LESSONS OF TOUR

Evening Star, Issue 23041, 20 August 1938, Page 16

LESSONS OF TOUR

ALL BLACK CAPTAIN'S IMPRESSIONS LONGER PASS FROM SCRUM . “ I think the greatest lesson learnt on the tour was that it is essential for the half-back to throw a longer pass from the base of the scrum than is at present being done in New Zealand,” said the All Black captain, N. A. Mitchell, to a 1 Star ’ reporter to-day. Mitchell, who returned to Dunedin yesterday afternoon, said that from practical experience he was absolutely certain that unless this were done the three-quarter play would not go ahead at all. “ Our back lino in Australia used to swing into action with machine-like, rhythm, there was no jerkiness about it, and our wing three-quarters were never cramped,” he stated. It stood to reason that it was necessary for the half-back to pass another three or four yards, when a 3-4-1 scrum was played, for the first five-eighth to bo in the same position as would be the case with the 2-3-2 scrum. This proved to he the greatest lesson of all, ho added, and Berghan was never hampered by the opposing breakaways. When the latter did decide to “ camp ” on him, and when they were breaking on him fast, it left an opening for Saxton, and the New Zealand half was able to pass back to his forwards, so that the opposition was kept moving all the time. Mr Alick M‘Donald coached the forwards on a sound basis, Mitchell continued, dt being a case of heads down and hard pushing, and they worried about nothing else until they got possession of the ball, after which they were taking defensive breaks. Their intensive cover defence was one of the features of the tour. “ I am quite sure that we •convinced the Australian public that play can be just as bright under the international rules as under the amended rules,” said the New Zealand skipper, “ just as New Zealanders were convinced by the Springboks last year.” TRIBUTE TO MANAGERS. Mr Mitchell said that Dr Adams, in his duties on the business side, did not come so closely into touch with the team as Mr Alick M'Donald, but every member of the side appreciated very much what he did for the team and the thought he gave to them in arranging the social engagements, which were never overdone. “ With his team talks and coaching Mr McDonald was an education to all,” said Mr Mitchell, “ and he contributed in no small measure to the success of the team.” Referring to the amazing hospitality of the Australian people, he said that it would never be forgotten by members of the teamThe All Blacks had agreed to play a match in New .Zealand in September, subject to it being on behalf of charity and to the players being able to get the necessary leave. While there were doubts as to whether the game would eventuate, Mr Mitchell said that a proposal was now afoot that a New Zealand team should tour the Dominion next year, or there was an alternative that a North Island team should tour the South Island, or vice versa.

Mitchell, when asked concerning his future intentions, stated that ho did not know where he would be living permanently, as he had not yet obtained a position.