ALL BLACKS WIN DECISIVELY IN AN OPEN GAME

Grey River Argus, 19 August 1949, Page 6

ALL BLACKS WIN DECISIVELY IN AN OPEN GAME

With Universities’ Reps. At Transvaal Capital PRETORIA, Aug. 17. The All Blacks beat Combined Northern Universities by 17 points (three tries, one converted, and two penalty goals) to three points (a penalty goal). . The game might have been a brilliant spectacle buc for the extremely hot weather, which caused periods of relaxation. Open football was played by the Universities, and the All Blacks replied in kind. The teams were:— New Zealand Full-back: J. W. Goddard. Three-quarters: I. J. Botting, M. P. Goddard, W. A. Meates. Five-eighths: R. R. Elvidge, G. W. Delamore. Half-back; W. J. Conrad. Forfards: K. L. Skinner, N. L. Wilson, R. A. Dalton, P. J. Crowley, H. F. Frazer, M. J. McHugh, N. H. Thornton, D. L. Christian. Northern Universities Full-back: Oberholzer. Three-quarters: Leed, Stewart, Brink Lawton. Halves: Basson, Musto. Forwards: Front row: Bekker, Lubbe, Odendall; middle row: MacDonald, Dinklemann, Steinhobel, Botha; back row: Small. BROTHERS TO THE FORE The match was a triumph for the Goddard brothers. J. W. Goddard gave a very sound display at fullback and scored eight points with accurate goal kicking. His brother, M. P. Goddard marked his return alter a long spell through a broken wnst by scoring the most spectacular try of the day when he intercepted a pass near half-way and completely outpaced the opposition. ‘The All Blacks’ had difficulty in understanding the referee’s interpretation of the scrum rules. A meeting will have to be held to clarify the positions as many referees are penalising the All Blacks for things which are allowed to go unhalted by opposing sides. The All Blacks had a slight advantage in the line-outs but were beaten two to one in the scrums, but they threw the ball about freely. Delamore’s pace off the mark, Elvidge’s solidarity at second-five-eighth and M. P. Goddard’s liveliness at centre saw the wingers get more chances than they had for some time. Meates give further evidence of his improved form and scored one good try. Botting made several attractive runs, which were only halted by good tackling and cover defence. In the All Blacks’ pack, Skinner and Frazer replaced Simpson and Harvey, who were off colour. Crowley and Frazer were in good form in the line-outs. McHugh gave an impressive all-round display and scored a grand try. Thornton and Christian were to the fore in the loose. The University forwards proved live/-' opponents. Dinkelmanm again impressed as a possible Springbok. The backs showed plenty of dash, but larked nenetiation, though one ru<=h on the short side of the scrum early in the game might have yielded a try but for a forward pass. THE PLAY Delamore kicked off against a slight wind. From a scrum University passing went astray. Delamore flashed up to kick the ball over the hne, but was beaten in a race for the ball. A few minutes later Oberholzer missed an easy penalty shot. The All Blacks’ backs showed dashing form in a passing rush following the drop-out, but the final tianslei in a handy position was ruled forward. A series of penalties against New Zealand and possession in the scrums gave the Universities a terril 01 ial advantage The All Blacks had a spell on attack and J. W. Goddard opened the scoring after 20 minutes play when Universities were penalised in a cpriirn K Some bright football followed, Delamore impressing by speed oil the mark. One excellent movement saw’ the ball go out to Meates with Christian backing up and the ball Cc.me infield to Elvidge . and Ihe latter was pushed into toucn alter a good run. MP. Goddard was then seen in a grand swerving run to give Dotting a fine chance, but the referee ruled Goddard’s transfer forward Delamore found the line wilh an excellent kick in Universities 25. Frazer won the ball from the throwin broke through and when the ball came loose McHugh scooped it up like a back and raced over for a fine try, which J. W. Goddc.rd could not convert. SECOND SPELL In the second spell Universities were penalised. Thornton’s shot went outside the posts. Instead of forcing Universities worked a clever reverse passing rush from ther own goal line which swept to half-way. They then kicked ahead. J. W. Gocidaid took the ball behind Elvidge and was penalised for using Elvidge as-a shield. Oberholzer goaled to make the scoi es All Blacks 6, Universities 3. The University backs roused the crowd with two good attacking lushes but last-minute transfers were erratic The University forwards copied'the All Blacks’ tactics of one tai' forward taking the ball and giving it to a man in front of the line who sought to crash through. The All Blacks quickly countered this. Then J. W. Goddard kicked his second penalty goal to make the scores 9-3. GOOD TRIES BY ALL BLACKS From a line-out Botting threw the ball well infield. Delamore took it in full stride, sent a long n a£S to Meates and was in position to take a pass when Meates was blocked. Racing up the sideline, Delamore put in a high centre kick. Thornton was handy to catch the choosing lull-back and the ball came back to Conrad who slipped through a gap and sent Meates away for the first try of the match. J. W. Goddard goaled with an excellent kick from the sideline to make the scores 14-3. A few moments later J. W. Goddard came up into a passing rush and nearly went clean through the opP °Right' on time M. P. Goddard intercepted a pass and ran 40 yards to score a spectacular try. His brothei missed the conversion from well out and the game ended: All Blacks 17, Combined Universities 3.