ENGLAND WINS

Evening Star, Issue 22229, 6 January 1936, Page 3

ENGLAND WINS

ALL BLACKS OUTCLASSED

**Flying Prince” Leaves Our Backs Standing

Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright

LONDON, January 4. England defeated the All Blacks by 13 points to 0 after leading , by 6to 0 at half-time.

The English team was as follows: H. G. Owen-Smith, Prince Obolensky, P. Cranmer, R. E. Gerrard, E. S. Sever, P. Candler, BO Gadney, D. A. Kendrew, E. S. Nicholson, R. Y. Longland, C. Webb, ,A. Clarke, E. Hamilton-Hill, P. E. Dunkley, and W. H. Weston.

Seventy thousand roared a welcome to the teams as they were filing on to the field at Twickenham, the Grenadier Guards’ Band playing the National 'Anthem. The sun was shining and the ground appeared to be in good order despite recent rains. England immediately attacked from a scrum, and Gadney from a line-out passed to the three-quarters, but Obolensky dropped the pass. Later Obolensky kicked strongly, taking play to the New Zealand half, but Corner, with a fine kick, regained many yards. Gadney, kicking to touch, put England in an attacking position, but feet up in the scrum let in the New Zealanders, who attacked strongly. Owen-Smith relieved with a strong touch-finder. Candler, from a mdfield scrum, accepted an awkward pass from Gadney and then burst through, but Sever was overwhelmed. The All Blacks’ forwards had thus far won a majority of the scrums, but the English forwards broke up so quickly that the New Zealand hacks were unable to make, headway. Gilbert fielded a short punt and ran clownfield, but was pushed into touch. New-Zealand seized the . opportunity when the ■ ball came to Tindill from a scrum. ; He sent on to Caughey, whose cross-kick enabled Mitchell and Oliver to carry on until checked, Owen-Smith finally saving with a magnificent kick to halfway. The English forwards secured the ball and Gadney, with a thrilling breakaway, had the All Blacks’ defebce in a tangle. Gerrard and Obolensky came up in support, and the ball reached Obolensky, who was almost over when a terrific tackle prevented an apparently certain try. New Zealand, with dribbling rushes, forced play back, after which Oliver and Caughey attempted to force their way through, hut were pulled down. Sever, picked up and left Gilbert standing, but slipped on the treacherous turf. after a series of midfield mauls the English forwards heeled and the ball passed along the line of three-quarters to Obolensky, whose speed enabled him to score a wonderful try in an easy position, but Dunklcy hit the cross-bar with the kick. \ England 3 New Zealand ... ... ... 0 New Zealand rallied magnificently in an attempt to equalise, and attacked continuously. Oliver once into a comer flag, and Caughey and Tindill were pulled down when dangerous. Then Cranmer burst through and passed to Gerrard, who sent on to Obolensky, who raced over for a try, which was not converted. England ... 6 New Zealand ... ... ... 0 ■ England’s fierce tackling thus far had somewhat subdued the All Blacks. Moreover, the New Zealanders’ advantage in the scrums was offset by Gadney’s quick breaking through and Owen-SmithV cleverness. Obolensky’s tries showed astounding speed. • He beat both the New Zealand wings as, for his second try, he came_ up in support of Gerrard, the opposite wing. The New Zealand forwards opened the second half schimmaging strenuously, and obtained a foothold in England’s twenty-five, but the backs were beaten on both wings. Mitchell twisted and turned in a great cross-field run. Then England charged down a kick, and Cranmer, Candler, and Sever opened the way for what might have been another try, but the last named kicked ahead instead of cross-field when Gilbert approached. _ Cranmer, amid delirious cheering, increased the lead by potting a left-foot goal when the three-quarters were checked. England 10 New Zealand 0 New Zealand was now bustled and lacking the previous fire, and looked beaten. The heavy English forwards crashed into the' opposing inside backs before they could gain ground, forcing the All Blacks to kick, but Owen-Smith, whose hands were wonderfully safe, fielded most of their efforts and repeatedly found touch with lengthy kicks.

England’s superiority on attack was so marked that they took scrums instead of line-outs continually. Cranmer made a fine breakaway and paved tho

way for Sever, who in a 30-yard dash outpaced the defence to score. Dunkley did not convert. England : IB New Zealand 0 ' New Zealand reattacked desperately, invading England’s territory, and the defence was repeatedly forced to kick to touch. . Owen-Smith was once only yards from the goal-line when he kicked as three opponents dashed up. Thus England surprisingly but deservedly defeated New Zealand for the first time. The Prince of Wales was present and , was introduced to the players before the game.

POOR SHOWING

UPPER HAND GAINED AT ONCE LONDON, January 4. The special correspondent of the United Press Association say:— The New Zealanders present at Twickenham will remember January 4, 1936, as one of the darkest days in the history of the Dominion’s Rugby. They saw England completely outclass the All Blacks, inflicting one of the most convincing defeats possible. New Zealand, against Wales, although defeated, made a grand showing, and fought to the bitter end, but the same cannot be said of to-day’s match. England appeared to have the upper hand 10 minutes after the start, while the longer the game continued the more superior they looked.

All that can be said is that the New Zealanders did their best, hut it was a poor best. Both English and New Zealand enthusiasts were disappointed with their display. Not once throughout the game did the tourists’ backs stage a real breakaway. _ Indeed, they found it impossible to pierce the opposition. England, like Wales, showed the visitors many points in the ’fine phases of forward and back play. The score should have been 17-0, Dunkley’s first attempt to convert being very unlucky, the ball striking the crossbar and bouncing infield. Another kick shaved the upright. 1 The game further proved—not that proof was needed—that British Rugby has improved out of all knowledge, and that the New Zealand side sadly lacks a brilliant five-eighth’. Moreover, one of the biggest faults of former English teams has been reckless passing, but the backs to-day gave the tourists . a lesson in passing and handling, which were almost perfect throughout. Moreover. they never passed needlessly. Not a single man in the English back line was afraid to be tackled when he found himself unsupported. OBOLENSKY’S DAY. Wales against New Zealand produced a hero in, Wooller. England, too, produced a hero in Obolensky, who before the game was named “ England’s Russian hope.” The All Blacks never once during the tour encountered his equal for speed. Twickenham showea that Obolensky is apparently faster than Hart, the tourists’ speediest winger. The Russian left the All Blacks standing on both occasions he ’scored. Once he turned and chased and caught Ball from behind when the New Zealander was in full pace. The New Zealanders were in position both times Obolensky scored. Obolensky on the first occasion secured a pass from Cranmer, raced round Ball, and beat Gilbert just as easily. The full-back was completely baffled by the Russian s change of pace, and went foi a tackle, but was left clutching the air.- Well deserved thunderous applau® greeted Obolensky’s great effort, men and women standing up and cheering. ,Lt was probably one of the most enthusiastic demonstrations seen at Twickenham, where seldom register their feelings. Obolensky’s second try again showed that his pace was too great for the_ opposition. Cranmer made the opening, giving a, perfectlytimed pass to Gerrard, who lent on to Obolensky. The last-named ran diagonally across the field, heading for the corner flag. Mitchell, sensing the move, raced across to intercept, and had a shorter distance to -travel, but could nt reach the spot befori! the Russian. SUPERIOR ALL ROUND. Moreover, Obolensky was not the only great back in the Englfeh fifteen. Excepting Candler, who is a tery orthodox and mechanical five-eiglr.h, all the others were superior to the New Zealanders. Gadney had a very prominent share in the victory. His bullet-flike passes from the scrums were a joy to watch, and neither Corner nor Sadler can he compred with him in tHs. Gad-

ney is able to send the ball a surprising distance, and he passed so quickly that Tiudill was unable to reach him in time to smother the pass. Cranmer and Gerrard were thus, able to get moving before the tourists’ backs could get up to them.

England’s all round display confounds the critics, most of whom anticipated an All Black victory, some believing that the visitors would win by a handsome margin. Commentators before the match expressed the opinion that the English pack was likely to be unwieldy and slow, although they should win the ball from the scrums. The exact opposite happened. The All Blacks won 31 scrums to 21, while the lineouts were even. Nevertheless, the scrums were the only department in vyhich the Englishmen were beaten, their rucking and tackling being definitely superior. They more than held their own in the loose and lasted out better than the All Black forwards, who were hard pressed in the concluding stages, one reason being that King was practically a passenger most of the second halt, the West Coaster receiving a bad knock on the head soon after half-time. He then suffered a badly injured shoulder and was unable to pack in the middle of the scrum. He took Manchester’s place, simply leaning against the pack. The critics were also wrong regarding the method of scoring. The majority anticipated that Englandls tries would come from scrambles on the line, the tank type of forwards pushing over, but all the tries came from • fine _ threequarter movements, the ball going out to the wings by good chain passing, it was also thought that Tmdill would win the game with goals, but he made only one attempt, from a difficult position, the ball not going near the posts. Nobody expected Cranmer s dropped goal. It was a beauty. Tmdill, Oliver, and Caughey, seeing that both Ball and Mitchell were opposed by swift runners and good tacklers, repeatedly attempted to burst through, but ineffectually. If one English back missed his man another would dash round and save the situation. Apparently they had learned this from the All Blacks, whoso covering work on defence had been one of the features of the tour Obviously, as against Wales, many of the tourists were stale, but that was not the chief reason for the defeat. The trouble is that the New Zealanders have weaknesses. particularly regarding the penetrative ability and defence of the_ inside five-eighths, which it was found impossible to remedy. Something must be clone regarding this if the All Blacks are to have a chance against the ooutn Africans next year.

BLACK ATTACKS SMOTHERED. The decision to play Caughey was made a few hours before the game. The Aucklander earlier in the, day said his leg was stiff, but he was sure it would wear off. Had Caughey dropped out it was intended to play Griffiths, but it is doubtful whether it would have made much difference, although he could not have been poorer than Caughey, who played the poorest game of all the visiting backs. Caughey on sevefal occasions was beaten by Cranmer and Gorrard, and was partly to blame for two English tries. He was also of small value bn attack, and kicked poorly, except at the start, when he made several long line kicks. Nevertheless, Caughey tried to make openings, but was not given room by Cranmer and' Gerrard, who generally managed to tackle him in such a manner as to prevent his passing. This type of tackling also upset Tindill and Oliver, resulting in most of the New Zealand attacks breaking down prior to the ball reaching the wings. The English forwards were quick to rush up when the All Black backs were tackled, and thus started rushes by swift heeling when the New Zealanders were out of position.

No New Zealand back played in his best form. ■' Corner worked hard throughout and defended magnificently, but was outclassed by Gadney. Tindill was included because it was thought he would make openings, but one reason for his non-success was that the English wing forwards, fearing his goalkicking ability, watched , him very closely. The South African, OwenSrnith', was more brilliant and sound than Gilbert. OwenSmith is the most unorthodox fullback the tourists have met throughout the tour. He played risky football and was not afraid to try to _____________ beat_ a man before kicking. He almost let in the All

• _ Black forwards on several occasions through failure to go down to the ball, but luck generally enabled him to get out of tight places. Gilbert had several bad patches, failing to take the ball cleanly and knocking on. Constant nlaying is telling its tale in his case. Hadley, Reid, Mahoney. Manchester, and Fore were the best All Black forwards; Mahoney, a champion in line-outs, used every ounce of his weight in the scrums. Reid made many solitary dashes and twice was within an ace of scoring. The Englishmen found him very difficult to pull down in full stride. Hadley did his share, out-hook-ing Nicholson. He was also prominent in the tight.

The English wing forwards, Haniil-ton-Hill and Wes- . ton, were invalu- ! able in holding up j the tourist, threequarters. Dunkley and Clarke, were two of the best forwards on the field. Gilbert, in the 'final stages, came up to the threequarter line in the hope of making an onening. but the AH Blacks_ were unable to pierce the . defence.

The game was played in the best soirit, although once or twice the English forwards were auiltv of late tackling through over-keenness.

’ [The following note on Obolenski from our London correspondent (December 5) is of interest: —There can never have been doubt about Prince A. Obolenski, Oxford University’s flying wing three-quarter, getting his Rugger blue. We shall see this finely-built young Russian,, who is now taking out naturalisation papers, playing inside an England jersev before long. He is, I should say, the very fastest thing in football boots. His amazing speed is emphasised by a still more amazing nuickness off the mark, which carries him yards ahead of would-be tacklers before they have got into their stride. In fact soine of Prince Obolenski’s opopposite numbers may begin to understand why he has an ancestor who figured prominently in Russian history under Tvan the Terrible. Tt is an ancient. Russian family, whose nobility dates to the fourteenth century, and takes its name from the town of Oholensk. Rugger has now been taken up bv the Soviet. If they have many players with this Oxford blue’s turn of speed they ought to make formidable challengers to international honours.]

PRESS COMMENT LONDON, January 4. The newspapers emphasise that England made history by defeating New Zealand. . , The ‘ Sunday Times ’ admits that the All Blacks’ changes may not have produced the best results, but England played such superb football that they would have beaten any team the tourists fielded. The New Zealanders defence was not particularly good at the best of times, but it is doubtful whether, even if it was better, it would have stopped the three great tries scored against them. The paper adds: “ The team is not as good as its predecessors, but the members are grand fellows off and on the field, and pleased us immensely with the spirit with which they played, which should partially compensate them for defeats.” The ‘ Observer ’ expresses the opinion that England made a notable step by abandoning the “ nothing venture, defence first” play, which ruined their chances in international, matches in recent years. The All Blacks’ worst luck ■was Sadler going stale. Corner, although he played well, was unable to get the ball away sufficiently fast. The ‘ Weekly Dispatch ’ say England played with an understanding it had not exhibited for many a day. The critics especially ' pay a tribute to Obolensky, “ the flying prince,” and Gadney for play and captaincy. The ‘ Sunday Graphic ’ says they kept two defenders occupied by their individual brilliance, greatly assisting the English three-quarters. RESULTS Of THE TOUR ▼. Devon and Cornwall, 35-6. v. Midland Counties, 9-3. v. Yorkshire and Cumberland, 14-3. v, Abertillery and Cross Keys, 3,1-6 v, Swansea (lost), -3-11. .v. Gloucestershire and Somerset, 23-3. v. Lancashire and Cheshire, 21-S. v. Northumberland and Durham, 10-6. v. South of Scotland, 11-8. v. Glasgow and Edinburgh, 9-8. v. > combined Services, 6-5. v. Llanelly, 16-8. v. Cardiff, 20-5. v. Newport, 17-5. . v. London Counties, 11-0. v. Oxford University, 10-9. v. Hampshire-Sussex, _ 14-8. v. Cambridge University, 35-5. v. Leicester and East Midlands, 16-3. v. Scotland, 18-8. v. North of Scotland, 12-6. v. Ulster, 3-3. v. Ireland, 17-9. v. Mid.-Districts, 31-10. v. Neath and Aberavdn, 13-3. v. Wales (lost), 12-13: , v. London Counties, 24-5. v. England (lost), 0-13. Matches play 28, won 24, lost 3, drawn 1. _ Points for, 431; points against, 180.