RUGBY FOOTBALL

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 28 June 1924, Page 9

RUGBY FOOTBALL

COMMENTS ON SATURDAY’S MATCHES. HAWERA v. STRATFORD. The above match, played at Hawera, .was easily the best match seen on the show grounds this season. Both sides were in training, and the pace was on throughout. There was a marked difference in the tactics of the two teams. Hawera strove to get the play open, but Stratford all the time tried smothering tactics. As there was no rain and the ball was dry enough to ensure accuracy in passing, the Hawera team came off best, and the difference of eight points might easily have been increased. Jarvie at full-back for Hawera showed improved form, and handled the ball safely.Brown played up to form, but was •hampered by the shepherding of his opponents.

Lay did quite well at wing, but lacks the knack of hopping quickly off the mark. This is a fault that more than one back in Taranaki has, and can be remedied by practice. Hodder and McGregor worked well together, and gave the best exposition at five-eighth seen this season. McGregor was given/a fair amount of rope, and made good use of it. A. Paterson did very good work at half, and was sound both on attack and defence.

The forwards after the first quarter hour played well together. They were superior on the line-out, but did not show to such great advantage in the scrums. Robinson, R. Paterson, West and Chadwick were always prominent, the first-named being in the van continuously.

The Stratford players showed signs of having trained consistently, and for the first 15 minutes looked like running Hawera off their feet. More advantage should have been taken of their opportunities during this period, but the attacking work absolutely failed. Reeve at full-back played safely, but his kicking is rather weak. The three-quarters were not so good as in the first match, except for E. Meuli, who displayed speed and resource on more than one occasion.

The five-eighths, Walter and Fryday, were quite out of the picture on attack, but did good service on defence. Sangster gave the ball out fairly well when he got a chance, but as a half he is not nippy enough. The Stratford forwards were triers all the time. They worked into good positions, but spoilt a good many likely chances by kicking too hard. They should realise that by kicking yards further than need he they are giving their opponents so much more room in which to work. Young and Kivell were the best of a good pack who held their own in the scrums but were outmatched on the line-out. ' Walter, Sharrook and McCullough also helped in carrying on the good work. Fryday is much better as a forward than at five-eighth.

One thing that should have more attention in future than in the past is the shepherding. of players. This is very prevalent in Taranaki, and the referees should put it down, as if is the cause of a great deal of trouble. KAPONGA-OPUNAKE GAME. Two of the best packs of forw r ards in the provincial competitions were seen in action in the Kaponga-Opunake contest. Both packs played the bustling follow up game with great dash, and honours were fairly evenly divided until the closing stages, when the superior physical condition of the Ivaponga. men gave them the ascendancy, Opunake for the last twenty minutes being penned in a desperate defence. Players in both Tear divisions showed occasionally in flashes of clever individual play, but good combined movements were seldom seen.

From previous performances, a fast open game of a good standard was expected, but the display was disappointing owing to the excessive 'amount of offside and obstruction, tactics, with the resultant frequent stoppages for penalties. A certain amount of offside play is inevitable in all games, it being often purely the result of over-eagemess. Jo those cases it may be classed as quite unintentional and niay to some extent be condoned. There is no excuse, however, for obstruction, as it is only in very exceptional instances that it- cannot he l a,voided. It is never indulged in by players who enter the games in the sporting spirit with, which they should be contested, and, to keep the game clean, every endeavour should be made to eliminate this objetionable feature which is, unfortunately, far too conspicuous in some of our club games. Forwards should remember that although one of therr principal functions is to harry and spoil the efforts of their opponents, it should always be done without resorting to what is known as obstruction.

Besides spoiling the game for players and spectators alike, offside and ' obstruction infringements render the referee’s duty an unenviable' one. Evidence of this was given in the game under review, when the referee’s decisions, which, to the initiated were invariably correct, were occasionally disapproved of by a section of the spectators, who. demonstrated their opinions with an objectionable amount of heckling. Such demonstrations are to he greatly regretted. They not only tend to undermine the player’s confidence in the referee, but they afford an bad example to those of the younger generation who watch the displays of our national game with Kuc-h keen interest. The referee is always in closer touch with the play than the man on the line, and is best able to judge the tactics of the players. Even in those isolated instances where the man controlling the game has apparently been in error, spectators should not so far forget themselves as to give expression of such an emphatic nature to their views regarding his rulings. PATEA: v. WAIMATE. The game at Manaia on Saturday between Pa-tea and Waimate proved rather a. disappointment for the Waimate supporters, who placed a good deal of reliance on the strength of their home pack. In the first half the Patea men seemed to be too good all round for the Waimate team, and with a little more luck and less offside nlay would have placed the issue beyond doubt before the second spell commenced. After half-time, however, the home forwards received considerable encouragement from L. Christie’s strenuous efforts, and by quick following up were able to change from defensive into offensive t-actics. _ . Unfortunately, Waimate 7 ,s rear division only occasionally appeared

in the picture as far as the offensive tactics were concerned. Patea’s backs on the other hand co-operated much better with their forwards, hut their movements also often lacked finish, too much being left to one individual at the critical moment. The game, however, was a very even one. and Patea seemed to score the try which decided the honours in favour of the visitors in a ridiculously easy manner. CLIFTON v STAR. After the performance Star put up against Hawera last Saturday week, one was quite justified in thinking that Clifton would be badly defeated on Saturday. However, such was not the ease, for not' only did Clifton win the match, but also, at times, they completely outclassed Star in every department of the game. The Waitara pack played very well, keeping up a. hot pace throughout the match, whilst the backs, although not combining very well, were individually brilliant. The Star backs, on the other hand, combined perfectly, but were given few opportunities, as the forwards were no match for the Clifton seven in the scrums and line-outs. TUKAPA v. ELTHAM.

This game was somewhat patchy. At times there were flashes of combined attack on the part of either team, but at other times the play was of a straggling character. Tukapa showed something of their traditional form and occasionally raised the spectators to mild enthusiasm by the bright way in which - the backs handled the 'ball "and w’ent through the opposition. There were many occasions, however, when promising movements were spoiled, either by a bad pass or failure to take cleanly. The place kicking on either side was weak, and many, attempts to goal went wide of the mark, or missed by narrow margins. Some of the- inside backs 'and the full-back were the weak links in the visitors’ team. LIGHT BACKS. The weight of the backs causes concern in other places besides. New Zealand. New South Wales is having trouble, and the following remarks from the Sydney Referee are “apropos”- as regards players selected to meet the All Blacks: “All those, selected are worthy of the choice, but there has been an outcry at the omission of A. Bowers, the Eastern Suburbs threequarter. And the complaint is warranted. The one weakness in Sydney Rugger is the lack of weight amongst the backs. Most of the- players of sparkle and cleverness are light-. Bowers, an exception, is a strong runner and a good defender. There is not a harder player to stop. One feels that he is almost certain to force himself into the team before the All Black programme is concluded.”

REPRESENTATIVE TEAMS

With the near approach of the rep,, matches, one may be pardoned for asking what has been done as regards getting a team together. The district is a fairly wide one, and unless players can be brought together, even on the day prior to the game, how can any system of play be gone into. Taking the province right through, there is nothing to show that, all the players understand all about one 'another’s play. A uniform system is not in use, so combination is not likely to be the cardinal virtue of the teams playing next week. These defects in management can be remedied very easily if the officials were really alert. It seems to tbs writer that a policy of “laisse.i faire” is in vogue, but anyone who has “I'd to- do with Rugby will easily see the futility of such a state of affairs. There is the future to think of, therefore some signs of building up with that in view would be very welcome.

THOUGHTS ON KICKING

The writer has been watching the games this season with interest, and has noted one thing particularly, that is the amount of kicking indulged in by local backs and the extremely poor quality of it. Just before the war the writer had a talk with a prominent League player of New South Wales, and discussed the kicking of the hacks. The excellence of the work in finding the line on defence was noted, but also the comparative rarity of kicking when out of the danger zone was commented on. The idea was said to be that the first principle was to get control of the ball, and having got it to keep it as long .as possible. That is sound doctrine, and there can be no sense in once getting the ball to give it to the other side. Yet, how Often does one see two sets of serummagers straining and heaving to get the ball out, and when out, get up to see some silly fellow give a short punt, or else kick aimlessly down field. Thus all the good work done by • the forwards is ouitejndlifted. One knows that the hacks of certain teams are not too- good on.attack, but it is palpable that ability in that direction will not be gained unless well practised'. If teams are going to adopt old-fashioned methods of kicking at every opportunity when the rules of the game are designed to stop it, then they must take the consequences .and drop behind in the race. It is possible to work the line nowadays, but it requires greatprecision in, kicking, and that our modern players do not possess, for the simple reason that they do- not practice enough. It is much easier for backs to develop running tendencies, and once they are brought out the game will not languish because of dulness. Tn the year of grace, 1923, a game was played at Rugby between teams of all internationals to- celebrate Win. Webb Ellis’s feat of picking up the ball and running with it. This seems most ironic to me sometimes, as I watch some senior games, for the very last thought of some Rugby backs i* to run with the ball. There would be no question of shortage of inside backs if our players could be imbued with the idea that R-ugby is essentially a game wherein you run with the ball. When one does come to the- matter of kicking, one certainly can see great room lor improvement. Years ago players could lie seen on vacant allotments kicking the ball to one another. In this fashion proficiency was obtained and muscles were developed. In the pre'-ont day it would be considered “infra dig’’ for players to do such tilings. " Well, length, precision and mastery of fielding the ball are got no other\vav. GUARD THE TRADITIONS. Officials and players should jealously guard the honoured traditions which have made Rugby the national British game (says an exchange). The remarkable popularity the pastime enjoys could never have been possible unless the game had the gpod-will of both parents

and schools. With few exceptions Britishers regard Rugby as a strenuous athletic exercise, which ujpt only develops muscles and sinews, but teaches youngsters to take and giy-e hard knocks in the best of humour. For long Continental nations were inclined to sneer at the British fondness for athletic sport, and held the view that any people who wasted their time in such frivolous fashion would be found lacking when the call to arms came. The Great War so effectively exploded this fallacy that to-day France has seriously taken up Rugby football, and the Government even goes the length of subsidising the. Germany, too, has learnt the lesson that it is wise to keep the youth of the nation physically fit hv indulgence in vigorous outdoor pastimes., France to-day can hold her own with England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales on the Rugby field, and engages regularly in the international contests. The cables have told us that an American team went oVer for the Olympic games, and considerably surprised Rugby supporters in England by decisively defeating a strong English team,’ and then crossing the Channel to inflict a defeat upon the French national Thus it will be seen that this grand old game, which was cradled at Rugby School, has swept the world. More than ever is it necessary that its best traditions should be maintained. The game is in good hands in New Zealand, and but little fault can he found with the standard of sportmanship maintained. It is on that account that well-wishers of the game view with grave disapproval an element of roughness which has been gradually creeping into the game locally. No one can have a word to say against clean, hard tackling. If a player will not part with the ball, he should be put down, and put down sharply and suddenly. But more than this was apparent in several of the senior matches played on Saturday last. There was far too much playing of the man instead of the ball; and altogether too much unnecessarily rough play. 'What is still more regrettable is that this tendency to play the man instead of the ball appears to be creeping into college football. Hitherto ' all have looked to the secondary schools to maintain the highest traditions of sportmanship. This is a departure from the ethics of college football which can only be viewed with extreme regret. Let us have bard and sudden tackling by all means, but let us set our faces sternly against any introduction of the vicious type of play which ruined American Rugby, and caused so many students in that country to he maimed for life. With Rugby played as it .has been up to the present, parents are only too willing that their sons should be allowed to play the game, and even encourage them to do so. But once let deliberately rough play be introduced, and that good-will and sympathy will not only be withdrawn, but it will be turned to hostility and opposition. The remedy lies entirely in the hands of referees. Too many referees appear afraid to offend prominent players by administering a severe caution. All players should he treated alike, and any and all guilty of un* necessarily rough plav should he promptly ordered off the field. If players knew that referees would fearlessly adopt this course,. there would he no repetition of happenings such as had to be' chronicled last Saturday.

REFEREES’ CONFERENCE.

SOME IMPORTANT RULINGS.

At the recent annual conference of Rugby Referees held in Wellington, some very important decisions were given, ancl in the case of “free-kicks” an alteration is made which will come into force in 1925.

Wellington R.R.A. (1) Player takes a “mark” about tt yard from touch-line. He goes into touch to start his run. Before entering the field of play and whilst still in touch he kicks, and so does not kick over his mark. Decision : Scrummage at the “mark.” (2) A kick at goal is being taken from a mark. The placer lies down and places the ball on the ground. The opposing side charge, and are likely to reach the ball before the kicker. In view of this the placer still on the ground snatches up the ball and hands it to the kicker. Decision of conference:—“That the placer's duty has finished when he has placed the ball on the ground. If he picks the ball up while he is lying on the ground, he is illegally playing the ball while on the ground, and a. free kick should be given against him.” The executive was instructed to state a case for the E.R.U.

When a player is placing the ball he shall not wilfully do anything which may lead his opponents to think he has put the ball down when he has not; “if he does so the charge shall not be disallowed.” What is the meaning of the words in inverted commas? Decision:—Conference ruling 1912. The charge shall not be disallowed, but the players shall be sent back, and allowed to charge when the ball is actually on the ground. ’ (4) A free kick is awarded the attacking side, and placer puts the ball on the- ground as if for a ’shot at goal. The kicker kicks the 'ball towards the touch line, hut in the direction of the _ goal. Is this a legitimate kick ? Decision: kick legitimate. Horowhenua R.A.:—ln the event of a free kick being given, and a. shot at goal being taken, can the opposing side hold up their hands, or jump up in the air ? Decision: —Yes, provided they do not charge over the mark. Southland R.A.: —Offside players who may be put on side in different wavs:— By the player who last played the' hall, or who is in possession of the ball running past him ? Decision :—A player in an offside position and who is not waitmg within the ten yards limit is put on-side by the player who last played the ball, or who is in possession of the hall running past him*. A player who is waiting within ten yards of an opponent waiting to receive the ball cannot be put on-side until he retires beyond the ten yards limit.

Wanganui R.A.:—Tn the event of the ball striking the referee between the 25’s and say five yards from the touch line, where should the resultant scrummage take place. Decision: Ten yards from the touch line

Hamilton R.A.:—A plaver in possession of the hall retires behind his own 25 in the ordinary run of play and kicks the ball into touch on the full. Where should the line out take place? Decision: W here the ball went into touch.

t -U scrum a few yards outside the 2o the half back in possession of ball runs across his own 25 and kicks the hull out on the 0 full? Decision:—Line out "here the ball went into touch. A scrum a yard or so outside the 25. The ball is heeled out, th n half back uasses to one of his own side behind his 25 who kicks out on the full. Vi here should the line out take place? Decision:—Where the hall went into touch.

(4) In a kick off, the ball does not go 10 yards pavalled with the touch line. The rule states that the ball must "O 10 yards, etc. Ts it mandatory for the ball to be kicked off again, or scrummaged ? Decision; —"Advantage rule to apply.

Wellington R.A.:—“An attacking player A (1) is about to kick tlie ball D (1) attempts to charge the kick down, but the ball glances off him to A (2), who is in front of A (1), should A (1) be ruled offside, if he is within 10 .yards of D (1)?” Decision:—Ruled offside. A remit is to drafted for the consideration of the E.R.U. dealing with the case of a player more than ten yards from an opponent on the opponent's side of the field. At present, the ten yards’ rule is to he read as in anv direction.

Southland R.A.(a) If a player while being on the ground, tackles' or collars an opponent running with or in possession of the ball. I s this legal? (b) A player whilst lying on the ground puts his hand out tans an opponent’s foot who is running with the ball so as to cause him to trip and fall. Does this constitute a trip as with the foot ? Decision:—Both actions illegal. Reason : Player on ground cannot interfere with opponent. Free kick.

Putarum R.A.: —Questions submitted for rulings thereon: (1) in the event of a player not being in possession of the ball falls or slips in such proximity to the ball that he is able to play the ball while on the ground (that is neither being tackled or collared) is he allowed to do. so? Decision:—Playing the'ball whilst lying on the ground. Penalty a “freekick.”

(2) A player carries the ball over his own in goal, endeavours to kick out in his own 25 as far up as possible. He miskicks and the ball goes out in touch in goal. Do you deal with the carry back, or irregularities in-goal? Decision :—Carried back. “TACKLE.” The following new rulings should be noted:— (1) A player is grasped by an opponent and is brought to the ground, but is not sufficiently held to prevent him passing the. ball. He may pass the bail whether it. has touched the ground or not. / (S) When a player is grasped and brought down by an opponent, and the ball touches the ground but the player i s not sufficiently held to prevent him lifting the ball and placing it over the line, a try should be allowed. (3) When a player is running for the line is grasped by an opponent and brought down, the ball touching the ground outside the line, but the player and ball slide over the line, a try should be allowed.

Auckland R.R.A. —The ball has been kicked over the goal line by the attacking side. An attacker runs down m touch and falls on the ball. Simultaneously with touching down the ball ho g ra sps the touch flag with his other hand. Thus.at the time of forcing the ball his feet are in touch, his hanff on the touch flag. What is the decision ? Decision: A try. Ball is on ground. Player not in possession. Wanganui R.R.A.:—(I) Rule 10. h ree Kicks. 35 .That paragraph under Notes and Rulings which at present reads: “In the event of a free kick being taken from behind the goal line and the ball strikes the goal post or cross bar and rebounds ii“to touch-in-goal or over the dead ball line another lack must be taken and the ball cross the goal line.” Be amended to read:— “In the event of a free kick or mark being taken from behind the goal line and the hall strikes the goal post- or cross bar and rebounds into touch-in-goal oi" over the dead ball line, another kick must be taken and the ball cross trie goal line.” —Carried as suggested. To aid iiniformity of rules. (2) Rule 10 “Free Kicks.”—“That paragraph 13 under Notes and Rulings which at present reads: —“The kicker and the olacer must be different players.” Be amended to read: “In the event of a free kick being awarded and a place kick at goal taken, the kicker be allowed to place the balk but in the case of a kick at goal from a fair catch or after a try, the kicker and piacer he different players. Amendment agreed to. To operate from 1925. A free kick will then be reallv free from restrictions

Rule 19 (“Scrummage”)—“That rule 19 which at present roads:—“Tn all cases when a scrummage is ordered between the 25-yard line for a breach occurring within 10 yards of the touch lines, such scrummage shall take place at a spot opposite the place where the touch line parallel with' the goal line.” In connection with the above a breach.occurred and 10 yards from’ the remit is to be sent through the N.Z.R.U. to the Imperial Conference this year

There is a diversity of opinion among the referees of my association as to \\ hat penalty,, if any, should he enforced in the case of a player who. when on tne ground, tackles a, player of an opposing team jn possession of the hall. Decision: —A player on the ground is out of-,play and should lie penalised by a free kick.

The decisions arrived at will, except that re free kicks, come- into operation immediately.

The following decision was received from the English Rugby Tin ion arising out of a question submitted from the conference held during last year atChristchurch :—The taker of a mark was knocked out in doing so. Should a referee allow another plaver to take the kick, or give a scrum ? Decision : “If the player is injured, and cannot take the kick in three minutes, the kick is void, and a scrummage is formed at the mark.”