THE ALL BLACKS

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLIV, Issue 1075, 23 July 1924, Page 5

THE ALL BLACKS

OPINIONS ON AUSTRALIAN TOUR

THE THREE BEST< PLAYERS. Per Press Association. AUCKLAND, July 22. The English League and tjip AU Black* teams arrived from Sydney by the Manuka to-night. “There is no doubt that Rugby is coming back in Sydney,” said Mr E. A. Little, manager of the All Black*. ■ "At tlio beginning of the season it seamed as though a loan year was going to bo ex, penanced in the code,” remarked Mr Little, "but many of the old supporters wfip had dropped out of affairs again took an active part, and, thanks to their experience and weight, there was an accession of strength in administration. Public interest in the gume was renewed, and the whole outlook was changed. The increasing popularity of the game was shown by the standard- of play and the great attendance at matches in which tho All Blacks played. The All Blacks' visit undoubtedly served to stimulate public interest and to strengthen the position. The game is attracting a good class of supporters.” That Rugby was taking a new lease of life in Sydney was also the opinion of Mr C, E. 0. Badeioy, tho captain of the All Blacks team while in Australia. Ho considered the team which opposed the All Blacks in the tests was the best that had bepn available since tho war. Many of the players had considerable representative experience, and new T players were of a good type. Interest in the game was very keep. Tile standard of play was better than it had been for some time. Referring to tho first test, Mr Bndcley said the All Black* did not seem to be able to get going against the highly trained New South Wales combination. The fact, that members of the team did not know one another’s play was an important factor ift the game. A re-arrangement of the pack for the second test made n great improvement in the scrum work. There was no doubt that the trip had effected a great improvement in the team. From the first match New South Wales were not able to hold the All Blacks’ forwards. Tho genera! opinion in New South Wales was that the All Blacks were at least equal to any New Zealand team which had visited Sydney since the war. The New South Wales’ players considered that M. Brownlee was tho best forward in the team and that- Lucus and Cooke were the best backs. THE AUSTRALIAN TOUR. SUBSTANTIAL PROFIT MADE. SYDNEY, July 22. The All Blacks’ tour was a-financial success. The takings amounted to £4048, the ground expenses to about £896, and the players’ expenses and expenses of tho tour to about £I6OO, making a net profit of £1652. The Rugby Union owed £936 at tho. commencement of the season and that deficit is now wiped out. —Press Association. CALL FOR REINFORCEMENTS. WELLINGTON, July 22. A call had been received by wireless from Air Little asking for reinforcements, and players who did not make the trip to Sydney are to assemble in Wellington on Thursday. Soiiio of them will probably be sent to Palmerston North for Saturday’s match.