RESULT DISAPPOINTING

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 19963, 4 June 1928, Page 10

RESULT DISAPPOINTING

NO NEED FOR PESSIMISM. IMPROVEMENT IN BACK LINE. REFEREEING A GOOD FEATURE. The news yesterday morning of the defeat of the All Blacks cast a gloom over Rugby circles in Auckland, and, no doubt, elsewhere in New Zealand. When the position is carefully examined, however, there is no need for pessimism. In the first place a good many followers of the game in New Zealand are probably too keen for victory. The unchecked career of the 1924 team in England has no doubt assisted in that direction. Those over-keen supporters must realise it is impossible for New Zealand teams to continue in winning vein season after season. The defeat of the All Blacks will not do the team any harm, nor will it have a serious effect on the game in New Zealand. The correct thing to do, therefore, is to congratulate the South Africans on their victory, even if it be accompanied by a little sympathy for the All Blacks in having to play such a strong team at the commencement of their tour. The Climatic Conditions. It was a -well-known fact, prior to the All Blacks leaving New Zealand that they would probably find the climatic conditions rather trying. The cabled report of the match confirms this to some extent, as the team appeared to be lifeless in the second spell. A satisfactory feature of the game is that the New Zealanders shared the honours so far as try-scoring was concerned. A potted goal gave victory to the home side. This is an art at which many of the Springboks arc most adept. Aucklanders will recall that wonderful effort of G. Morkel, the Springboks' fullback, in the second test match at Auckland seven years ago. The news that the tourists were beaten so frequently for possession of the ball is the most disquieting feature of the game. No doubt the All Blacks will show an improvement in this respect, bufc it seems practically certain they are going to be at a big disadvantage in regard to the scrums. Probably a change of hookers will be made for the next match. Faith in the Forwards. It is highly satisfactory to rend that the backs showed improvement. Everyone will have the greatest faith in the forwards when they get properly fit—a thing they have not possibly had time to do yet. It is pleasing, therefore, to learn so early in the tour that the backs are doing their share. They do not seem to have had a great deal of luck, as Grenside and Carleton narrowly missed tries. Another pleasing feature about the match is that the referee; Mr. Pienaar, evidently controlled it to the satisfaction of the New Zealanders. Some doubt has existed in regard to the referees the All Blacks would encounter over there. Of course, there is not likely to be a surplus of officials so experienced and capable at Mr. Pienaar. The absence of names makes it difficult to accurately estimate the strength of the team opposed to the All Blacks. Osier is regarded as the best halfback in South Africa. He is 25 years of age and has played for the Western Province since 1922. He played for South Africa in all four test matches against the English team in 1924. Rousseau, who potted the goal, is a centre-th-reequarter, 20 years, of age. He represented the Western Province last season, but has not yet played for South Africa. G. Pienaar is a very fast forward, 25 years of age. He has the reputation ot being able to handle the ball equally as well as any back. He is a brother of Mr. Theo Pienaar, who controlled the game. PROGRAMME. OF TOUR. THIRD GAME ON WEDNESDAY. Following are the remaining matches of the All Blacks' tour Wednesday. —v. Griqualand West, at Kimberley. Saturday. —v. Transvaal, at Johannesburg. June 13.—v. Orange Free State (country), at Kroonstad. June 16.—v. Transvaal, at Johannesburg. June 20.—v. Western Transvaal, at Potshefstroom. June 23.—v. Natal, at Maritzburg. June 30.—v. South Africa (first test), at Durban. July 7.—v. Northern Districts (Transvaal, 'Free State and others), at Kimberley. _ July 14. —v. Rhodesian fifteen, at Bulawayo: ? July 21.—v. South Africa (second test), at Johannesburg. July 25.—v. Pretoria districts, at Pre- " toria. July 28.—v. Orange Free State, at Bloemfontein. August 1. —v. North-eastern Districts, at Burghersdorp. August 4.—v. Border, at East London. August B.—v. Border, at Kingwilliamstown. August 11. —v. Eastern Province, at Port Elizabeth. j - August 18. —v. South Africa (third test), at Port Elizabeth. August 22. —v. South-western Districts, at Oudtshoorn. August 25.—v. Western Province, at Capetown. _ September I.—v. South Airica (tourth test), at Capetown.