ALL BLACKS ARRIVE

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLIV, Issue 1077, 25 July 1924, Page 5

ALL BLACKS ARRIVE

GREETED BY LARGE CROWD. TEAMS FOR TO-MORROW, Sixteen members of tho All Black Rugby team, together with Mr Little, who has occupied the position of manager throughout tho tour of New South Wales, arrived in Palmerston North from Auckland by the Alain Trunk train this morning. The team was accommodated in a sleeper at the rear of the express and, as the train drew into the station, that portion of tho platform in the neighbourhood of the car- was thronged with' interested onlookers who had attended to welcome the visitors. Tho officials of the Manawatu Rugby Union were also present in force, but no speeches were made. The team members were taken to their cars which immediately left for the hotel at which the All Blacks are staying.

Later they indulged in a brief practice at the Showgrounds and afterwards spent the remainder of the day quietly. This evening the party will be accorded a civic reception in the. Opera House at eight o’clock, while an invitation has also been extended any members so desirous, to be present at.tho dance to bo held by the Western-United Football Club. GENERAL HEALTH GOOD.

The health of the players is reported to be good, although the customary run of colds is more or less prevalent. Harvey, the Wairarapa lock, has been unfortunate, for he developed tonsilitis on the tour and did not figure in any of the matches played. Owing to the late arrival of the boat in Auckland, the team did not get to its hotel quarters till midnight, and then some 15 hours later were required to enter upon their struggle with Auckland. The return trip to Now Zealand was very rough and the strenuous exertions of the past several days have left the players somewhat tired. However, they expect to be fit for to-morrow’s game. Steel, Robilliard and West, who are being called upon, were expected to join the team late this afternoon. PROAIISING CONDITIONS.

The ruling fine weather points to the big fixture beirig favoured with pleasant playing conditions to-niorrw. and it is fully expected that the attendance will bo a record. The stand accommodation was fully booked up on Tuesday, which is in itself a record—quite outrivalling the figures of the 1921 Springbok mutch. Although many of the business premises do not observe Saturday ns a half-day, the retailers have decided to close at 12.30 and re-open a quarter of an hour after the big game finishes. ALL BLACK TEAM. The team which will represent New Zealand to-inorrow will be as under: — Backs: —Full-back, G. TNepia; threequarters, J. Steel, H. W. Brown, A. C. C. Robilliard; five-eighths, (1) C. E. O. Badeley (captain), (2) A. E. Cooke; half, W. C. Dailey. Forwards.-!—Winger, J. H. Parker; back row, A. White, J. Richardson; supports, L. F. Clippies, A. H. West; lock, R. R. Masters; hookers, B. B. AleCleary, H. G. Alunro. Reserves. —Forwards, AT. J. and C. J. Brownlie; backs, N. P. AlcGregor. THE OPPOSING SIDE. The team to represent Alanawntu-Horo-wlienua versus tho All Blacks will be: —- Backs. —Full-back, N. A. Cowie (Manawatu); three-quarters, L. Alullins (Alunawatu), D. Bropliy (Alanuwatu), AI. Bailey (Aianawatii); five-eighths, (1) FI. Jacob, captain (Horowhcnua), P. Tahiwi (Horowhenun); half, L." Earl (Alanuwatu). Forwards. —Winger, J. AlcDonakl (Alnnawatu); back row, K. Gotliard (Ainnawatu), R. Aloynihan (Horowhcnua); supports. H. Sly (Manawatu), R. Broughton (Horowhenim); lock, K. AlcHerron (Horowhemia); hookers, A. Carroll (AJanawatu), K. Hnkuraia (Horowhcnua). Reserves. —Backs, A. Law (Manawatu), D. D’Atli (Horowhcnua). Forwards: K. W. AlcLean (Horowhcnua), E. Anderson (Manawatu). v Horowhcnua lias six representatives in the side chosen, and Manawatu nine. If not required to take the field in the big game, Law will play for Manawatu against Te Kawau. PLAYERS IN THE GAME.

Nepia. (Hawke’s Boy), 20 years of ago and weighs 13.1. Played for Hawke’s originally as five-eighth. Frequently brilliant, fast, big kick. Opened the scoring in Australia with a penalty goal but appears to have lost his goal-kicking powers. Played for New Zealand Alaori team last year. J. Steel (West Coast), 24 years, weighs 12.7. Represented New Zealand in 1920, 1921, 1922 and 1923. Fast with strong fend off. Did not make Australian trip. 11. W. Brown (Taranaki), 19 years, weighs 11.7. Captained the 1923 New Plymouth Aloascar cup team and gained representative honours while at school. Played in four matches in Australia, scoring in two.

A. C. C. Robilliard (Canterbury), 20 years, weighs 11.8. Came into prominence in the South Island try-outs when ho filled an emergency position. Gained his place on his display in tho final test. Is making his first appearanco. C. ,E. 0. Badeley (Auckland) was first five-eighth against the Springboks in 1921. Injuries kept him out of tho game last season. Captained the team in Australia but played in only one match on the other side, owing to injuries. lie however played at Auckland on Wednesday. A. E. Cooke (Auckland), 22 years, weighs 11.0. Considered the most brilliant back New Zealand has produced for years. Delighted the Australian critics. A speed merchant with a beautiful cut in.

W. C. Dalloy (Canterbury) was a member of the Christchurch High School team which defeated Palmerston North in' the 1921 Moascar Cup game. Played his way into the All Blacks team in tho final test and has made good. Played in throe matches in Australia. A midget, being only sft 4jin, weighs 10.2 and is 22 years of a:4g. J. H. Parker (Canterbury), a six-footer weighing 12.7, but despite his weight possesses great pace and can play in the rearguard as well as at the side of the scrum. Played in three of tho five matches to date.

A. White (Southland). 30 years, weighs 12.10. Represented Southland 1919 to 1923, New Zealand v. Now South Wales at Christchurch and toured New South Wales in 1922. Possibly the finest dribbler in the team. J. Richardson (Southland), a fellow club mate of White. A big raking forward weighing 14.5, is only 25 years of age. Represented Otago 1919-20-21, Southland 1922-23. Played in nil three tests against the Springboks, loured N.S.W. 1922 and captained tho New Zealand toam which met N.S.W. in the first two tests last year. Vicc-captain of present team. B. F. Cupples (Bay of Plenty), 26 years of age. 6ft 2iin in height and weighs 13.12. Toured N.S.W. in 1922. Scored twice on present tour. A. IT. West (Taranaki) is the veteran of tho team. Gaining his cap in 1920 Ire represented New Zealand in 1921 and 1923 and played for the North Island in 1920 and 1921. Was also a member of the N.Z.E.F. team. Standing 6ft lin lie weighs 13st 121 b. His first appearance with present team will bo to-morrow. R. R. Masters (Canterbury) is 23 year? of age and weighs 14.0. Played lock for Canterbury. Figured in all five matches of the preliminary tour, scoring three tries. B. B. McCleary (Canterbury) is 2/ years of age and weighs 13.1. Represented Canterbury 1923 and South Island 1923. H. G. Munro has been prominent in ’varsity football, having gained his caps for Canterbury, Otago and New Zealand universities. He is 27 years of age (prematurely bald), stands sft 9in and woighs 11.12. M. Brownlee has captained Hawke’s Bay since 1922. Toured N.S.W. in 1922 and played in two tests against N.S.W. in New Zealand. Woighs 13st, 131 b. Has played in all five matches of the present tour. C. Brownlee is little inferior to his brothor. This is, howover, his first membership of a national side. Weighs 15st.

The two bothers will bo in reserve to morrow.

N. P. McGregor (Canterbury), tho reserve back, represented Wellington before his removal to Christchurch. Ho is 22 years of age, stands only sft 7in and weighs 10.6.

Unless something unforeseen happens to cause delay in connection with tho arrangements mado for to-morrow's big match the second edition of the “Standard”’ will contain a full account of the match.

Advertisers are requested to assist by sending in all “copy” as early as possible. Late advertisements will be received until The commercial office of the “Standard, will be open continuously as usual until 9 p.m.

OLD PLAYER’S OPINION

GREAT EXPECTATIONS. Per Pr*«i Association. CHRISTCHURCH, July 25. In a letter Air Tom Pauling, one of the 1897 New Zealand team, who is now resident in Sydney, says: “Although tho All Blacks’ team may not at present be quite up to tho 1905 standard, I am quite prepared to see them oome back from England with a record equal if not better than that of the originals, but they need a new full-buck." Tho Star to-day quotes a Press Association report of the match when in &904 the All Blacks were beaten by Wellington bythree points to nil. It says: “The team made so poor a showing as to give cause for grave reflection as to what may happen to them if they meet some of the strong Home teams on a wet turf.”

THIRD TEST,

A DECISIVE WIN

Tho final match of tlie All Blacks visit to Sydney was the third test which they won by 38 points to 8. Commenting on the game the Sydney Morning Herald says: The winners gave a most finished exhibition of team work, that delighted the 8000 onlookers, which included the GovernorGeneral, Lord Forster The sympathies of tho crowd were naturally, with tho homo team at the commencement of tho game, but as the visitors scored try after try, with amazing ease and unbounded skill, the crowd cheered them on delightedly. It was a most remarkable tribute to their skilful play. After the teams had cheered one another in the customary manner, J. Richardson, the New Zealand captain, called for cheers for “Boy” Charlton, the champion swimmer. Both teams responded heartily, and the onlookers also joined in the cheering. The visitors’ suggestion of paying tribute to the young Alanly swimmer was certainly a happy one. Immediately the game started, the visitors swung into action, and a minute from the kick-off tho three-quarters were moving goal-ward, and Brown scored thisr first try. The visitors dominated tho play in the first half, and it was not until 10 minutes front half-time that the home players scored. In tlie second half the superiority of tho visitors was again manifest. Their forwards, although beaten for possession in the scrums, often pushed tho local forwards off the ball, and Meagher, the New South Wales half-back, did not have many opportunities, even when ho did receive tlie ball cleanlv, as he was closely watched by the All Blacks' wing forward, C. G. Porter, who. notwithstanding several questionable incidents, played a magnificent game. Tin. winners' forwards were superior to the home eight, and in their sharp advances -into the opposing territory, they were well pipported by their backs. When moving to the attack the visitors were rarely caught in possession. C ooke was again their most outstanding back, and he frequently outwitted the opposition. Brown, Dailey, and Niclioll:- were often prominent. Nicholas’ goal-kicking should be pleasing to the visitors, who have, shown themselves remarkably weak in this important phase of the game. Nepia did not make many serious mistakes, and several times showed trickiness when apparently “hedged” in by the home forwards. All the winners’ forwards played grandly, and they are undoubtedly the backbone of a team which should mould into a very highclass combination. With the sun ai their backs in the second half the visitors" showed judgment in high punting. It is certainly not a congenial task gathering a high* kick with the glare of the sun in a player’s eyes and with a sturdy All Blacks pack racinu at the player. New South Wales undoubtedly missed A. S. B. Walker, who owing to an injury was unable to play. But even with \\ alker available the visitors were too strong for New South Wales. Grossman was injured early in the game, but his form up to the time of his retirement was not impressive, as his handling under pressure was often faulty. Nothling was the best player on the home side, although he has played better. Wogan was often prominent, but at times lie missed his opponent, and several limes he was frailty of accepting the “dummy” pass. Thorn, Blaekwocd, and Thompson were the best of the_ forwards, who struggled valiantly, but fruitlessly, against tho heavy All Black pack. At the conclusion of the match, which at times was marred by rough play, the members of the teapis exchanged jerseys. Another aceoilnt of the match says: “The name of one player was on the lips of everybody who watched the match. It was Porter, Porter, the truly brilliant All Black wing-forward, was the most criticised and the most applauded. Tho applause wus deserved, the criticism was not. Porter was hooted at one stage because the crowd imagined that he was playing the man, nnd a few minutes later the same crowd was, cheering him. But ns far as could bo seen from tlie lino he was not the offender. This was not the only mistake the referee made. Porter made the most of his roving commission and wherever there was work to be done he was there to do it. It was indeed fitting that he should score two tries, and it so happened that they were mainly due to hi» own resourcefulness, his own enterprise and his anticipation of the tactics that wore to be employed by his opponents. He was of great assistance to Dailey, whose work he frequently performed. Sydney is likely to talk of this great winger for some time to come.

“The backs were in great form for tho final test, their passing rushes being spectacular in the extreme. One particular try ranks as one of the prettiest pieces of work seen on a football field. From a serum amidfield Porter whipped the ball out to Dailey, who immediately sent it to Mark Nichoilr,. From Nicholls it went to Svcnson. thdii to Brown, then back to Svenson. and finally to Lucas. Thespced was terrific and when Lucas dashed over the line the crowd cheered with delight. This particular effort was no flash in the pan. for similar moves took place throughout the afternoon.. “Dailey was in great form behind the serum, and in the open play he gave displays of tackling low. which excelled anything else in that line that has been done during the tour. Cooke was fast and sure, while Mark Nicholls was at his best. It was Nicholls who kicked a goal for the All Blacks after there had been a succession of many failures, including the inglorious display of kicking on the occasion of tho second test. After that Nicholls was entrusted with all the goal kicking, and Richardson’s confidence/in him was justified. Nepia failed twice to convert earlier in the game, and when Irvine kicked a goal after the third try it was disallowed on a technicality.”