THRILLS THROUGHOUT

Evening Star, Issue 22195, 25 November 1935, Page 3

THRILLS THROUGHOUT

Better Handling and Combination Prevail

LONDON, November 23. The special correspondent of the United Press Association, commenting on the match, says: The New Zealanders’ convincing win against Scotland at Murrayfield proved that they are a really good all-round side, comparable with any that the Dominion has produced. Th'e critics who declared that the team would not rise to great heights-must now eat their words. Scotland was not overwhelmed, but on the whole the tourists were much too good for their opponents, and carried overmany guns in' backing up, combination, and tactics. There was a period in the second half when victory appeared possible for Scotland, but in the final 10 minutes the tourists had matters practically their own way, bewildering the Scots with swift, sure passing and remarkable anticipation. Moreover, the All Blacks never kicked unless forced to do so, the inside men always aiming to work the ball to the wings or attempt reverse movements, at which they are now most adept as a result of intensive training. On the contrary the Scottish centres often relied on kicks, presenting the ball to the visitors, who were enabled , to initiate 1 passing movements even from their own goal line, particularly on one occasion, when Caughey, Oliver, Griffiths, and Sadler earned play the full length of the field immediately following a crisis when the Scottish backs seemed certain to score. Critics who have seen international games for 20 or 30 years declared after the final whistle that it had been one of the most spectacular and thrilling expositions of open Rugby ever witnessed. The Scottish backs several times showed ability to beat the defence, but backing up, which is a feature of the tourists’ play, was missing. If the New Zealanders reproduce the same class of football there is no reason why they should not win all the interna-

tional . matches, It is hard to visualise any team outside an international one troubling them. Mr Meredith is greatly pleased with his men’s showing, and believes that the scrummaging troubles are over. The New Zealanders left Peebles soon after breakfast for Murrayfield. _ Manchester and Hart were still feeling the effects of colds in the head, but expressed the opinion that they would be all right when they- were warmed up. Lambourn ricked his back in his last training run yesterday, but recovered. The AU Blacks were in high spirits, and sang the latest songs and Maori tunes during the 20-miles journey. Hadley, the team’s humorist, was in his best jesting form. Arriving at Edinburgh, the team went to its hotel with Air Meredith’s instructions to rest as much as possible, but before going .to Murrayfield gathered behind locked doors and finally- discussed the tactics tried during the week, Air .Meredith emphasising that solid scrummaging and low packing, especially by the front-row men. wore imperative. Air Meredith arranged for the players to arrive at Alurrayfield in sufficient time to obviate a Jong wait in the dressing room before the start, to prevent the youngsters from becoming nervous.

Mi* Meredith spent Friday in bed owing to influenza Some advised him to miss the international match, but the manager laughed oft" the suggestion

The enormous interest in the reappearance of the New Zealanders after 30 years was proved by the fact that the majority of the hotels in Edinburgh were booked up for the weekend, people, including well-known New coming from throughout Britain. Every important newspaper was' represented, and there wore 60 journalists in the Press box. The Scottish ‘ Daily Express ’ published a two-page special supplement featuring the fixture. The Scottish fifteen was reported to be in first-class condition, and fully prepared for a very strenuous struggle. The experts estimated the chances

as 50-50. Many, judging the tourists solely on their games at Hawick and Glasgow, anticipated a Scottish victory, but critics who witnessed recent games were aware oi' the tourists’ vast improvement since their first appearance in Scotland, and were more doubtful ■about the result. The tourists were impressed with the Murrayfield ground, with its concrete terraced banks and huge stand, which was recently enlarged. The playing area had been thickly covered with a straw protection, which was removed yesterday. The teams were hugely applauded as they came out into the winter sunshine. Maori exhortations were heard from the stand. HIGH-TENSION START. New Zealand immediately showed that it meant business, the forwards rucking fiercely. It was apparent that a few players on both sides were slightly nervous and over-anxious. The All Blacks were the first to settle down, and tried several tricks. Hart and Horo- worked a smart throw-in from the lineont, but were pulled up by the referee, Mr C. H. Gadney, a brother of the English international captain and himself a fine player before he was injured. Then Sadler, going round the blind side of a scrum, tried the reverse pass, the ball going forward. This stage, like most big games when players are at high tension, was marked by frequent infringements, knock-ons, and forward passes. FIRST BLOOD. Scotland’s first try came as the result of a clean cut through the defence, Dick tricking Oliver and Caughey. The latter made a poor attempt to tackle Fyfc, who beat Sadler with his pace. Thus a beautiful movement led to a wellearned try, Dick temporarily dispelling his reputation for hanging on overlong. Gilbert was biisy during . the first quarter of an hour, but was very safe and judged Iris line kicks well. The All Blacks participated in few back movements during the opening 20 minutes, Griffiths being content to go round the blind side and find the line. On the contrary, the Scottish threequarters were making strenuous efforts to open np the game. Caughey lost a chance when he . dropped the ball following a cut through. During Murdoch’s absence, due to a cut on the head, Thom went to the wing, marking Hart, and Fyfe to centre. Then Griffiths made a 1 uagnificeut opening leading to laughey’s first try, .he latter forcing Id's way over after receiving the ball 10yds from- the line. Owing to Hadley’s quick heeling Shaw and Dick could not reach their positions. Murdoch returned limping and played on the wing. Griffiths at this period was finding the line splendidly, often sending the ball into touch a few yards from the corner flag. Dick lost a certain try by hanging on after Logan had passed. Griffiths and Sadler were taking the hardest tackles imperturbably. Scotland attempted to make openings by kicking through, but Gilbertijet nothing pass him. SCOTLAND RATTLED.

On the resumption after half-time tho Scottish hacks iverc guilty of much bad handling and wild passing, inexcusable in international players, suggesting that they were rattled, although this probably was not the case. The impression did not last long, however, Shaw completely defeating the defence, running between Griffiths and Caughey in a perfect movement in which they demonstrated intelligence and quick thinking. MORE PLAYS WITH INJURY. Thereafter came a period of terrifically hard forward play, both packs rucking vigorously to secure possession of the ball, which, as towards the end of the first half, was still coming more to the All Blacks. Hore, after 20 minutes, left the field to have his left arm bandaged. It had been badly injured, and thereafter was useless, being carried at his side for the remainder of the game. Then followed a period of Id minutes when there was a possibility of a Scottish win, the forwards irresistibly sweeping down the field with the ball at toe and storming the tourists’ line with magnificent rushes. Scotland had a chance when it won a series of scrums, but somebody always did the wrong thing at the most critical moment. The New Zealand pack, which had been racing round the field through the match, rallied and, outplaying Scotland, amazed the spectators by the manner in which it fanned out to receive reverse passes and infield kicks from the wingers. It was impossible to imagine a more brilliant movement than that which led to Caughey’s last try, for which the credit goes to Sadler, who skirted the wing with only a foot in which to move and beat four opponents before sending to Caughey, who, sensing the opportunity, raced towards the centre of the field. WHOLE TEAM PLAYS WELL.

Every All Black gave a good display. making an irresistible combination. Gilbert was at his best, and did not make a serious mistake. His tackling was deadly and bis linekicking faultless, while towards ' Jhe close he rushed up with the threequarters to open up the play. Mitchell - and Hart were dashing and determined, and made numerous fine runs. Sadler was outstanding, his magnificent dodging runs on either side of the scrum starting most of the tomiists’ best movements. Caughey several times, failed in tackling, but made amends by wonderful attacking. New Zealand could not have done without him. Griffiths was sound, and made several surprising penetrating runs, while Oliver was again the brains of the backs. He was always in position and was most unselfish-

Reid, Mahoney, Hadley, and Hore were in great form, and were most prominent in the loose. Manchester, King, M‘Kcnzie, and Lam bourn did great work in the tight, and this meant everything to New Zealand, who opposed an intelligent, virile pack. Some express the opinion that the Scots were handicapped by Murdoch’s injury, although this was counterbalanced by the injury to Hore. New Zealand won 35 scrums- and Scotland 15. Logan. Shaw, and Dick were great individualists, liable to beat the soundest defender. The Scottish backs tackled bettor than the New Zealanders, and only' Scottish relentlessness prevented a big score. Mr Meredith’s coaching and tactical instructions played a big part in the victory. Manchester said it was a’ good hard game against thorough

sportsman. Ho hoped .the onlookcis enjoyed it as much as the players. TEAM VINDICATES WORTH PRESS PRAISE LONDON. November 2d. Hore is suffering from a badly strained arm. It is expected that he will be available for the match against Ireland on December 7. The critics applaud the brilliance ol the -All Blacks’ teamwork, speed, and sure handling, but point out that Murdoch was dazed for a long period. Ihe game might have been closer ll he had been lit. The ‘ Dispatch ’ says; “ It was New Zealand’s best display of the tour, but the luck evident throughout the lour still held.” The ‘Sunday Graphic’ says: “ Jhe score flatters the winners, as the second goal should not have been allowed. The All Blacks marred the game by over-much obstruction.” The ‘Observer’ says; “New Zealand handsomely vindicated their claim to be rated at international calibre. Their tactics showed much more initiative than the mere opportunism exhibited in earlier games. It was a pity that one or two defaced the performance by hanging on to the jerseys of players dribbling the ball.” CDMPARISON OF PERFORMANCES A comparison of tbe records of "Rugby tourists in Great Britain from New Zealand and South Africa respectively is of interest. The original All Blacks of 1905-06 won 32 games and lost one, and the invincible All Blacks of 1921 were undefeated in their 30 matches.

tour are:— November 27 (Wednesday—v. .North of Scotland, at Aberdeen. November 30 (Saturday—v. Ulster, at Belfast. December 7 (Saturday) IT? BLAND, at Dublin. December 13 (Thursday)—v. MidDistrict, at Aberdare. December 14 (Saturday)—v. Neath and Aberavon, at Aberavon. December 31 (Saturday)—v. AY ALES, at Cardiff. December 26 (Thursday)—v. Loudon Counties, at Twickenham. January 4 (Saturday)—v. ENGLAND, at Twickenham. 1931-32 SPRINGBOKS. As it is only four seasons ago since the Springboks toured Great Britain, the results (in order of the programme) of the games played by the South Africans in 1931-33 are given below : v. Gloucester and Somerset, won 14 to 3. v. Newport, won 13 to 3. v. Swansea, won 10 to 3. v. Cross Kevs and Abertillery,. won 10 to 9. v. •London, won 30 to 3. v. Midlands, won 13 to 3. v. .Northumberland and Durham, won 41 to 0. v. Glasgow, won 21 to 13. v. South of Scotland, draw 0 to 0. v. Cambridge, won 21 to 9.

v. Combined Services, won 23 to 0. v, Oxford, won 21 to 3. . v. Leicester, lost 21 to 30. v. Devon and Cornwall, draw 0 to 0. v. Cardiff, won 13 to 5. v. Llanelly, won 9 to 0. v. Neath and Abcravon, won 8 to 3. v. WALES, won 8 lo 3. y. Lancashire and Cheshire, won 20 to 9. v. Ulster, won 30 lo 3. v. IRELAND, won 8 to 3. v. London, Avon 16 to 8. v. ENGLAND, won 7 to 0. v. Yorkshire and Cumberland, Avon

27 to 5. v. North of Scotland, Avon 9 to o.’ v. SCOTLAND, Avon 6 to 3. Played 26, Avon 23, lost 1. draAvn 2, Points for, 104; against, 121,

1906-07 SPRINGBOKS. Played 29, Avon, 26, lost 2 (Scotland 0-6, Cardiff 0-17, drawn 1 (England 3-3). Points; 608-87. Other internationals; Beat Ireland 15-12. Wales 11-0 (losers included eleven of the team which beat Ncav Zealand 3-0 in 1905). 1912-13 SPRINGBOKS. Played 27, Avon 21, lost 3 (NeAvport 3-9, London 8-10, SAvausea 0-3). draAvn 0. Points; 411-101. Internationals; Beat Scotland 16-0, Ireland 38-0, Wales 3-0, England 9-3.

1905 ALL BLACKS. Poinis. For. Agst. v. Devon 55 4 v. Cornwall 11 0 v. Bristol 41 0 v. Northampton . 33 0 v. Leicester 38' 0 v. Afiddlesex 34 0 v. .Durham 16 3 v. West Hartlepool 63 0 v. Northumberland 31 0 v. Gloucester ... 44 0 v. Somerset 33 0 v. Devonport Albion 31 3 v. Midlands 21 . 5 r. Surrey 11 0 v. Blackheath ... 1 32 0 v. Ox lord 47 0 v. Cambridge 14 0 v. Richmond .., 17 0 v. Bedford 41 0 v. SCOTLAND .... 12 7 v- West of Scotland 22 0 v. IRELAND 15 0 v. Munster 33 0 v. ENGLAND 15 0 v. Cheltenham IS 0 v. Cheshire 34 0 v. Yorkshire ... 40 0 v. WALES 0 3 0 y. Glamorgan 9 v. Newport 6 3 y. Cardiff 10 y. Swansea 4 3 y. Franco 38 8 — Totals 868 47 1934 ALL BLACKS. Poinis. For. Agst. v. Devon 1 1 0 y. Cornwall 39 0 v. Somerset, ... ... 6 0 y. Gloucester 6 0 v- Swansea 39 3 10 v. Newport 1,3 v. Leicester 27 0 v. North Midlands 40 3 v. Cheshire IS 43 o y. Durham 7 4 v. Yorkshire 42 v. Lancashire 23 0 v. Cumberland 41 0 y. IRELAND ... (i0 y. Lister 28 6 v. Northumberland 4 0 y. Cambridge 0 v. London Counties 31 6 y. Oxford 33 To y. Cardiff 16 8 y. WALES 19 0 v. Llanelly s 3 y. East Midlands 31 7 0 v. Warwickshire 30 v. Combined Services •> v. Hampshire 0 v. London Counties 38 n y. ENGLAND ... 17 v. France (Colombes) 37 30 b . r. France (Toulouse) 6 Totals '31 1,13 1935 ALL BLACKS. The. All Blacks of 1935 have played 30 matches, winning 19 and losii Results :— g one. Points. For. Agst. v. Devon and Cornwall 35 6 ' v. Midland .Counties y. Yorkshire and Cum 1 -r9 3 3 land v. Abertillerv and Cross 14 Keys ... 31 6 y. Swansea .*1 n v. Gloucester and Somerset 33 3 v. Lancashire and Cheshire v. Northumberland and 31 8 Durham 10 6 v. South of Scotland ... 11 8 v. Glasgow' and Edinburgh 9 8 v. Combined Services 6 5 v. Llanelly 10 8 v. Cardiff ... 3u 5 v. Newport 17 5 0 v. London Counties ... ... ii v. Oxford University 1.0 9 v. Hampshire and Sussex 14 8 v. Cambridge University v. Leicester and East Mid25 5 lands 16 3 8 v. SCOTLAND 18 Played, 30: won, 19; lost , 1: points for, 319; points against, 118. The fixtures for the remainder of the