THE LEAGUE CODE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21269, 24 August 1932, Page 17

THE LEAGUE CODE

TOUR OF ENGLISH TEAM UNBEATEN RECORD MAINTAINED NEW ZEALAND'S IMPROVED FORM Tho English Rugby League team brought its tour to a successful conclusion last Saturday by winning tho third and final (est against New Zealand. It had to fight very hard to maintain its unbeaten record, a most pleasing feature being tho greatly improved form shown by the Dominion side. By their display it was evident that the New Zealand players would develop on an extended tour into equally as good a combination as the English team. Taking into consideration the splendid record of tho visiting team, it cannot be said that it proved as powerful a combination as some previous English sides. The players were more evenly balanced, but, oil New Zealand form at least, no member could be placed 111 Wagstaff's or Fairclough's class. The great difference between the present English team and the New Zealand thirteen was the clever support of the forwards to the backs. This enabled attacks to b<s swiftly changed from one direction to another. .Again, when a visiting attack broko down another was quickly started, this often catching the opposition unawares. Splendid exhibtions by Cooke, Brisbane and Abbott were a feature of New Zealand's play in tho final test. Among the forwards the inclusion of S. Clark and A. Clarke made a vast difference. Sullivan proved as reliable as ever at fullback and ended the tour by playing a fine all-round game on Saturday. Hudson, who played in the test on the wing, greatly impressed, and Smith can be placed among tho best wings who have visited New Zealand. Atkinson was a great asset to the team by straightening up attacks when the inside backs had run across and he was hard to bring down when going at full speed. Evans, throughout the tour, played clever and consistent football at the base of tho scrum. Thompson was the best forward and was equally at home when joining in with the backs. Many times during a match lie was responsible for starting passing bouts with the accuracy and cleverness of a scrum half. Backs Bustled The rearguard as a whole was overshadowed by New Zealand players in stopping dribbling rushes. This is evidently a phase of the game which is not practised in England, and most of the visiting backs were very reluctant to go down on the ball. On Saturday when the New Zealand forwards adopted these tactics the visitors wfire obviously bustled and committed many errors. " Now Zealand gave England the hardest game of the tour," said Mr. R. F. Anderton, financial manager, after Saturday's test match. " It was inspiring to see New Zealand rise to the occasion, as I really expected England to win tho match comfortably. Had New Zealand played as well in the first test Carlaw Park would have been too small to hold the crowd on Saturday." Discussing the standard of play, Mr. Anderton said he was impressed more on Saturday than in any other game. "You have the right material, but the forwards play too much of the Rugby style. They must be educated to support the backs more :in passing movements. It is in tho loose play that New Zealand forwards lack so many of the finer points of League football. Your backs played splendid football in all the test matches, and I was impressed with Cooke, Brisbane and List. These players are worthy of inclusion in any international side." The team thoroughly enjoyed its tour of the Dominion, added Mr. Anderton, who was exceedingly pleased with the beautiful scenery. Mr. Anderton, who was making his first visit to New Zealand, said the tour was a, financial success and he hoped to visit the Dominion again in four years' time. Mr. G. F. Hutchins, manager of the team, declined to express an opinion on the best- New Zealand players. " I have seen some fine players," he said, " but I consider it better not to mention their names, especially those of the younger set." Impressions ol Coach Before his departure for Australia on Sunday evening last, Mr. W. Kelly, the coach of the New Zealand team, discussed many matters with members of the Rugby League council. Advice on the select ion of the New Zealand and playing coaches was given by Mr. Kelly. He said the whole of the forces of the Dominion were not ,thoroughly exploited for tho best players available. Only a limited number of players were considered for selection in the three test matches. This arrangement was very unsatisfactory. The question of playing coaches from Australia was also discussed, and is possible that several may come to New Zealand next season. The West Coast League has authorised Mr. Kelly to endeavour to arrange for coaches next season. Mr. Kelly said it would be an easy matter to obtain suitable coaches, as unemployment was so life in Australia. Mr. Kelly, who is New Zealand's representative in Sydney, said he would make representations to the Australian Board of Control as to the possibility of extending an invitation to a New Zealand team to visit Australia next season. It is possible that two Auckland clubs, Marist and City, will play an exhibition g;inie in New Plymouth next Saturday week. The organisation of the trip is in the hands of a special committee of the New Zealand Council.