FOOTBALL.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXIV, Issue 13937, 20 December 1905, Page 7

FOOTBALL.

THE NEW ZEALAND TEAM. THE RICHMOND MATCH. United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright. (Received December 19, 9.2 p.m.) * SYDNEY, December 19. The “Daily Mail” says:—“ In the Richmond match the New Zealanders were not nearly at full strength, seven of their international players standing down. They did not give one of their best displays. In fielding, and catching they hardly even were at fault, hut some of the passing was very wild indeed. The New Zealand outsiders in the first half hardly ever got a chance to get going, as their forwards were being beaten in all the scrums. It looked as if half time would arrive with nothing scored. Then Hunter provided one of the few flashes of the game, going through nearly every member of the Richmond-'team from the twentyfive lino until he grounded th6~bail behind the posts. In the second Half the ‘All Blacks ’ played with, more dash. The Richmond defence broke down. Two penalties were given' against the visiters for off-side in the first two minutes’ play. It was a great pity as the New Zealanders are such a really good side, and they could easily leave out obstructing and off-eide play, of which they are undoubtedly guilty. In the keenness of a match you cannot always help getting off-side, but such tactics as holding and obstructing your opponent when not near the ball are quite unnecessary.”