All Blacks Get Down To Intensive Training

Northern Advocate, 18 May 1949, Page 4

All Blacks Get Down To Intensive Training

HERMANUS (Cape Province), _ Tue. (11 a.m.).—-The New Zealand party which visited Pretoria for the Springbok Rugby trials rejoined its colleagues at the All Blacks’ headquarters at HermanuS; today and saw the team indulge in the most intensive training since their arrival: ~ - ~ ino . ■ “I would say the boys are fitter at this stage than the 1924 team was at a comparable stage after its aviival m England, said the manager (Mr J. H. Parker).

“I believe that the physical exercises given by Delamore and Thornton on the voyage were of tremendous value.

high as ever, particularly in scrummaging and line-outs. In a subsequent practice, the Springbok. scrummaging methods, with the two flankers packing on an angle, was tried out to test the efficiency against solid pushing. There is no question that the South Africans know every phase of, the 34 —i scrum, and the All Blacks will have to make every effort to offset the prospect of the Springboks dominating possession, as in 1937. The players were greatly heartened by the knowledge that the Springboks are unlikely to outweigh them to the same extent as in 1937. With the exception of one or two points, which will be the subject of clarifying talks with the South African Board, the refereeing at Pretoria was of a high standard. The main discussion is likely to relate to the African practice of the middle-row flank forward packing on an angle in scrums in order to swing the hook, and whether the fact that he remains in this position after the ball has been hooked constitutes an obstruction to opponents. LOSING SURPLUS WEIGHT Most of the All Blacks are throwing Off surplus weight. During Dalton’s absence at Pretoria, Frazer has been in charge of the pack. He has been a tremendous worker.

“Nevertheless, we have a long way to go to reach the degree of fitness desirable, and it is easy to understand how the 1928 side, which played its first match within hours of its arrival, lost two out of the first four matches.” The team today heard a report from the coach (Mr A, McDonald) and the vice-captain (R. A- Dalton) on tlie Pretoria trials.

Both stressed that the standard of forward play in South Africa is as

On arrival, Frazer was 17st, but he since has taken off 101 b. Harvey also was 17st on arrival, but he has reduced to 16st 51b.

Other heavyweights among - the forwards are Simpson, 16st 51b; McHugh, 16st. Willocks, 15st 101 b.

South African newspaper comment on the practices suggests that the All Blacks still have much to learn about scrummaging. BACKS IMPRESSIVE However, all consider the forwards are of an ideal build to develop into a powerful, mobile pack, and are also greatly impressed with their crisp handling. The newspapers feel that if the forwards can gain a reasonable share of the ball, the side may become a most dangerous one, as the backs have been highly impressive in practices. The routine through which they have been put daily by Fred Allen has Ailed the onlookers with admiration for their pace off the mark and brilliant handling. The team for the first match is likely to be selected at the end of this week.