"AIL BLACK" TRIAL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18706, 12 May 1924, Page 13

"AIL BLACK" TRIAL.

••AUCKLAND V.* EAST COAST, GOOD WIN FOR HOME TEAM. . HARD FORWARD CONTEST. SPARKLING-LOCAL : BACKS. ? The "All Black" trial match, East' Coast v. Auckland Combined, at Eden :i Park on Saturday will long be remembered by the 11,000 spectators who witnessed the contest, which resulted in Auckland gaining a hard-earned win by 18 points to 9. The game was fast *nd strenuous : throughout, and the excitement aroused in the second spell compensated': for the somewhat uninteresting display in the■ first half.;; The match was invested with more interest than that, concerning players' prospects of selection for the English tour for the East Coast team,' composed largely of Hawke's Bay champion representatives of season, was determined ! to have revenge for Hawke's Bay's defeat by Auckland last October. They failed because they were not good enough. : A remarkable reception was accorded K. Ifwersen, the Aucland five-eighths and centre threequarter, when he made an unexpected appearance to replace the Auckland captain, V. Badeley, who was unfortunately injured during the first spell and had to retire. Ifwersen, who "is net eligible for the English' tour, owing to the New Zealand Rugby Union's decision regarding reinstated players, received an unprecedented ovation which left no doubt as to his place in the Rugby public's estimation. He was sorely needed, and bis presence was a very material factor in turning the tide in Auckland's favour. He justified the public's confidence in him.

Great Hawke's Bay Forwards. The formidable Hawke's Bay forwards dominated the first half of the game, outclassing Auckland in the line-out and the 'loose scrums, and had a slight advantage in. set scrums throughout the game. Their tactics were reminiscent of the great Springbok pack of 1921. They repeatedly swept down in hard, gruelling rushes right to Auckland's line, but though the local team was. in desperate straits on many occasions, it stuck to its task in fine style and the line was crossed only once in the first spell. The visiting forwards made full use of their weight and height, and gave their backs every opportunity, but the latter's work lacked finish, and they failed as an attacking force. Their handling generally was faulty, and lacked crispness. -""?-■ .-<— : ''\v ■--;*:-:"'■"' //V'' v -""- •-■ The Auckland forwards have a happy knack of rising to the occasion and though beaten in the • first ' half proved themselves worthy opponents of the stalwart Hawke's Bay vanguard. Their great stand brought its reward. In the second half the pace told on - the East Coast forwards and their attacks lacked their former • dash. The ■ Aucklanders, however, showed renewed dash and were able to give more attacking opportunities to their backs, who took full advantage, ." ;...'■' ~;"' v ''' ■'-.-■•;■■ "''" ? Auckland's Good Combination.

In the second spell the Auckland backs justified their reputation as a brilliant attacking h combination. '/■:• Their i attack was varied, their handling brilliant, and their passing sure. ; They outclassed the vir'ting rearguard. • The visitors, particularly in the early stages, nullified much fine work and good chances by frequent infringements, especially off-side play. :, : .bg 4,. v;- fy : . -'East Coast's first score came early. An infringement by C. Badeley following ; a rush by the visitors gave Nepia a chance and he landed a penalty goal from midfield. A succession of combined attacks had Auckland in difficulties, but solid defence and infringements by the visitors saved the situation. _ V. Badeley was injured and had Ho., retire, being replaced by K. <>' Ifwersen. Determined forward rusHes V kept .Auckland penned down and after a hot tussle ,Cupples scored from the ruck. Nepia's kick failed. McLean had, ■] to retire .and was replaced by Keary. Auckland put up a: stern defence against continued 2 onslaughts. Tho forwards worked' with a 'will, but the rushing East Coast forwards gave the local backs few chances. Several ? times the visitors were almost over.

Auckland Assumes the Lead. — The second spell brought' a change. Dashing play by Auckland forwards relieved the pressure on '* their back division .and play became • more : interesting. Past, open exchanges, marked by, good footwork and handling by both sides kept interest at concert pitch. Ifwersen' paved the wav for Auckland's first score. He dribbled "through i and "sent the ball to Cooke, who scored from ':& reverse pass from Kirwan. Ifwersen converted. -Auckland were now holding their own. 'A* sweeping Hawke's Bay rush "was followed by a series of Auckland attacks. Then came one of the spectacular incidents of the match. Wright ; set : his backs goingiin> the visitors':' twenty-five and Hwersen cleverly potted a 'goal. This put .'Auckland in the lead and the crowd cheered frantically. ..-,'.- . Shortly afterwards the . Auckland backs a<?ain beat the defence.. Wright worked the f blind side of a scrum and sent the tall out to Lucas, who raced along the side line and transferred to Knight, who scored an unconverted try. The _ movejn«nt was repeated a little ', later. Wnrfit whinned the ball out ' to •" Kirwan, whoretv ed it, and Wright scored. Hwersen's kick, failed. - The Hawke's Bay forwards exerted themselves to the utmost. Then C. Brownlie broke away, and passed to Cupples. The latter sent the ball on to Grenside, who scored after a fine side-line dash. Nepia's kick failed. Auckland scored again when C. Badeley slipped right through the visiting forwards, and transferred the ball to Knight, ,who was associated with Emmerson and Cooke in a passing bout . that ended in the latter scoring another unconverted try. .The game then ended. Comments on the Players. • ■■ Grenside was 1 the best of the visiting threequarters. He 'showed great determination, and his side-stepping; in racing for the line was good. Nepia was the more conspicuous - of the.. five-eighths. Though he was erratic at times he made a number of good openings ~".•■ and-, fine .individual efforts. Mill, the Hawke s Bay halfback, did not play up to his reputation, though he had every : opportunity in the first spell. His work round the scrum was not impressive generally. He made •several fine dashes, but was not supThe 'three outstanding forwards on, the fi eld - were the Brownlie, brothers . and Cupples. THey headed the Last Coast vanguard throughout the match. . U Brownlie, however, spoiled : a brilliant game bv persistent 'offside play. Irvme and Kirkpatrick were conspicuous in the visiting pack. Gemmell played a fine game as rover, his sobd footwork being particularly noticeable. " '. '■ ':•': ;.'vc'V The" Auckland fullback, Malloy, gave a much sounder display than the opposing fullback. Lucas and Kirwan played well, particularly on attack in the second spell. Kirwan's tackling was good. C. Badeley and Cooke lost no opportunity to set up attacks and outshone the opposing fiveeighths. Thev gave a good display. Cooke made one bad' mistake by .speculating " in front of his own goal, but made ample amends. C. Badeley played a really sound game., , ; , ,', Plavin« behind a beaten pack, In the first spoil, Wright showed sturdy defence His passing in the second half : was clean and sure, and ho varied his game nicely The forwards all worked hard and era woe ~~ ro.llv outstanding player. Peters and Knight were probably the ; best or the prick. Ularkin played a. good spoiling game as rover. t