Australians Have Easy Win In Whakatane Match

Greymouth Evening Star, 22 August 1949, Page 8

Australians Have Easy Win In Whakatane Match

WHAKATANE, August 21 (P.A.).— Before a crowd estimated at more than 6000, superior combination and fitness gave the Australian Rugby representatives a convincing victory by 35 points to 8 in the second match of the tour, against Bay of Plenty, in ideal conditions at Whakatane on Saturday. Bay of Plenty held the visitors to half-time, when the score was 8-all, but faded badly in the second spell, when the visiting forwards shared with the backs in passing rushes that gave a consistent overlap and cut the somewhat slipshod defence to pieces. With a consistently good hooker in Furness, the Australians won the scrums, three to one, and were also successful in the line-outs in about the same ratio, largely because of the efforts of the tall Shehadie and Cornforth.

Outplayed In Second Spell Although completely outplayed in the second half of the match, the Bay of Plenty forwards more than held their own in the loose in the first spell, well led by McLaughlin and the Maori All Black, Ranapia, with occasional bright bursts by Gabolinsky, Moses, and Ratahi.

Behind a pack that failed to get a fair share of the ball, the Maori All Black half-back, Laurie Raureti, was not given much chance to show his ability, and had somewhat poor support from the five-eighths, who failed to handle well. The three-quarters were starved all day, although the 1948 All Black trial list player, McGougan, showed out well in the last 10 minutes, lasting better than some of his team-mates.

Bustled by the hard rucking tactics of the local forwards early in the match, the Australian backs took time to settle down, and Bay of Plenty was the first to score, when Goldsmith sent Martin over for a neat try, converted by Welch, in the first 10 minutes of play. The Australians replied with a preview of what was to come later, when the forwards swept away in a passing rush started by the half-back,’ Cawsey, for Windon to score. Piper converted. With the advantage of clean hooking from the scrums and rucks, the visiting backs had a much better chance to get going, but’found the bustling Bay of Plenty forwards hard to handle in the early stages. However, the standard of handling and penetration generally was much better than their opponents. Australians’ Superiority

The second half was a walk-over fo'r the Australians, who now had the advantage of a sharp angled sun at their backs. They made the most of it, paving the way for fierce passing rushes, with kicks downfield. ’ The forwards combined with the backs in throwing the ball about, providing a consistent scoring overlap. This type of game obviously had the home team at a loss, and the defence broke down. ■ ’-. • The Australians gave the impression of speed and combination, and? should develop into a truly formidable side.

If they continue to exploit the open, clean .game, their- tour should be. of great benefit to. the game in this coun* try. ■ For Australia, tries were scored by Allan, Bldmley/Brookhoff (two each), and Windon. ■ ■ Piper converted four tries and kicked twopenalty goals. For Bay-of Plenty tries were scored by Martin and Morrison. One try was converted by Welch.