TEST AT AUCKLAND

Grey River Argus, 9 August 1937, Page 2

TEST AT AUCKLAND

Australians Win 12 to 8 BY SUPERIOR TEAM WORK. [Per Press Association]. AUCKLAND, August 7. Played on a ground which showed the effects of week’s of heavy rain, the first Rugby League test between Australia and New Zealand nevertheless delighted a crowd of about 20,000 with a bright and fast exhibition of the code. Australia, after being three ponits behind at tne interval, profited by its superior teamwork to finally take the decision by, 12 points to eight. Fast raiding by 'the New Zealand forwards supported by the backs with clean handling had the visitors upset in the early stages.” The Australians disdaining defensive methods, threw the ball about with abandon on their own,line and faulty handling allowed the New Zealand forwards to drive home their advantage. It was a different story in the second spell when the Australians, in spite of the improved tackling of the New Zealand backs, showed their brilliance in a series of attacking moves. The visitors dominated the scrum-work, and it was only when the Australians made mistakes in handling that New Zealand was able to show any initiative. The crisp and free handling of the Australian backs gave the impression that on a dry ground they would be a brilliant combination although they were bottled up on attack due to the solid tackling of the New Zealand inside backs, Tittleton and Kickerton. Norman proved himself an outstanding player. He was the dominant figure in the Australian back line, frequently coveting the mistakes of the forwards and displaying brilliance on attack. Williams, the Australian half-back was probably the brainiest player on the field. Frequently he bluffed the opposing backs with his speed and straight running. Although shadowed constantly, by the fast and eagei New Zealand pack, he often put them off their balance by subtle and quick reverse passes. Among the visiting forwards Pearce and Gibbs stood out for solid play in the scrum and brilliant handling in the loose. The Australians had two speedy and aggressive wingmen in Haselden and McLean. Given a chance within scoring distance they mowed down the opposing players with their strong running. Although the game revealed weaknesses in the New Zealand side, which was on the defensive for the greater part of the time, owing to the visitors superiority in the scrum, the Dominion team performed above expectations. Conditions certainly suited the New Zealanders’ style of play, inasmuch as that play was kept comparatively close. Weak tackling opened up the way for Australia’s first two tries, althougn credit must be given the visitors for their initiative and accurate handling. The Canterbury wing thre-quarter, C. H. Davidson, was one of the most successful players in the New Zealand back line. Sound on uefence and vigorous on attack, he gave the Dominion back line a certain amount of colour. Halloran impressed at halfback for New Zealand, while Tittleton and Bickerton, for the few opportunities they received P well. Brodrick, Cootes and McLeod were the best New Zealand forwards Tries were scored for the visit by Hazeldon (2), McLean and Stehr Bickerton and Davison scored tries for New Zealand, the latter aso kicking a penalty goal.