Speedy Wallabies Score Popular Second Test Win

Northern Advocate, 26 September 1949, Page 2

Speedy Wallabies Score Popular Second Test Win

AUCKLAND, Mon. (Special Reporter.).—The magnificence of the Bledisloe Cup and the enthusiasm of 25,000 spectators, who paid £3300, appeared to act as a greater inspiration to the Australians than to the All Blacks at Eden Park on Saturday. The Wallabies from New South Wales and Queensland jumped away to a good start and bounded along with greater speed to win the second test 16—9. Their victory was thoroughly popular because they played the better football and fully deserved the honours.

New Zealand played 50 minutes with 14 men, but it is very doubtful if this had any bearing on the result. It meant that the All Blacks had to pit seven forwards against eight, but it was not in this department that they were beaten.

The seven Fewleaf forwards matched their opponents in lineouts and scrums and suffered only a little in the rucks. But they definitely played second fiddle in backingup and cover defence. Two New Zealand forwards, however, hurt the feelings of the enthusiastic.

The deficiency lay in the insidebacks, and the result was a partial paralysis of the entire backline. The big crowd relished the good Rugby served up by the forwards and the clean, snappy artistry of the Australian backs.

First was front-ranker O'Donnell. Tie chose the open field in front of the main stand on which to late-tackle Australian fullback, Cawsey.

They also enjoyed an occasional thrill from J. B. Smith flashes, and lightning bursts by R. A. Roper. Roper was the only New Zealand back who appeared able to match the tremendous speed of the Australians. He made a grand impression. New Zealand’s casualty was fullback Kelly. He was there exactly 30 minutes before a shoulder injury caused him to retire.

O'Donnell was reprimanded from all sides and finally by the referee. Cawsey was,some minutes regaining his feet. He eventually carried on. but was obviously sick and all the brilliancy was sapped from his play.

Stuart was the other forward to cause heads to be scratched. Australia had a lead of only two points and the run of play gave some reason for hope that the deficit was very temporary. The Australians momentarily swept play away from their twenty-five and a ruck ensued in front of the New Zealand goal. Stuart found himself 15 to 20 yards away on the right.

The no-replacement rule meant a reshuffle.

Smith moved in to second fiveeighths. Roper to centre, and O’Callaghan dropped back to fullback. Wanganui forward Rowley went from the back of the scrum to the wing, where he used his long legs, boots and hands to very good purpose.

Suddenly lie appeared to sense that he was urgently needed in the middle of the ruck.