ALL BLACKS.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 24 December 1924, Page 9

ALL BLACKS.

- PRExMIER’S GOOD WISHES. (by TELEGRAPH—PUESS ASSOCIATION.) WELLINGTON, Dec. 24. lho Prime Minister tins morning sent the following cable to the manager oi the All Blacks: ‘‘Warmest New Zealand Christmas, good wishes to all members: of the. team. '. May .the uNew Year see them triumphant* and their record stijl unbroken.’ 7 LONDON: COUNTIES. ALL ENGLAND. Ihe present team are -treated much more considerately i n the matter of matches than were their forbears, of 490-5, in that they are . allowed a spelt betore. each international and several other, important matches of the tour, \\heieas tlie previous, team'had to play without intermission: two and sometimes three matches each week, and before tlie match, on Saturday next they have been given ten days in which, to specially prepare. Though it is probable, they won id almost pfeter to go ahead and get the tour ; oyer, the spell will bo .welcomed by those who Have been suffering front injury or illness. Ibo team has not yet been cabled, but advice has been sent tliA-t for both the counties and the English "match' the best fifteen possible will bet selected, lliey have come so;close to the end of tlie itinerary- unbeaten that they are ■unwilling- to take any risks. Barring accidents, and given decent weather ceiKutums, they should win ,both. And Euglish critics are not at all optimistic of the chaifce.s of their team, and ™yier criticise th<; selection made for AH,England. The selection includes all the best known names in .'.English Rugby, but it is somewhat- surprising that the - Irish cracks, some of whom played for English counties, are not eligible for the international tehm, .1 ney would surely he good enough. M bile the general expectation will be a lvin, the results, of the last two matches on English soil Will be awaited eagerly even though‘Dominion enthusaasts have got so used etc leading a double-figure score after each match. ■The results will, be as welcome as . any item of holiday news. '