STANDARD IN DOMINION

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20639, 11 August 1930, Page 13

STANDARD IN DOMINION

CHIEF WEAKNESS IN BACKS. THE BRITISH COMBINATION. " BEST TO VISIT NEW ZEALAND." [I!Y TELEGRAPH.—ATHLETIC REPORTER.] WELLINGTON, Sunday. " Ono of tho chief weaknesses in New Zealand football to-day is the lack of ponetration by tha inside backs," said Mr. E. McKcnzie, chairman of the selection committee of tho New Zealand Rugby Union, in giving his impressions on the tour of tho British team. Mr. McKcnzie has acted on the selection committee of the New Zealand Rugby Union since 1924, he being ono of tho seven selectors who chose tho victorious All Black team in that year. " Tho All Black standard to-day is riot as high as that in 1924," continued Mr. McKcnzie, " and tho performances of the present New Zealand team on the field fully bear this out. The principal fall-ing-off has been in tho backs, on account of the lack of penetration, although tho British team must bo given credit for countering this. The wing-thrcequarters are not as strong as they have been in tho past, with tho ono exception. This man was Hart (Canterbury), who throughout tho tests showed every promise of developing into a wing worthy of the highest All Black traditions." Good Forwards in Sight.

There was no need for concern regarding tho New Zealand forwards, as there was plenty of good talent in sight, continued Mr. McKenzie. However, there had been better All Black packs than that representing New Zealand to-day. The present pack had certainly shown improvement during tho series of tests. This was proved by the fast end lighter pack than that of Britain in tho third test in Auckland, when New Zealand had the better of tho scrummaging. Bad tackling was another very pronounced weakness in New Zealand football at present and the line-out work of tho forwards was capable of considerable improvement. Taken all round, tho indications were that New Zealand Rugby would return to tho highest standard in tho near future on account of tho many players of promise in the various centres. Tribute to British Backs. " Tho present British combination is tho best ono that has visited the Dominion," said Mr. McKcnzie, in commenting on tho visiting players. "Of course, I can just remember Stoddart's team, but the team now in New Zealand is a better all-round side than either Beddell-Siv-right's or tho Anglo-Welsh combination. However, there ) j a weakness in tho forwards, who havo not proved as good as wo were led to believe. Their scrummaging is not up standard and considering they play the extra man in the front row their hooking has not been as good as we understood it would be. Tho forwards lack anything outstanding in tho way of footwork in the looso rushes. Their strongest point is their line-out play. " Undoubtedly the strength of tho team lies in the backs, bocauso of their speed, sure handling and system of backing up. Tho backs always havo a general .desire to open up the play and attack no matter from what position in tho field." When asked for h ; s impressions on New Zealand Rugby, Mr. F. D. Prentice, captain of the British team, said he preferred not to make a statement. He and tho team were very pleased with the splendid receptions at all places visited and the tour had been most enjoyable. PROFITS FROM TOUR. AMOUNT NOT YET KNOWN. [BY TELEGRAPH.--—ATHLETIC REPORTER.] WELLINGTON. Sunday. The great interest taken in tho visit of the British Rugby team has resulted in record attendances in the various centres. Questioned regarding the profits of tho tour Mr. S. S. Dean, chairman of the management committee of the New Zealand Rugby Union, said the actual amount would not be known until all the returns had been received from tho various unions. At present h(j would not liko to make a forecast. The profits would be spent in helping tho various unions to purchase ;yid improve grounds.