IMPROVED DISPLAY

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22225, 27 September 1935, Page 12

IMPROVED DISPLAY

SPLENDID MOVEMENTS BACKS SHOW THRUST SWANSEA MATCH TO-MORROW The fact that tho All Blacks have struck their true form will bo very pleasing to Now Zealand enthusiasts. Tho strength of tho opposing rearguard as a defensivo unit is not known, but the brilliant movements carried out by the All Black backs, their thrust, speed and clever passing, leave little doubt as to their ability when in possession. The great improvement shown by the All Black forwards is the most pleasing feature of the match, and augurs well for future contests. Tho vanguard '.s now apparently settling down to play football of the standard for which it is well known in Now Zealand. With a few more games and all tho players fit further improvement can be expected. It seems likely that the All Blacks will adhere to tho 34 —1 scrum, with a view to gaining as much of the ball as possible. The forwards were faced by a strong set at Abertillery and did well. The AH Blacks will meet stronger forward sides yet, and it will tako all their weight to counteract the opposition and give tho backs a reasonable share of tho ball.

The brilliance of tho All Black rearguard is very reassuring, especially the play of Sadler and Tindill in the inside positions. Both Caughey and Oliver are at tho top of their form, and the former as second five-eighths is so far confounding the critics, who considered he would not make a success of this position. Outside Caughey, Oliver had the opportunity to give a display of his undoubted talents.

With the chances afforded them Hart and Brown came well into the -picture and played right up to their New Zealand form. Gilbert was as safe as ever at fullback, and it appears that, ho is equally at home whether on a wet or dry ground. There is a doubt in some quarters about his quickness on a fast ground, but so far on the tour no complaints have been heard on this score.

The All Blacks will play Swansea tomorrow. Tho 1905 team beat Swansea bv 4 points to 3, and the 1924 side was successful by 39 points to 3. PRIOR TO MATCH f MANAGER'S IMPRESSIONS CROWDS CHEER VISITORS LONDON, Sept. Q5 The special correspondent of the United Press Association states that before the match Mr. V. R. Meredith, manager of the All Blacks, anticipated an improved showing by the forwards as they were in better condition. He expected them to reveal more dash and determination. The combined team's strength was reported to be in tho forwards. They were hard rucking, fiery players. Ward and Williams are ex-inter-nationals and four other forwards are candidates for the Welsh team. It was Abcrtillery's big day, and thousands lined the streets, cheering the New Zeaianders.

RECORD TO DATE FIRST FOUR GAMES WON The All Blacks have won all four matches played to date and have scored 89 points, and 18 have been registered against them. Gilbert is the highest individual scorer with a total of 21, compared with Caughey's 15. Gilbert has kicked three penalty goals, converted four trios and potted a goal. Caughey has scored five tries. Results are as follows: — Devon and Cornwall, won, 35 —6. Midland Counties, won, 9—3. Yorkshire and Cumberland, won, 14—3. Abertillery and Cross Keys, won, 31—6.

NEXT FOUR GAMES

DATES OF TEST MATCHES Following are the next four engagements of the All Blacks: —To-morrow, v. Swansea, at Swansea; Thursday, v. Gloucester and Somerset, at Bristol; October 5, v. Lancashire and Cheshire, at Birkenhead; October 9, v. Northumberland and Durham, at Gosforth. The first tost game will bo played against Scotland at Edinburgh on November 23. Ireland will be played at Dublin on December 7, Wales at Cardiff on December 21, and England at Twickenham on January 4.

On page 15 appear articles specially written for tho Herai.d by Mr. E. N. Greatorex, former Australian and New South Wales Rugby representative, who is travelling with the All Blacks. These deal with the team's early days in England, training operations and entertainment.