ALL BLACK TEAM

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22145, 26 June 1935, Page 18

ALL BLACK TEAM

AUSTRALIAN'S CRITICISM INTERNATIONAL HALFBACK The 1936 All Blacks do not look like "world-beaters" at this stage, although they may develop some outstanding players and match-winning combination on tour, writes S. Malcolm, the former well-known Wallaby and Waratah halfback, in the Sydney Referee. One can see 110 Porter, Brownlie, Richardson, Nicholls or Cooke in this band, although some of the youngsters such as J. Griffiths may make big reputations on tour. One thing is certain. They will liavo every chance to develop under the manager, Mr. Meredith, who knows the game thoroughly. Ho was an All Black selector, and also sole selector and coach of the Auckland Province side. Regarding the omission of Kilby Malcolm expresses great surprise. He says Kilby made the trip to South Africa with the 1928 All Blacks—but his form here last year was outstanding. In fact, lie nlayed better football than on the 19.'32 iour. And few will forget what a factor his shrewd captaincy was. Corner, on the other hand, has never impressed either in Australia or against us in New Zealand. I believe ho played grand football against the British" team, but ho has not reproduced it against us. Ho looked very ordinary last year when deputising for Kilby in the first test. I am pleased to see Oliver included. This fine footballer has not had the best of luck in Australia with injuries. In 1932 110 received a nasty knock against a goal-post that put him out of action. His form last year was good. The fullback, Gilbert, is not known to me, but. ho did not have much to beat in the 1932-4 fullback, Collins, whose form in Australia was anything but impressive. It puzzles mo that Bush has not won the fullback position. He played against us in Auckland in 1931 and gave a champion display. His goal-kicking, too, was uncanny, and ho got 14 points against us out of 20. Bush made a big reputation over here with the Now Zealand Universities team, and we were astonished when he missed both trips with All Black teams.

I cannot see this team proving as invincible as the two previous All lilack sides in Great Britain. But a few defeats will not harm them, and it can ho confidently expected that they will mould into a first-class side in readiness for the Springboks. And no doubt there will arise some stars who will take their place in Rugby history with the men whoso names are linked with the wonderful deeds of the 1903 and 1924 New Zcalanders...