REFUTED!

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 16 December 1924, Page 5

REFUTED!

ALL BLACKS’ TACTICS. WEEK-END CRITICISM. “ILL-INFORMED AND SPITEFUL.” Severe criticism has been levelled . at the- • All • Blacks in connection with obstructionist tactics in their match against the United Services. In fact, a number of important newspaper- statements suggesting, that the Dominion’s representatives had indulged in deliberate fouTtactics. It is extreme- ~ ly satisfactory to note that the Rugby expert: of one of tlie world ’s greatest newspapers ’ refutes these assertions. ' 8Y CABLE—PRESS . ASSOCIATION—COPYRIGHT; (Received Dee.i 16, 10.40 .a,uu) LONDON; Dec. 15. The Times’ Rugby expert describes certain week-end criticism of the All Blacks as ill-informed and spiteful. It is rather ironical, lie says/ that the activities of. the referee at Saturday’s match have been seized on by the less generous and, more parochial minded of the All Blacks ’ critics as a further proof that '.tlie basis of their, play lies in deliberate fpiil .tactics. Most teams/ lie declares, have players who are apt t 0 lose , their heads, but to those who have watched/the All Blacks in most of their matches anything more' monstrous or, rather, ludicrous can hardly be imagined. • OFFER TO NEPIA. THE TRUE STORY. Received Dec: 16, 11.20 a.m ' LONDON, Dec. 15. Ihe Athletic. News says that the true' stoiy of Nepia and the Rugby League is that an intermediary, acting on behalf of several League . clubs, asked JNepia s terms. . Nepia’s quotation, serious or otherwise, was £ISOO. Needless to say negotiations were not entered upon. .. T} ie Athletic News adds that it beheves that only once has £IOOO been paid for a transfer, but apart" from anv. monetary consideration, the situation is still governed by the fact that no New Zealand playeiy in either code, can plav R.ugbv or League football in England until ho lias completed the two years’ residential qualification.