RUGBY FOOTBALL

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLIV, Issue 1076, 24 July 1924, Page 2

RUGBY FOOTBALL

THE TRIAL MATCH.

a Took display. The staging of a trial match at tho Showgrounds yesterday as a means of determining the composition of the team to do duty for tho combined unions, Manawntu and Horowhenua, against the All Blacks on Saturday, created considerable interest and several hundred enthusiasts attended the game. They were, however, not rewarded by witnessing anything approaching wonderful football, there being a distinct want of enthusiasm displayed by some of the “star” players, Tho public were certainly not imbued with any party spirit, for the composition of the teams found unions and clubs freely intermingled with the result that the contest was Viewed in purely critical vein. Their enthusiasm, however, may have been dampened by tho half-hour wait they were called upon to bear before hostilities opened. Two alterations were made in tho teams which had been announced, Bryce replacing Doherty and Thompson, a junior player, filling Johnston’s place. Strangely enough, both substitutes figured prominent,lv.

In view of the necessity of tho All Blacks having to become acquainted with tlie English rules, a reversion to the old

laws was ordored in preparation for Saturday. The outcome was, however, far from appreciated and the game degenerated into u series of endless line-outs. The

players adopted the regulations quickly and tho change incidentally provided Cowie with an excellent opportunity to display his line kicking powers. The teams which took the field were as under;—

Possibles. —Cowie, D’Ath, Bailey Law, Brophy, Jacob, Earl, Loedor, O’Keefe, AlSar, Anderson, Tyree, McLean, Ebbett and ryce.

Probables. —Thompson, McKenzie, Mullins, Aitchison, Tahiwi, Williams, Lenihan, McDonald, Carroll, Hakaraia, McHerron, Broughton, Gothard, Moynihan and Sly. On paper one could discern that the more probable forward division had been mutchod against their probable rearguard and this was borne out when at the interval the packs were exchanged. In the first spell the score read 5-0 in favour of the Probables, tho try being the outcome of the one finished back movement of the game, and Mullins added the major points with a beautifully judged kick. With their taking on tho green and white jersey following “lemon lime,” the former Probable forwards were again the deciding factor, and six points (tries by Broughton and Sly) were credited them as against three (try by Bryce) by the opposition. LACKING IN FINISH. The display of the Possible backs was to say the least, disappointing. They attempted passing movements at every opportunity, but. it was of the stereotype order — little variation and tho rushes halted , at tho wingers,' where with every man marked, progress was barred. Jacob did attempt the cut-in on occasions, but be more frequently than not lost touch with bis supports. Many were surprised to find the burly Horowhenua player in this position, but he will no doubt prove an obstruction in the path of the heavy All Black forwards on Saturday. Brophy was apparently content to send the bull on to his wings, for it was only in the ruck that he displayed his cutting-in powers. Williams and Tahiwi, tho opposing pair, wero called upon to perform a lot of work and did their part very creditably. Mullins was a tower of strength and quite overshadowed Bailey, his vis-a-vis. Little can bo said of the wing men, although Law mads every effort to open his account. Earl has played more prominently, but lie nevertheless should make good his claims. In Lenihan he met a surprisingly good donkeynmn. Cowie displayed an excellent knowledge of the old rules and appeared fully at homo. Wilh tho defection of Johnston, his position now seems assured. Thompson, who' replaced the latter, is a junior grade player, small but s_t.ll I\l ily built, and as last line of defence in the Probable side was an artist in his tackling and kicking. Among tho forwards, Anderson, Tyree and McLean in the blue division, fought back every inch of the way, while Bryce, a last-hour introduction, gained a good try from a solo effort. Tho opposing seven , wero all prominent at intervals as individualists, but ns a combined unit tfiey were lacking, the all-desired team work being little in prominence. The rovers wero little in evidence, the ragged nature of the play providing few opportunities. The display showed the vast need for knowledge of each other’s play, but no doubt this fault will be rectified in some degree as a result of tho daily practices. The handling was of a very indifferent order, save in isolated cases. Mr Phelan refereed.

A DISAPPOINTING DISPLAY. Per Press Association. ' AUCKLAND, July 23. The All Blacks gave a disappointing display against Auckland to-day. The ground was heavy and the play principally amongst the forwards. The All Blacks forwards were beaten consistently for the ball in the scrums and there was a lack of enterprise amongst the backs, though fed by tlio forwards from iineouts and the loose. The movements were, in the majority of cases, across the field, this being due only partly to the solid tackling. The All Blacks defenco in the first half was weak, but in the second spell they held Auckland. The local forwards gave the backs more support, especially on defence, than did the New Zealand vanguard. The first score went to the All Blacks. From a passing bout, C. Brownlee took the final transfer and scored near- 'the corner. Nepia’s kick failed. The Auckland backs showed good combination, thei ball travelling to N. Ifwerson, who crossed unopposed, K. Ifwerson failed with the kick. Soon' after, from a forward rush, McWilliams transferred to Leary, who scored, Ifwerson converting. The All Black forwards then attacked, Hart being tackled twice in succession just on the line. K. Ifwerson, landed a fino penalty. In a hot, melee, Lomas dived over, but K. Ifwerson failed’ to convert. The half-time score was 14 points to three in favour of Auckland. The second spell saw play chiefly confined to the forwards, with occasional'flashes by the bocko, Badeley, Brown and Lucas dashed to the local 25, where Nepia potted fruitlessly. The Auckland dashes were held, and the All Blacks forced. An opening made by K. Ifwerson failed bv

faulty handling, and the game ended Auckland 14, All Blacks 3.

RECEPTION IN AUCKLAND. AUCKLAND, July 23. The All Blacks were tendered a civic reception by the Mayor at the Town Hall. They had a rousing reception, for which. Mr 11. Frost, president of tho New Zealand Rugby Union, expressed thanks. Mr Little, manager for the Australian tour, said they had returned from tho first stage of the great enterprise and had loft behind in Australia a record of gentlemanly conduct, clean sport and good play which could stand living up to. Badoloy, captain of the Australian tour, said that in the first test the Now Zealanders were beaten fairly and squarely, but they turned the tables later. One thing that contributed to the success of (he Australian tour was the managing of the men by Mr Little and for this be took this opportunity of expressing his colleagues’ gratitude.

At Masterton yesterday Wairarapa defeated the Bush Union fifteen by 43 points to three.. Dannevirke yesterday beat Waipawa at Dannevirke by 26 to 19.

SATURDAY’S BIG MATCH. The All Blacks will arrive in Palmerston North to-morrow morning, and their match with Manawatu-Horowhenua (combined) will bn staged on Saturday at. the Showgrounds. A tremendous amount of interest is being evinced in tho final appearance of the All Blacks before they enter upon their world tour, and a record attendance is already assured. Tho local team to do battle has not yet been announced, but. no stone is lieing left unturned to place the strongest team in the field and, under the direction of Mr J. Ryan, tho ex-All Black, it is fully expected that tho combinatiop will repeat its

performance of the 1921 Springbok match. The gates open at 11.30 a.m. and the big fixture will commence at one o’clock. Directly following Munawatu v, To Kawau will meet in an interesting game.