THE ALL BLACKS

Hokitika Guardian, 14 December 1935, Page 4

THE ALL BLACKS

COMMENT ON GAME,

United' Press Association —By Electrlo Telegraph—Copyright.)

LONDON, December 12,

The special correspondent of nno United Press Association, commenting on the match between the All Blacks and Mid-Districts, at Aberdare, states:—Thousands lined the' streets to welcome the All Blacks. There was great local interest in the game School children were given a halfholiday in order to attend. Dalton was tried out as hooker. The District’s team were notably the smallest the New Zealanders have encountered, four or five being barely over five feet. Play was ragged in the first ten minutes, although Tindiil’s line-kicks enabled the tourists to attack several times. The New Zealand forwards gained ground whenever they used their weight, but bad’ handling upset a number of promising New Zealand movements. The tourists began to sparkle near half time, Caughey Oliver and Tindill making magnificent runs. The non-playing tourists cheered Gilbert’s century and several players shook hands with him. The tourists now had the measure of their opponents, although the forwards lacked the keenness and dash noticeable in Ireland.

The home backs several times looked dangerous, but vigorous tackling kept them out. The home halves were two of the finest the All Blacks have encountered, Tucker often colecting wild passes with one hand. The Districts backs’ fine handling continued in the second half, often saving the local side, but the forwards tired. Oliver injured a knee and Caughey was limping, and apparently injured his thigh. He went to the back, Gilbert playing centre. The tourists towards the end did as they pleased, treating the game as a picnic. The* match was a triumph for Corner, Tindill, Brown, Best, Vorrath, Dalton and Pepper. Of these players, Brown has not played better on the tour. His last try was the high light v of the match. He left a home back standing with a swerve. Caughey was a passenger towards the end, but his injury is not thought to be serious, and it is hoped he will be available against Wales.

TEAM FOR SATURDAY

LONDON, December 13. The All Blacks against Neath-Aber avon will be : Gilbert. Ball, Oliver, Mitchell. Griffiths, Tindill Corner or Sadler. Lambourn, Hadley, Adkins, McLean, Reid, King McKenzie and Mahoney.

ESTIMATE OF PLAYERS

LONDON, December 12

“Th eTimes” pay tribute to the New Zealanders playing the part of crusaders in the excellent cause of Rugby, in one of the few South Wales towns, with Soccer traditions. It emphasises the spectacularness of the All Blacks tries and passing movements.

Caughey pulled a thigh muscle. Sadler is playing on December 14, if his eye injury, sustained against Ireland is healed.

The “Telegraph” says: During the luncheon before the ’Varsity match an argument developed regarding the merits of New Zealanders. A Scottish International expressed the opinion that Griffiths was the > best. Another voted Oliver. Others plumped for Hart. All a.greed .that Sadler was the best scrum half New Zealand had sent, although the “Telegraph’s” gossip writer expressed the opinion that none of the present team i* equal to Mark Nicholls.

NEPIA’S ARRIVAL LONDON, December 12. Newspapers welcome the arrival of Ncpia, who hopes to play against Wigan on Deecmber 14, when he will be opposed to Sullivan.. Nepia says: Neither of us has seen the other play, so it should be an exciting game.