HIGHER STANDARD

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21255, 8 August 1932, Page 11

HIGHER STANDARD

SUPERIOR COMBINATION CLEVER ATTACKING MOVEMENTS AUCKLAND HOOKER'S SUCCESS As was anticipated, the match provided a higher standard of football than the first test the previous Saturday. The Englishmen won the day by superior combination and tactics. Generally, their attacks were very thrustful, and a great feature of their play was the support given to a player in possession. Whether on attack or defence, there were usually two or three players in support to carry on the movements. Another important factor- was the manner in which the visitors started attacking movements from all positions, and many of these were cleverly executed when Auckland attacks broke down. The Englishmen again held an advantage in weight, this, especially in the forwards, allowing them to make good ground even when tackled. The players put every ounce of weight into their work, the heavier forwards being difficult to brins down. That the English team was the better can bo judged from the fact that it crossed Auckland's line five times, while Auckland scored two tries, two penalty goals and a potted goal. Two of England's tries were converted by Sullivan, and Clarko converted a try for Auckland. The visitors were again freely penalised for scrum breaches and obstruction. Some cases of obstruction were very glaring, the forwards shielding Evans, the scrum half, and giving the opposing forwards no opportunity to get round. In the first spell Auckland was awarded 19 penalties and England seven. Eight penalties were given against England in the second spell and two against the local side. A good place-kick would probably have won the match for Auckland. Speedy Attacks Campbell was far more successful in getting the ball from the scrums than St. George in the test match. England gained possession on 34 occasions and Auckland 29 times. _ There was far more speed in the English attacks from the base of the scrum than those of the opposition. Brisbane was slower to move than usual and was not up to his form in the teat match. Nevertheless he played a sound game, but it was rather surprising to see him miss Brodgen on a couple of occasions in the first spell. The fast breaking of the English forwards hindered him considerably. la the first spell England often played a forward as an extra back, and the Auckland captain should have countered this move. Repeatedly there was a man to spare, and only sound tackling and the driving of attacks across the field saved the situation. In this respect Cooke did some fine work. He often came across and tackled the wing or the player who received an in-pass. , The English backs were always dangerous, their speed, elusiveness and quick and clever change of direction giving the home players a strenuous time on defence. It took Auckland a long time to settle down, but the team made a valiant effort in the second spell and had the better of the game during this period. When England led by 13 points to 0 at the interval, the great majority of spectators anticipated an easy victory. In the first spell Auckland was unlucky in just missing three tries, but England also failed narrowly oh a couple of occasions during this half. Lawless Plays Well Great credit is due to the Auckland forwards for their fine effort against a superior set. They infused plenty "of dash in their play and tackled well. Lawless stood out for good work, especially in the tight, while S. Clark and Hutt gave him fine support. The last-named gave a much-improved display on his test form. Hall has lost form and there was an improvement when A. Clarke played as back-row forward. Cooke was again the outstanding back. His clever kicking repeatedly found gaps in the defence, and faster following up would have resulted in more tries. Davidson showed a return to his best form by playing a good all-round game, his try being the reward of good anticipation and fast following up, but in this respect equal honours must be given to List. The last-named is still improving and is now one of the best players in the code. Meehan was disappointing on the other wing, his defence being weak, while he failed to make the best of the few opportunities he had on attack. Hassan was in his best form behind the scrum, getting the ball away well and being conspicuous for good defence. Campbell, at fullback, suffered in comparison with Sullivan. He did not make many mistakes, but was too slow, while his positional play at times was not good. His attempt to tackle Smith when the wing scored was weak. Sullivan Bustled Sullivan was right on his game in the first spell, his splendid and powerful kicking being a great asset to the team. When Auckland rallied in the second spell Sullivan was obviously bustled on occasions, this spoiling an otherwise fine exhibition. The other English backs all played well, but Atkinson was again outstanding. his try being a brilliant one. Several times in the second spell the English backs changed their formation, but this did not affect their splendd combination. Evans, the scrum half, played a fine game. He was rightly penalised several times for not retiring after placing the ball in the scrum. Smith, on the vring, proved very speedy and elusive. The English forwards were a splendid set, honours for the best game going to Thompson. He repeatedly started passing bouts and at other times joined in with the backs. It was noticed that when Sullivan had the ball two or three forwards would rush up into an open space and give their captain the sign to pace the ball near them. SECOND TEST MATCH HOME TEAM REARRANGED At the conclusion of the game between England and Auckland, the New Zealand selectors, Messrs. A. McClymont. J. Sanders and A. Ferguson, rearranged the team originally selected for the second test match, to be played at Christchurch next Saturday. The leam is as follows: Backs.—S. Watene (Auckland), C. List (Auckland), B. Davidson (Auckland), P. Hart (West Coast), A. E. Cooke (Auckland), H. Brisbane (Auckland), A. Abbott (South Auckland), H. Hassan (Auckland); one to be omitted. Forwards.—J. Calder (West Coast), W. Stephenson (South Auckland), G. Campbell (Auckland), R. Lawless (Auckland), L. Hutt (Auckland), J. Amos (Christchurch). The team will leave Auckland this evening and besides playing in Christchurch, will play against England in Wellington on Thursday week. All players are requested to report at the League Rooms at 10 o'clock this morning. The English team left by train for the South last evening, its next match being against the West Coast, at Greymouth, on Wednesday.