ALL BLACKS’ LUCKY WIN

Grey River Argus, 14 September 1931, Page 6

ALL BLACKS’ LUCKY WIN

i WALLABY BACKS BEST l [ Bush Kicks Five Goals > (Per Press Association). AUCKLAND, Sept. 13. I The only Rugby test between the All Blacks and the Wallabies was played at | Eden Park to-day, and resulted in a ) win for the All Blacks by 20 points to : 13.

The All Blacks score was made up of two tries, one of which was converted by Bush, who also kicked four penalty goals. Bush kicked magnificently, ami as a result no fewer than 14 points out of the All Blacks’ total i of 20 were registered by him. The Wallabies scored three tries, two of which were converted by Ross. In the first spell, the Wallabies had all the better of the play, and they scored three really brilliant tries. The All Blacks settled down better lin the second half, during which the visitors failed to score. The, match was really a duel between the All Black forwards and the Wallabies’ backs. The visiting rearguard gave a fine exhibition of polished passing, which was in strong contrast to that of the All Blacks. The Australian backs’ speed and accurate handling, with their penetrating work by the inside men always made them a dangerous attacking force. The'All Black inside backs were extremely disappointing. Page, who replaced Oliver, was also very disappointing. It was a great pity to see. Hart and Ball having to make their own opportunities. Hart, especially, played a very good all round game. The credit for the All Blacks’ rather lucky win must, therefore, to a great extent, be handed to the fine goal kicking of Bush, and the work of the pack, especially in the second spell.

The match was played in fine weather on a fast ground. The attendance was 15,000. The teams were as previously published, Page replacing Oliver in the New Zealand backs. THE PLAY. The All Blacks won the toss and they played with the sun and a slight, wind in their favour. Strang early made a fine cross kick, which had Ross in trouble. Hart dashed up while the full back was waiting for the bounce, and kicking on, Hart gathered possession well, to score a try wide out unopposed. Bush landed a fine goal. All Blacks 5; Wallabies 0.

The All Black forwards were being penalised for offside play, and the play was being confined to the home team’s quarter. The visiting backs were throwing the ball about, from all positions, and Malcolm shone out with clever play behind the scrum. Twice Lilburne was conspicuous for heady play, and twice all the advantage was lost through Page failing to gather his pass cleanly. The first time that the whole of the All Black back line handled the ball correctly, Hart beat Tolhurst, who, however, chased and lowered the All Black three-quarter.

Malcolm started a movement cleverly. Steggall made a splendid opening. Before drawing Bush, Steggall transferred to Cowper, who outpaced the opposition and scored behind the posts. Ross easily added the goal points. All I Blacks 5, Wallabies 5.

| A few minutes later, Bush landed a I magnificent goal from a penalty about five yards inside halfway. All Blacks 8, Wallabies 5.

| Better passing by the Wallabies and i superior speed then gave the visitors the advantage, the All Blacks being kept (on the defence. Towers then made a lovely opening, hut with no support. When reaching Bush, however, he cross kicked, and Judd gathered possession. Towers then name vp fast to accept a pass and score i.ear the posts. Ross converted the try. WalI labies 10- All Blacks 8.

Steggall made a splendid opening by beating the All Black five eighths, and, in 'a flash, Towers was up alongside him to accept a pass and score a fine try near the posts. From a free charge, Boss missed the kick at goal. Wallabies 13; All Blacks 8.

A few minutes later, Bush was successful with another magnificent kick, making the scores at half time: Wal- ■ labies 13, All Blacks 11. The Jll Black forwards commenced' I the second spell with more dash, but the passing of the N.Z. backs was too 1 slow and deliberate. Bush, however,. i landed his third penalty goal with another great kick from well out. All I Blacks 14, Wallabies 13. ' The All Blacks were now conti nI ually on the attack. A bad bit of offI side work by a visiting forward outI side his 25 gave Bush another oppori tunity, and the full back again raised the flags.— All Blacks 17; Wallabies ■ 13. The Wallabies now took a brief turn I on the attack, during which Ross was unlucky when a penalty kick of his hit the upright. The All Blacks had the better of the remaining exchanges, and just on time Corner made a clever opening on the blind side. Solomon further improved the position and drew Ross, before sending on to Ball, the All Black wing, who took advantage of his only real opportunity during the match by scoring wide out. ' Bush failed to and the game j ended with the score:— I ALL BLACKS 20 WALLABIES 13 Mr S. Hollander, of Canterbury, gave a splendid exhibition as referee. I