ALL BLACKS PRAISED

Evening Star, Issue 21638, 6 February 1934, Page 4

ALL BLACKS PRAISED

“ 1905 TEAM THE BEST EVER " Commenting upon the various football teams whicn have toured Great Britain during his experience, F. J. Sellicks, in the 1 English Illustrated Sporting and Dramatic News ’ states: — “ One assertion I can make with the most complete confidence. The All Black side of 1905 was by far the best team I have ever seen, and I have seen every touring side and practically every international team since 1900. I don’t think anyone who saw them constantly, as some of us did, could hold any other opinion. They were points and points superior, for instance, to the side which came over from New Zealand twenty years later. “ It is ancient history now that they won all their matches save the one with Wales, when a try scored by Teddy Morgan heat them. There was never any doubt about his try, but there has always been a dispute as to whether Deaiis scored an equalising try for New Zealand or not. As I was sitting at halfway I could not possibly form any conclusive opinion as to what happened, but from evidence collected at the time and certain revelations made since I have little doubt that Deans did reach the Welsh line and was pulled back after grounding the ball. And in this connection I would emphasise the iact that if the bail is on the goal line a try is scored. “It was a wonderful match, and I never expect to see another like it. The last twenty minutes or so was a veritable battle of Titans, and the forward play might have given the most hardened pause.”