RUGBY DECLINE

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXI, 4 May 1938, Page 7

RUGBY DECLINE

LESSONS FROM SPRINGBOKS TOUR

MUST BE TAKEN TO HEART , ) REVIEW OF GAME IN DOMINION L United Press Association] WELLINGTON, This Day. In the course of his presidential address to the annual meeting of the New Zealand Rugby Union, Mr T. H. Meredith reviews the condition of the game in New Zealand as revealed in the light of the Springboks’ tour. "The wonderful success of our visitors last year has at last made us realise that all is not well with our football and for this reason, if no othef\ we are indebted to them,” said Mr Meredith. "If we are again to take our place in the football world then it behoves every player and administrator of the game to take to heart the lessons learned from the tour and to work for unanimity throughout New Zealand.” Perhaps the main reason for the decline could be traced to departing from rules as laid down by the International Board. It apparently was thought that the game could be made more attractive, but the public were not attracted. He stressed that the attendances at the Springbok tour matches showed that the public appreciated rugby under international rules. To get back to the standard he said it would be necessary to start with boys in the primary schools with coaching on the right lines. If this was followed in the secondary schools the boys, when they came to play grade football, should have a good knowledge of the game. The main weakness appeared to be with the forwards, said the president. “We have developed a non-pushing type —those who want to get out in the open so as to catch the eye of the selectors. Until we get back to honest packing on a scientific system we cannot expect our game to improve.” The forwards must learn to dribble so as not to lose control. Line-out work must be developed and the necessity of solidity stressed alike in set scrums, line-outs and rucks. The forwards, like the backs, must be chosen to fill places. The whole eight must not be called upon to be fly-aways. To assist in getting the game back to the proper standard the referees must help. Mr Meredith strongly criticised the refereeing at some matches last year, particularly regarding the way in which the ball was allowed to be put into the scrum.