BOUQUETS FOR KIWIS

Manawatu Standard, Volume LXVI, Issue 25, 28 December 1945, Page 5

BOUQUETS FOR KIWIS

PRESS COMMENT

VICTOEY OVER CARDIFF (N.Z. Press Association.—Copyright.)

' (Special Correspondent.) (Rec. 10.25 a.m.) LONDON, Dec. 27. Bouquets are being handed liberally to the Kiwi team for its win against the previously-unbeaten-Cardiff team. Borne comments include "Just Win," "ITine Triumph," "Heroic Struggle," and "Titanic Match."

It was a great struggle rather than a great game, but the New Zealanders fairly earned their narrow victory," says the Times, "in the first half they were clearly the better team —stronger,and more aggressive in the forwards and considerably more dangerous behind the scrummage too. The Kiwis' pack has never played better against a really stiff opposition, though they were inclined to heel slowly and overrun the ball in the loose rushes which swept up and down the field. The New Zealand backs \\ere handicapped by the injury to Kearney, who up to that point, had been the outstanding figure in attack." Cardiff, fully represented, had no excuse, said the Daily Telegraph. The New Zealand forwards did most to win the match, Finlay, McPhail. Woolley, and . Johnstone being always prominent. "It was a terrific fight from the word go until the final Whistle," said the Daily ' Express, "the Cardiff forwards, outweighted but not outwitted, putting 153 a figut right to the end against a heavier pack that gave no quarter. Maybe it was fortunate for the Kiwis that they took the lead with a grand try early in the first half. From then onward Cardiff' were fighting to keep their precious record, and this may have affected subsequent play. The Daily Herald pays a tribute to Scott, declaring him "the Man of the Match," and it questions whether a greater display of full-back play has been given "since the epic days of George Nepia." The Herald adds: "Never a hand or a foot did he put wrong, and again and again in his deadly tackling prevented the Welshmen from scoring." " •