PLAUDITS FOR KIWIS

Evening Star, Issue 25677, 28 December 1945, Page 4

PLAUDITS FOR KIWIS

FULLY DESERVED THEIR WIN WARM PRAISE FROM CRITICS (Rec. 10.30 a.ni.) LONDON, Dec. 27. Bouquets are being handed liberally to the Kiwi team for its win against previously undefeated Cardiff. Some of the comments include “ just win,” “ fine triumph,” “ heroic struggle,” and “ titanic match.” “It was a great struggle rather than a great game, but the New Zealanders fairly earned their narrow victory,” says * The Times.’ “In the first half they were clearly the better team—stronger and more aggressive in the forwards, and considerably more dangerous behind the scrummage. The Kiwi pack never played better against really stiff opposition, though it was inclined to heel slowly and overrun the ball in the loose rushes, which swept up and down the field. The New Zealand backs were handicapped by the injury to Kearney, who up to that point had been an outstanding figure in attack.

“ Cardiff was fully represented, and had no excuse,” said tbe ‘ Daily Telegraph.’ “ The New Zealand forwards did most to win the match, Finlay, (McPhail, Woolley, and Johnstone being always prominent.” “It was a terrific fight front tbe word go until the final whistle,” said the ‘ Daily Express.’ “ The Cardiff forwards wdre outweighted but no outwitted, putting up a fight right to the end against a heavier pack that gave no quarter. Maybe it was fortunate for the Kiwis that they took the lead with a grand try early in the first half. From then onward Cardiff was fighting to keep its precious record, and this may have affected subsequent play.” The ‘ Daily Herald’ pays tribute to Scott, declaring him the “ man of the match,” and questions whether a greater display of full-back play has been given “since the. epic days of George Nepia.” The paper adds: “ Not a hand or foot did he put wrong, and again and again his deadly tackling prevented the Welshmen from scoring.”