SHIELD RUGBY.

Evening Star, Issue 22414, 11 August 1936, Page 7

SHIELD RUGBY.

TO THE EDITOR, Sir, —I should like to support “ Otago ” on the Auckland match. Auckland referees definitely have a different interpretation of the rules from ours; they are more awake to the advantage rule, especially regarding knock-ons and forward passes. This tends toward a faster game, and relieves the players’ and nerves of that constant “ blow, blow,” in evidence last Wednesday. Mr Macassey's blasting certainly tried the visitors’ nerves and must have put them off their game. I saw this team in action earlier in the season under another referee, and the display was entirely different, though the ground conditions were identical. As to the putting the ball into scrums, both halves pleased themselves. The editorial after the game was an open insult to the Auckland team and their supporters. Otago teams are very popular up there with the public, and their efforts are appreciated more than those of any other province, but after the insults hurled around it would be a shame to look for an invitation from Auckland for a while. After what was said any constructive criticism would be ridiculous. —I am, etc., Bi/ue-and-Gold. August 11.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —I would suggest that “Rebecca ” purchase as soon as possible a book of rules and then spend a few evenings by the fireside studying the laws of the game. I trust that the next time “ Rebecca ” witnesses a match controlled by the criticised referee it will be with a better knowledge of the game and with the advantage of a pair of binoculars.—l am, etc., Feet Up. April 11.