impregnable, their 3 points being gained by a free kick against the New Zealanders’ converted try. The most remarkable feature of this game was the fact that the Transvaal team adopted the New Zealand scrum formation, varying it with the throe-four scrum and a winger, adnped by Wales at times. The pack was so arranged that the fast followers could break away for spoiling purposes among the backs. But the initiative of the African hacks was not as good as that of the Now Zealanders. A speedy three-quarter in Dc Wet never had a chance with the straight passing, and such e(forts were, of no avail against the old On the other hand, the versatility of the AH Blacks’ system enabled them to

I camo with another fine try. Stohr _' . . - • faded -vi.n L-oi.il kicks. After passing dj . I>roWUf Ryail( and Fea another i J great try was notched by Storey, who I " ■ • 5 put in a spectacular 50yds run. The 4 I game was well advanced before Allan • i (three-quarter) secured Natal’s only 4 I points of the day with the second best * I try of the match, Deane and Zellar ] A IPl) _ ® ■ . . having paved the way with some good i Ail Kevoir i j 4 line after a run of 40yds. The ball f I rolled over, and Fogarty was handy J 3 to touch down. The game ended: ( Clinrl - New Zealand Army 17, Natal 3. j CUIU j beaten BY A POINT. 5 , ? Back to Cape Town, the New Zcaj f landers’ twelfth game was against the GH TT -g ? Stellenbosch and South African Univeroocl Luck 5i,.,.; 1 , &jrr arts f t lost this game by 8 points to 9. It I ? was a match in which the result was f » always in doubt, and with more luck S J with a kick from a mark towards the ( , I end of the game Now Zealand might t '"" ' 1 - ■- ~~ J have won. The students snatched a i f victory by daring opportunism alone. -ft-..-w.<,-a-..Though they won by a point—the dil-

score one try, and another should have been obtained had the final pass, with the defence pierced, been correct. One African critic said; “It is now up to the Transvaal to lead South Africa in adopting the New Zealand style, and develop its many possibilities, because wo have the young bloods who use it to advantage. The extra man out of the scrum should become an institution.” STOREY SHINES AT DEB BAN. Ten thousand ; cople saw the New Zealand Army team in action at Durban against a strong Natal side, ol which live members (Zellar, Clarkson, Townsend, Walker, and Sicdle) were members of the 1021 Sni inghoks. win of the New Zealanders, by 17 to 3, was a very meritorious one. In brilliant style. Storey opened the scoring with a try which was converted by Stohr. Fogarty went over after an opening made by Stohr, and Storey

Back to Cape Town, the New Zealanders’ twelfth game was against tho Stellenbosch and South African Universities at the Ncwlands ground on Thursday, September 4. The Army lost this game by 8 points to 9. It was a match in which tho result was always in doubt, and with more luck with a kick from a mark towards the end of the game Now Zealand might have won. The students snatched a victory by daring opportunism alone. Though they won by a point—the dilferencc between their three tries and the losers’ two tries (one converted) — probably the .majority of the crowd of 12,000 would have boon thoroughly satisfied with a drawn game. It was a game of fluctuating lortunc. First the heme side scored. Storey, who had several times stopped the redoubtable Van J.ieerdon, again brought him down, but this tunc the African wing managed to got the ball away to De Kock, who corkscrewed his way over through a massed defence to secure a great try at the corner. Just before the interval Now Zealand’s chance came. 1 nnumerahle scrums took place on tho African line, and alter-the ball had been heeled from one oi those Bruce snapped up and gave Fogarty the honor of .scoring under the posts. Stohr converted, and at half-time the hoard showed ; Now Zealand Army 5, Universities 3.

ARNaught had injured his knee in the first .spell, hut came on again alter a short retirement, though he. was not the.u Ids old soil'. Rally in the second half Universities were unfortunate to lose Alhertyn, their crack winger. From the whistle Mew Zealand attacked hotly, ami after a number of attempts Dick Roberts gave the ball

to ‘‘Jockey” Ford, who scored at tlio corner. A brilliant attempt by St-ohr to goal from a diflicult angle just fell short. Their came one of those quick ami dramatic changes which sometimes take place on the football lickl. While the New Zealanders were carrying all before them Krige • made an opening tor the last Van 1 lecnlen, who went away with the whole opposition making a fruitless attempt to catch him and scored. The kick failed, and the Universities were 0 to the Army 8. Spurred on by their latest success, the home side came away again, and Rons scored at the end of a great forward rush. Kadi side battled mini, and the issue was still in doubt. Too New Zealanders seemed certain to got the lead again when a mark was taken in a fairly easy position, hut for once Stohr’s luck was out, and a "real match ended: Universities 9, New Zealand Army 8.

ANOTHER REVERSE. At Ne.wlands ground, Cape Town, the Army team two days later met the champion province, Western Province, and lost by 6 to 17. This was their thirteenth game, and it proved to be an unlucky one for thorn. After playing so many matches m England and in Africa the record of the Army team was a very creditable one, hut by the time they met Western Province the members were a- little stale. At the same time they would probably be the fust to admit, that the better team won on the day. “ On the day ” only, however, for several days later the defeat was avenged in fine style, but that is .another story. New Zealand opened the scoring will! a splendid goal from a free kick, hut soon afterwards the African forwards invaded, and Pienaar grounded near the posts, Gerhard Ylorkcl converting to make the score; Western Province 5, New Zealand Army 3, Unavailing thrusts were made at each goal-lino, but the defence on each side was sound, and the spell ended without increase in the score. The crowd of 20,000 expected some exciting play in the second half, and they got it. Beilis was unlucky iu

losing the ball as he went over the line after a great rush by the New Zealand vanguard, but a little later Ford gathered the ball near the line and went over at the corner for a brilliant try.' New Zealand led by Bto 5. Then Gerhard Morkel swung the balance in favor of the home side by putting over a great potted goal from 40yds out. It was a magnificent effort, and deserved. (He did the same in the second test at Auckland on August 27, 1921.) The great duel continued, and each side went near scoring. Then Van Heerden was given another chance, and away ho went to crash over at the corner, Morkcl converting. Provinces 14, Now Zealand 6. In the final stages Henry Morkel scored another try for the Africans, Morkel missing the kick by a foot, and the game ended: Western Province 17, New Zealand Army 6. The Press comment after this game was that it was impossible for seven forwards to hold eight; that it was inevitable the •'collapse of the All Black forwards would occur, and spell triumph for South African methods. It was admitted, however, that the New Zealanders had taught such lessons that, if not forgotten, there would be no need to fear “The Day” (1921—now 1028) when it came.

“ These visitors have taught ns ; “1. the value of low and deadly tackling. “2.-How to doubly strengthen a defence.

“ ■). Revealed a myriad possibilities in forward play. “4. Shown us on almost successive days how gallant sportsmen can lose. ‘‘Modest and unassuming in victory, they have proved that in defeat they arc the finest team South Africans have ever met.” TABLES COMPLETELY TURNED. Several days later the Army team regained its lost laurels by defeating the Western Province in a return game by 2f) points to d. The comment of Leslie Cox, a well-known sporting writer, was: — “The All Blacks may have learnt something as a result of their visit to South Africa, hut in the Western Province ‘ Wc’vc had a jolly good lesson, and it servos ns jolly well right.’ “ Twenty points to three, a victory for the New Zealand Military Service fifteen, which does not flatter them in iho slightest degree—the most sensational defeat that a Western Province team has ever sustained. The defeat is the more remarkable in that the All Blacks had to rearrange their team at the last moment. With such great players as MtNanglif. O’Brien, Brown (their captain). Ford (their brilliant three-quarter), to say nothing of one or two of their host forwards not being available, they might well have been forgiven had they .sustained still another reverse. But so far from that, they played dazzling Rugby from beginning to end, and wo shall have to learn our lesson anew. The brilliant play of the All Blacks has caused no surprise to the writer. There were certain periods in llicir lour when their form was bewilderingly subtle, full of initiative and resource, daring and yet sound: but it is doubtful if they over performed with such all-round skill as they did when they overwhelmed a representative Western Province fifteen yesterday. ‘‘Eight can beat seven I That was the deduction —the only possible deduction made after last Saturday’s match (when Province won, 17-(i). But yesterday’s game disturbs all previous deductions, and once, more the entire question is reopened. ‘ Can eight heat seven?’ asked one or two of the All Blacks after the game, ami with the malcli fresh in fho memory the answer could not he oilier than in the negative.” ‘‘Wherein lies the difference? Did the All Blacks, by virtue of necessity, strike their verv best lormallon yesterday?”

“The backs played real football, consistently attractive 1 oof ball, such as they have never played throughout one single game since they landed. Hut it was the forwards, the control which

; m forwards established, ■vvlticli made possible tlie lumpy combination that existed behind tbo sennn. Tbe whole secret of New Zealand’s success is built up on the control of the scrum, and tho All Blacks had gone out dotermiuod to nrove to South Africa that the New Zealand scrum formation was callable of (enabling: seven forwards to heat eight. Well, they have proved their case.” “ Ours not to reason why. hut to recognise that we’ve got a very long way to travel in forward play before'

wo. can launch our forwards against tbo All Blacks with confidence. “Tbo wav in which the ball was heeled out time and again was an cycoDcner for South Africans, Tbo brilliant anticioatory movements of Fca, the sound work of Boberls, controlling the plan of camnaign of tho hacks; (he way in which tbo forwards carried on the attack when the passing broke down, and tbo manner in which (lie Province defence was drawn time and again may bo wounding to nur pride, but will prove of great benefit to the game. We have seen the real All Black Pviighy. It has come a little, late, perhaps, but it’s just as well that it has come now, so that we are prevented from gelling ton inflated an opinion of South African football. In revealing their ‘full hand’ the Ail Blades have rendered a great service to South African Rugby, which they may regret when ‘the day’ dawns.

“Not for twenty-four years has a Ncwlamls crowd seen any team launch attack after attack on tho lines of a local team ns did tho All Blacks Yesterday. They had not only hypnotised the Province three-quarter line, hut they had practically abolished tbe halves and bad complete control of the scrum. That was the surprise, because it was thought Western Province would at, least bold its own in tbo pack, but that was where the Westerners failed almost as badly as did tho hacks.” Bcorcrs for the. Army side wore Bruce. Cock-reft, Storey, lloborts. every try being converted by Slohr. Morkc! kicked a penalty for the home side. Final : New Zealand Army 20, Western Province li. WIN IX FINAL MATCH.

Back to Durban for the last mate!) of the tom-, the New Zealanders beat .Natal by 11 points to 4. In the first •spell the visitors bad things much their own way. Brn.ee and Cnekroft secured trios early, Slolir converting the second. Another try, rather lucky, was the result of a rebound, and halftime came with the Army leading by 11 points to nil. Natal defended strongly in the .second half, and the New Zealanders failed to increase again. Towards the end of the game Townsend (in New Zealand in 1021) potted a goal, the game thus ending: New Zealand Army 11, Natal 4.

iff EARLIER DISYS AFTER THE BOER WAR FIRST HEW ZEALAND SIDES IH AFRICA Most followers of Rugby probably think that the Aew Zealand Army team Chat toured Alnca m idid was tne first iNew Zealand sure to display its prowess in the laud oi the veldt, and they will be interested to learn that a side of dominion players made its mark tuero in IdUd.

il was ult,or the Boer War that a number ul young .Now Zealanders settled in South and that sufficient oi them came to live near Pretoria to allow ui the formation of a modest social and sports duo. Among tne Dmioii, Dutch, and colonials there was muen competition lor appointments in tile new civil administration, but the New Zealanders received quite a lair; share. All Hands settled down to work, and later to play, it was only to be expected that wneu a Rugby football competition was inaugurated that the Aew Zealanders shuuiu lake stock of tiiemsenes and lona a team. About seventeen, many witu senior lootbail experience in Row z.ealand, and soma who had gamed interprovuicial honors, were 1 uuml uau were willing and anxious to try conclusions with uic best the Transvaal could produce. Rut tne nansvaai iuigby Union flatly turned down the application, of the New Zealanders to be entered as a senior team, t.omuieiahie heart-burn-ing followed, and representatives were, sent to plead with the controlling body, who thought a lew New Zealanders could haruly produce a team class enough to make anything like a respectable showing against the crack Transvaal teams, io prove to the NeiV, Zealanders Unit they were not clafiSj enough the T.R.U. invited them to play a game against ” The Diggers,” who had the champion team ol the Transvaal.

in an amused but sporting manner, the Mew Zealanders accepted the challenge, it being agreed that ii they mado a reasonable allowing they would bo admitted to the inner circle. When tbo day of the great match, arrived—it waa played at Johannesburg—the Mew Zealand team could muster only fourteen players. The surprising result of this match, in which the Mow Zealand team was reduced to thirteen men in the second half, was that the Diggers* with a full team, scraped homo by only It to ( J. lu the eyes of tho T.E.Uit was as good as a win for the McW Zealanders, who were admitted without delay to the senior grade competition.,

During the PJUJ season the Mew Zealand team, frequently playing .short owing to the long distances that had to bo travelled, won every match of the competition, wiien it was beaten by tbo Wanderers by a single try for tha championship. The Wanderers held an unbeaten record for the season. An Auckland writer last year gave (from memory) the team which played in tbo first match as follows:—Dull-back, «J, Freetb (.Wellington); three-quarters—' Merle Bonnor (West Coast), Tom, Maker (Hawke’s Hay), Pat Filznerberli (Manawatu); live-eight, Jack Gotland; (Thames) ; hall-back, Fritz EaseJdenj lliingitikci; wing forwards, H. KmigihJi! (King Country), Willoughby Wilson (Auckland) ; forwards—-Geoffrey ITaseiU den (Eangitikei), Hnrtou Taplin (Manawatu), Cbarlio Lewin (Christchurch),, “ Yorky ” vSmitli (Auckland, Jock. M‘Gregor (Thames), “Toby” Foreman, (Taranaki). Others who played an tha. loam wore “ Scotty ” Peebles (Wood-; villa), and W. H. Foster (Wellington))*' .in a match against a side at the British team of internationals met. a three-quarter line all Mew 'The part which Mew Zealanders played in the development of African; itugby in another part of the country;! was referred to in an interesting auvfcidaj written for the ‘ Star ’ in 1921 (at thW time of the Springboks’ visit here) ibytj tho late honorary secretary of Pietermaritzburg Eugby Union (a rest-i dent of Dunedin). He slated.: ‘“Mem-; hers of the Tenth South African Coo-S tingont may ronicmbcr tho -doings <o®‘ their team, led by D. Gallagher (AM‘ Black captain). Atcr easily defeating; tbo leading Transvaal teams, they met' and defeated a representative Maritac burg team by a narrow margin, J 0«; my arrival in Durban in 1900 f joined the Mew Zealand B.F.C. This 'dub had commenced the previous year. Prior to that date Eugby enthusiasts could only muster occasional scratch teams. (Vo played out -on a rnud fiat, with a liandtul of spectatorsj hut tiro Mew Zealanders had such an excellent team —we had Australians ns members, too—and played such open and pretty; football that gradually keen rivalry was' started, other clubs were established, and eventually Eugby gained -a footing at Lord’s, the big Durban sports ground.

“ Jt was almost entirely duo to tbo little band of New Zealand enthusiasts that Bngby became a popular game in Durban. Tbo Durban New Zealanders wore disbanded in 1907, but during their career they licit! the championship cup of Natal for live consecutive .years, defeating the Pietermaritzburg Club on each occasion. During 1904 tho South African College team, winners of the Capo competitions of that year, toured Africa, and defeated all tbo leading dubs in tbo Transvaal and Eastern Province, besides defeating representative Durban and Pietermaritzburg teams. The only match lost on tho tour was that against tho Durban New, Zealanders, who defeated this redoubt* able team by 4 points to •'). A. J. SisO| a well-known Dunedin boy, was playing in this match. Tbo only “fly in th'O ointment ” of this game was that WO wore one man short, and played Dave Nonrsc, tho well-known South Africaffi representative cricketer and Soceot', player. N our sc also represented Natal at Bngby, and he fluked tho potted l goal that won ns tho match. “Ja tho P)od Durban representative, team there wore nine New Zealanders-, and there were sax in tho Natal team of tho following year which toured Johannesburg for the Currie Cup tournament of ]f!od. At Pretoria tho Now Zealanders abn laid a dnb, and took a leading place in tho senior matches the Band. Other Now Zealanders could be found sprinkled throughout tbo union in the various clubs.”

i ' Backs. (D [5 bO < M <P £ Tiilburne, H. ... ; 19 5.8 11.24 Lindsay, D. A. ( . 21 5.9 13.6 Robilliard, A. C. C 2-i 5.10 ll.S Grensido, B. ... ' 26 6.0 13.6 Sheen-, T. R. ... 22 S-74 11.3 Lncas, F. W. ... , 25 5.10 11.6 .Carleton, S. R. . 26 5.10 11.5 jVPGregor, N. P. . 25 5.7 10,6 'Johnston, L. M. . 20 5.8 12.3 11.0 Nicholls, hi. F. . 25 5.91 Eushbrook, C. E , 20 6.0 12.3 Strang, W. A. . 21 5.8 11.4 Dailey, W. C. . 25 5.4J 10.10 Kilby, F. D, ... .. , 21 5.6 10.12 Forwards. Burrows, J. T. . 26 5.11 12.10 Hadley. S. ... . 26 . 20 5.10 12.6 More, J 5.10 12.12 Swain, H. J. ... . 26 5.7 16.2 Harvey, I. H. .. . 21 6.1 15.12 Alley, G. G. ... . 26 6.3 15.7 Brownlie, C. ... . 31 6.3 14.11 Brownlie, M. ... . 2!) 6.0 14.3 Finlayson, B. .. . 24 6.2 15.4 Hazlett, W. ... . 21 6.0 14.7 M'Wiliianis, R. G , 26 6.1 14.5 Snow, S. ... . 28 6.1J 13.10 Stewart, R. . 23 6.1 15.1 Ward, P. ... . 29 5.9’ 14.10 $crimshaw, G. .. . 2-1 6.0 12.6 'Average age of team ... ... 24 Avorago height of team ... ... 5.104 Average weight of team 12.12 Average weight of forwards ... 14.2 Average jvaght of backs

New Zealand's ■omnletc tost match reconi is as follows — 1884—Now South Wales won 11 to ft New South Wales ... won 21 to 2 New South Wales ... won 16 to 0 1893—New South Wales ... won 17 to 8 New South Wales ... lost, 3 to 25 Queensland ... won 14 to 3 Queensland ... won 36 to 0 New South Wales ... won 16 to 0 1894—New South Wales ... lost 6 l,o 8 189(5 —Queensland ... won 9 to 0 1897—New South Wats ... won 13 to 8 New South Wales ... lost 8 to 22 Queensland ... won 16 to 5 Queensland ... won 24 lo 6 New South Wales ... won 26 to 3 1901—New South Wales ... won 20 to 3 1905 —New South Will'S won 12 to 0 New South Wales won 3 to 0 Queensland won 17 Lo 0 Quecnsla ml won 28 to 0 Australia won 22 to 3 1004—Hellish XV. ... won 9 to 3 1905 —New South Wales won 19 to 0 Now South Wales draw 8 to 8 Australia won 14 to 3 Scotland won 12 to 7 Ireland ... won IS to 0 England won IS to 0 Walts ... ... lost 0 to 3 1906—France ... won 33 to 8 1907—New South IV files won 11 to 3 New South "Wales lost 0 to 14 Australia won 26 to 6 Queensland won 23 to 3 Queensland won 17 to 11 Australia ... won 14 to 5 Australia ... draw 5 to 5 1908—Anglo-Welsh "xv.’ won 32 to 5 Anglo-WcKh XV, draw 3 to 3 Anglo-Welsh XV. won 29 to 0 1910 —New South Wades ... won 21 to 8 New South Wales won 17 to 11 Australia. won 6 to 0 Queensland won 19 to 15 Queensland won 21 to 3 Australia ... Inst 0 to 11 Australia ... won 28 to 13 1913—Australia ... ... won 30 to 5 Australia ... won 2S to 13 Australia ... lost 5 to 16 1914 —New South Wales won 27 to 6 New South Wales ... won 25 to 10 Australia ... won 5 to 0 Queensland won 2.6 to 5 Queensland ... won 19 to 0 Australia won 1/ to 0 Australia won 22 to 7 1920— New SouUi Wales won 26 to 15 New South Wales ... won 14 to 6 New South Wales won 24 to 13 1921—South Africa won 13 to 5 South Africa ... lost 5 to 9 South Africa ... draw ft to 0 Now South Wales ... lost 0 to 17 1922-Now South Wales ... won 26 to 19 New South Wales ... lost, 8 to 14 Now South Wales ... lost 6 to 8 19215 — New South Wales ... won 19 to 9 New South Wales won 34 to 6 New South Wales ... won 33 to 11 1924 — New South Wales ... Inst 16 to 20 New South Wales ... won 21 to 5 New South Wales ... won 33 to 8 Wales ... ... won 19 to 0 Ireland ... ... won 6 to 0 England ... ... ... ... won 17 to 11 1925—France ... ... won 3ft to 6 New South Wales ... won 25 to 3 New South Wales ... won 4 to 0 New South Wales ... won 11. lo 3 New South Wales ... won 20 to 13 New South Wales ... won 36 to 1,0 1926 — New South Wales ... lost 20 to 26 New South Wales won 11 to 6 New South Wales ... won 14 to 0

1891—Britain ... lost 0 to 4 Britain ... lost 0 to 2 Britain ... lost n to 1 1896—Britain ... lost 0 to 8 Britain ... loH 8 to 17 Britain losi 3 to 9 Britain ... won 5 to 0 1903—Britain ... fir aw 10 to 10 Britain ... draw 0 to 0 Britain ... won 8 to 0 1906—Scotland ... lost 0 do 6 Ireland ... ... won 15 to 12 Wales ... won 11 to 0 England ... d ra w 3 to 3 France ... ... won 55 to 6 1910—Britain ... won 11 to 10 Britain ... lost 3 to B Britain ... won 21 to 5 1912—Scotland ... won 16 to 0 Ireland ... won 38 to 0 Wales ... won 3 to 0 England ... won 9 to 3 France ... won 38 to 5 1921 — New South Wales ... won 25 to 10 New South Wales ... won 16 to 11 New South Wales ... won 28 to 9 New Zealand • M lost 5 to 13 New Zealand ... won 9 to 5 New Zealand ... ... draw 0 to 0 1921—Britain won 7 to 3 Britain M. won 17 to 0 .Britain ... draw 3 to 3 Britain ... won 16 to 9 Played 33. won 19, lost 9, drawn 5, Points for, 386 against, Jo.

W. L. JD. F. A. New Zealand . 3 1 0 42 ID South Africa . 2 1 1 29 21

v. Country Clubs Won 8 to 6 v. Town Clubs ... ... Draw 3 to 3. v. South-western District Won 23 to 0 v. Eastern Province ... Won 15 to 0 v. Orange Free State ... Won 16 to 5 v. Griqualand Lost 3 to 8 v. Witwatersrand Won 6 to 0 v. Mines Won 24 to 3 v. Pretoria Won 5 to 4 y. Transvaal Won 5 to 3 v. Natal _ ... ... Won 17 to 3 v. Universities i Lost 8 to 9 v. Western Province ... Lost 6 to 17 r. Western Province ... Won 20 to 3 y. Natal ... Won 11 to 5 Summary: Played 15, won 11, lost 3, drawn 1.