THIRD PILGRIMAGE TO BRITAIN

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXV, Issue 186, 25 July 1935, Page 14

THIRD PILGRIMAGE TO BRITAIN

DIFFICULT TOUR

Improved Standard at Home

SOME LOSSES EXPECTED

(Specially written by Mr. Norman A. McKenzie)

AT DAYLIGHT on Wednesday next there will depart for England the 1935 New Zealand Rugby side comprising 29 players under the managership of Mr. V. R. Meredith,

of Auckland, and to Hawke’s Bay sport-loving followers there is a bond of interest in this third great adventure to the Homeland closer than that existing in some parts of the Dominion, by reason of the fact that this province is directly Represented with three players—all forwards. There never yet has been selected a Rugby side that has given complete satisfaction and when one comes to consider the great number of players offering for every selection, and may I say players of ability, this is not surprising.

Every province in this Dominion contains its unlucky players to-day. It is perhaps beside the point to say that in this particular, tiawke’s Bay is most unlortunate; however the selection is finalised, the disappointments forgotten and we turn in anticipation of the pending departure with thoughts of a pleasant voyage and with that ended, the games to come. Before proceeding further 1 will, for a moment, turn back the pages to 1888 when an English team under the captaincy of K. L. Seddon made two visits to New Zealand, a tour of Australia being sandwiched between these visits. While in Australia R. L. Seddon was drowned and the tour was continued under the leadership of A. E. Stoddart, the English international and famous cricketer. Altogether they played nineteen games in New Zealand and from them we learned principally the art of heeling out from the scrum and systematic passing. Following this visit Rugby improved throughout the Dominion in leaps and bounds, and in the following winter Warbrick’s Native team visited the Homeland, playing no less than 74 matches, winning 4y, losing 20 and drawing 5. Despite the years that have passed this still remains the greatest Rugby tour on record.

In the early nineties of the last century the late George Stevenson, an Otago rep. wing-threequarter, and my brother, VV. McKenzie, approached the N.Z.R.U, for permission to select, and take, an all-New Zealand side to England, but the idea was vetoed officially and it was not until after the visit ot Bidell Sievright’s British team to these shores in 1904 that an invitation to tour England was received from the Home authorities. At that time it was not thought that New Zealand could defeat the international fifteens of Britain but there was a belief that the team would be stronger than the Native combination of 1888. Finance was a problem, New Zealand on that occasion having to provide all the costs ot travel, relying in return on a proportion of the gate takings. Substantial guarantees were forthcoming, however, and the original All Blacks swept all before them until they met Wales. They played a brand of football that fascinated and attracted enormous attendances. The “originals” returned to Auckland on Tuesday, March 6, 1906, with a record of 30 wins and one defeat.

In addition they brought back a nest-egg for New Zealand Rugby in the shape of good English pounds that ran to five figures. It can be said with truth that the original All Blacks made Rugby in New Zealand safe for posterity. To-day the N.Z.R.U. has in cash and ground investments something like £30.000, made possible by the exploits of this famous combination of 1905. Is it any wonder that, despite the passing years, memories of them remain evergreen? In 1924 came the second visit to England of the side that, by reason of their unbeaten record became known as the “Invincibles.” In 1905 Hawke’s Bay was not a direct contributor to the team hut in 1924 no less than six from the Bay were included and in the important games of the tour it was common to see five of our representatives included in the New Zealand fifteen. Hawke’s Bay followers enjoyed that tour and all six players returned to New Zealand to assist in placing the Bay higher on the provincial

ladder than has ever been attained by any other province.

Aiiu now we come to 1935 and with u enoughts ol wuat the mture six mourns nolds in score lor jack Manchester and Ins men. certainly tuey cannot better the record or Clift Porter’s “Invincibles" in point oi victories; possibly they may set a new record in another direction, but no matter what the results in point ol wins may show, it is certain chat the team that is on the eve or departure goes to meet obstacles greater than those met by the tourists of 1905 and 1924.

Io prove this assertion it is necessa.y to again turn back to 1900. in tnat year it was conceded mat there was a decadence ot interest in nugijy in England and in the opening games against tne AU Blacas it was common to bna players selected to meet cue visitors uaving their first game ot the season, hence the cricket scores recorded by Gallaher’s men. it was said that tne All Blacks once again popularised the game at Home and this interest grew as tne years passed. In 1924 the New Zealanders found the fitteens opposed to them in the early games lairly well equipped in physical condition but the games with the Welsh fitteens came much earlier in the tour than in 1995 and the sweeping victories registered in the Principality gave the r\ew Zealanders added confidence tor the games that followed. Since 1924 Kugoy has increased in popularity at Home, both irom a playing point of view and in public attendance. To-day the Twicgennain Rugby ground, the headquarters of the liuglisn Rugby Union, is the finest equipped spoils ground in the world, proot indeed of the popularity of Rugoy at Home, and we read that Murrayheld, the famous Scottish ground, is being improved to accommodate 85,999 spectators. In 1995, and again in 1924, the New Zealand team in every instance, apart from the internationals, met individual county filteens and in rare instances club sides, although these latter by reason of their elastic management rules comprised players drawn from all parts of England. Now, such is the demand to meet the 1935 New Zealanders that in the early part of the tour the combined strength of two counties will provide the opposition in some of the games. Last winter Cambridge University was stronger than ever before and they administered to Oxford the heaviest defeat in the history of the contests between these two universities. Cambridge University is a prolific contributor to the four international sides in Britain and when Cambridge is strong this strength is reflected particularly in the English, Welsh and Scottish international sides. Last winter Jones, the Cambridge fly half, was described as the greatest inside back in all England, and Woolier, Cambridge centre-threequarter, with Jones provided a splendid pair that created havoc amongst opposing fifteens Both gained places in the Welsh international fifteen. Fyfe, Cambridge wing-threequarter, represented Scotland and two of the Cambridge pack, whose names I forget for the moment, also gained international caps. In 1924 New Zealand defeated Cambridge by 5 to nil and this university will provide on November 14 next one of the great obstacles of the tour.

The opening game in 1924 was against Devon; this i,.ue the initial encounter will be against the combined strength of Devon and Cornwall. Then follows five days later the game with Midland Counties and with one day between the meeting with combined Yorkshire and Cumberland, after which the united strength of Cross Keys and Abertillery will have to be combated immediately prior to the match with Swansea- Thus the tourists are confronted with five opening games that are sure to provide strenuous opposition, and this opposition before they will be in anything like the best physical condition. Strenuous games at the commencement of a long tour are dangerous as it induces staleness and a footballer so afflicted cannot throw off the effects for weeks. We read in the Press that the New Zealand team on the voyage Home will practise scrummaging witn a machine, a board structure affixed to a solid foundation. It may read well but if 1 had my way the contraption would be consigned to the ocean depths before the boat was past Pencarrow Light for 1 fail to see the benefit to be derived from scrummaging against an immovable object, wliicn is totally different to the human opposition that sways as the pressure is applied. There are enough forwards in the side to provide two full packs for practice of the type that they will meet at Home. If the tourists successfully emerge from their five opening games then we can look forward witn equanimity to the games that follow until South of Scotland .is met at Hawick on October 12. The Border Scots are dour'Rugby players and very able at that. To them went the honour of administering one of the two defeats that overtook Benny Osier's Springboks in their recent te • • of England. (The 1924 side did noi ,iay any games in Scotland.) As a grand finale all four international games will be played within a space of live weeks, the concluding weeks of a tour that is appalling in its severity from first to last. It has been suggested that the New Zealand team should lose a game or two as a gesture to the Homeland. Such an action would be appreciated least of all “down under” and in any qase of what use is the playing of any game unless the will to win is there. With a knowledge of the players I am certain that they will prove cheerful losers if lose they do and very modest victors. We know too that there are other things to be considered besides playing Rugby and in this we have no reason to doubt but that they will prove worthy ambassadors of New Zealand. The pending tour is arousing great interest in England end it is evident that the Counties to be met will be well prepared. Personally, I would like to see this side equal the record of the “Invincibles” but this, I am afraid, is impossible, on the contrary the prospects of defeat loom large o six different occasions, not so much on account of a weakness in our side bu. because of a more polished oppositic than that encountered by preceding New Zealand sides.

Of the players themselves there are bound to be failures, there are a percentage of these in every tour, but again there will be some who will make their names famous. To establish a reputation a trip to England appears necessary, Charlie Seeling in 1905 was referred to in England as the greatest forward in the worTd, in 1924 Maurice Brownlie was awarded this honour and I have a suspicion that in the 1935 tour cne of Hawke’s Bay’s representatives will wear the mantle of these two great players of the past.

With that I will take leave of the 1935 All Blacks —Kia Ora,

TEAM’S PERSONNEL

Well-Balanced Combination

YOUTH AND EXPERIENCE

It has been admitted by most critics that, speaking gener-

ally, the prospects for a first-class test side being selected from the 29 players chosen for the great trip appear fairly good, especially with some very youthful and promising backs pushing their way to the front. It seems quite clear that the best All Black side picked for the International and other matches

during the tour will be an extremely formidable combination, in which youth and experience will be well blended.

“Thumb-nail” sketches of the various memoers of the 1935-35 All Blacks are as follow

G. Gilbert (West Coast), the only lull-back chosen, made a good impression when he played in tne All Black trial match iasc year. His kicking and delensivc ability was well shown. With the experience lie gains on the tour he may yet be classed among the best fullbacks.

G. F. Hart (Canterbury) is 26 years of age and has had an outstanding career in provincial aiid New Zealauu matches. He learned his football at Waitaki Boys’ High School. He first gained All Black honours m 1930, when ue played in all the test matches against the visiting British team and distinguished himself a sthe outstanding three-quarters of the series. He has played for the South Island in 1931-52-33-34, tor the All Blacks in 1930-31-32-34. Hart once held the New Zealand amateur sprint championship. N. J. Ball (Wellington'■ is a former All Black, and. his great asset is his ability to side-step either way at top speed, and this makes him a dangerous scoring wing. He first came to prominence in 1931 when he was capped for the All Blacks. He was in the 1932 All Black team also when it Toured Australia, winning nine of its IO matches. He has appeared once in an inter-island match—in 1932. H. Brown (Auckland) is an entirely new star and is a brother of the 1924 Ail Black, H. » . Brown. He is very fast, handles well, and outside a good centre should be capable of scoring many tries. Brown is 24 years of age. He did not play for Auckland last year.

N. Mitchell (Southland) is one of the most promising backs of the year. He has speed, cleverness, and initiative, and should develop into a star Eack on such a tour as that of this season. He entered first-class Rugby last season, when he played on the wing in the South Island All Black trial match, and again on the wing for the South Island against the North Island He is only 21 years of age. C. J. Oliver (Canterbury) is undoubtedly the most brilliant back in New Zealand to-day. His record is unique. He is the first man to be selected to tour Great Britain for both New Zealand cricket and New Zealand Rugby teams. He toured Great Britain with T. C. Lowry’s cricket team in 1927, With the exception of 1927, he has played for Canterbury in every season up to this year. He played for the South Island in 1926, 1928, 1931, 1932 1933, and 1934. He played lor the All Blacks in 1929 and 1934—both times in Australia.

T. H. C. Caughey (Auckland) is another former All Black. He is 24 years of age, tall, and very fast onee in his stride. Caughey teamed his Rugby at King’s College, Auckland, where he was a brilliant back in the first fifteen. He first represented the North Island from Auckland in 1932 and was again in the side in 1933. He played for the All Blacks in 1932 in Australia and again in 1934. Last year in Australia he played in six matches, including the two tests. J. L. Griffiths (Wellington) is 23 years of age. He has played for Wellington regularly in recent seasons, winning his All Black cap last season for the tour of Australia. He is a straight-running, neat player, with safe hands. His defence is magnificent.

D. Solomon (Auckland), a Maori, is young, alert, very fast off the mark, and in the open has a swerve and a sidestep and tackles outstandingly well. He played for Waikato last year and this year gained representative honours for Auckland.

J. R. Page (Wellington) is a former All Black, having represented New Zealand in 1931-32-34. He played for the North Island in 1933. Page is an orthodox first five-eighths who handles

well and defends equally well. Last year in Australia he played in the teats, but there, as in New Zealand, impressed more as a solid than a brilliant back.

E. Tiudill (Wellington) is the outstanding find of the year. He is good enough to have been considered for the position of first half-back, but he showed such impressive form as an emergency first five-eighths that he was given a further chance in that position and clearly demonstrated that he will be a success in the new position. Tin. dill played six games for Wellington last year as a half. B. Sadler (Wellington) appears to have great potentialities as a halfback. He is the “baby” ot' the team, being only 20 years of age. He is vpry nippy, and varies his play cleverly." Also, he is quick to seize a 'SCoHifg’ chance. His style of play greatly resembles that of J. Mill, the 1924. All Black. He played eight matches for Wellington last season. He leariie’d bls' football at Wellington College. M. Corner (Auckland) was the A'l! Black half in 1930 against the British team. He has been capped for New Zealand in 1930-31-32-34. Last year he played for the North Island and in four matches for Auckland. Corner is 26 years of age.

J. Hore (Otago) is one of the outstanding front-row forwards produced in recent years. Although he is 28 years of age, he is still a magnificent forward. He is a tireless worker in the tight and a class hooker. He played for Otago in 1926-27.29-30-31-32-33-34, the South Island in 1927-31-32-33-34, and the All Blacks of 1928-30-32-34. Hore is the only member of the All Black team which visited South Africa in 1928 to secure a place in the team for Great Britain.

W. E. Hadley (Auckland) is a yoTig brother of that other great front-row forward, fi. Hadley (Auckland), who played for the All Blacks in South Africa in 1928. He is the best hooker in New Zealand to-day. Last year he was capped for New Zealand, having played for the North Island in 1933. He is 24 years of age. In Australia last year he played five gan,es, including both tests. D. I)alton (Hawke’s Bay) is a newcomer to the All Black honours list. He stood out in Hawke’s Bay last year as a potential international front-row forward, and his fo ■ season has been excellent. I . reason was his first in representative Rugby. He is very fast, a hard rucking type, and has sure hands.

A. Lambourn (Wellington) was an All Black last year. He played only a few games for Wellington, and later appeared in the North Island AU Black trial before being selected to tour Australia. He is 24 years of age and is a good rucking type. C. Pepper (Auckland) is very fast, a tireless worker in the tight, and is on the ball when most of the other packmen are tiring in the loose. He came to the fore last year for Auckland, and he finished the season as an emergency for the North Island team. He was in the team that took the Ranfurly Shield from Hawke’s Bay last season.

G. T. Adkins (South Canterbury) has been his province’s erack frontrow forward for several seasons. He is fast, heavy, and a hard rucking for. ward of high merit. He played in the South Island All Black trial matches last year, and was later capped for

the South Island for me first time. When the New Zealand team returned irom Australia AUKius was in the trout row for tue Rest ot New Zealand.

R. M. McKenzie (Mauawatu; played his way into the All Blacks tor the Australian tour last year. He was one or the best forwards of that year. He is 25 years of age. McKenzie has represented the North Island twice—iu 1933 and 1934.

A. Mahoney (Bush Districts) is a typical winging type of forward. He has produced good tootball in that capacity for the All Blacks both in 1929 and during the tour of Australia last year. Altnough lie is only 25 years oi age, he has represented Bush Districts for nine years. He learned his football at St. Patrick’s College, Wellington.

J. Best (Marlborough) is a young forward—2l years of age—of promise. He is built very much on simitar lines to Ron Stewart, the great 1924 All Black. Best played tor the South Island last year and for the Rest of New Zealand against the All Blacks. T. Reid (Hawke's Bay) is the only Maori in the forwards. He is probably the best hard rucking forward in the team. He formerly played for East Coast, but now plays for Hawke’s Bay. His ability was not recognised until late last season, when he was selected to play for the North Island. He is only 23 years of age. D. Vorrath (Otago) is one of the best rucking forwards in the Dominion. Real merit has taken him into the side. He was capped for the South Island last year, taking a place when A. I. Cottrell (Canterbury) was unable to play. He played for Otago in 1929-33-34.

K It. King (West Coast) has height, weight, strength and speed, and is one of the best line-out forw-ards in New Zealand. He is 23 years of age. King was capped for the South Island last year and toured Australia with the All Blacks.

J. E. Manchester (Canterbury) learned his football at Timaru Boys’ High School. At the end of 1928 he represented Canterbury, and since then has been first pick for the Canterbury pack whenever he has been available. Man. Chester is a great line-out forward, a tireless worker in the rucks, very fast in the loose, and knows every phase of clever, scientific forward play. He was first capped for New Zealand in 1932, and toured Australia with the All Blacks in 1934.

W. R. Collins (Hawke’s Bay) formerly played for East Coast, but came to Hawke’s Bay last season. He is in the Wairoa 9ub-Union. He played in every match for Hawke’s Bay last year and •was in the team that won the Ranfurly Shield from Canterbury. His selection marks his first entry into New Zealand class.

J. Wynyard (Waikato) is both the youngest and the tallest member of the team, being 20 years of age and 6ft. 3 Jin. in height. He plays club Rugby in Waipa and represented Waikato for the first time last season, playing in five matches. He is good in the line-out and loose.

H. F. McLean (Auckland) has represented three major unions in the North Island. He played for Taranaki up to 1929, in which year he first was capped for the North Island. In 1931.32-33 he played for the North Island from Wellington, and he moved to Auckland last year, and from there again played for the North Island. He toured Australia with the All Blacks last year, having previously played for New Zealand ii 1930 and 1932.