ALL BLACKS' TOUR.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLVIII, Issue 165, 12 June 1928, Page 7

ALL BLACKS ' TOUR.

SATURDAY’S MATCH. VAST CROWD NOT IMPRESSED. (Australian Press Association.) JOHANNESBURG, June 11. Mr F. M. Howard, late of the London Times, who toured England with the 1924 All Blacks, and is now with the Cape Times, states: “Saturday’s match far from realised the expectations of a keenly awaited trial of strength between Transvaal and the All Blacks. “In frank disappointment the vast crowd came away feeling that the All Blacks were much overrated, having witnessed scarcely any of the spectacular play they had been led to expect from the visitors.

“To anyone who had never before seen an All Blacks side in action it must have appeared almost, incredible that so much could have been written about a team of such commonplace calibre. “No one could blame the public holding those views after Saturday’s exhibition. The Transvaal backs were lamentably stereotyped. Brownlie, instead of plaving Ins forwards at their own game, should have concentrated on getting the. ball out to his undoubtedly superior backs. “The New Zealand forwards must find an effective check counter to tlio best African scrummaging if the side is to win any tests.”

PRIME MINISTER'S-MESSAGE

Per Press Association. AVELLINGTON, June 12

The Prime Minister (Rt Hon. J. G. Coates) has sent the following message to Mr AY. F. Hornig, manager of the New Zealand Rugby football team at Johannesburg: “Although we are disappointed at the Transvaal result, wc hope the reverse will stimulate combination and effort. New Zealanders aro keenly following your games, and our good wishes are with the team. If our South African friends prove superior, may the true sporting spirit prevail. Kia Ora.”

INCIDENT AT JOHANNESBURG

Per Press Association. AYHANGAREI, June 11

The news of Finlayson having been ordered off the field at Johannesburg came as a thunderclap to the people of tlio north, where- his good temper and sportsmanship are universally recognised. It is generally agreed that only extreme provocation would have caused the big Northlnnder to retaliate.