TEAM'S ABILITY

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22262, 9 November 1935, Page 14

TEAM'S ABILITY

doubt among critics HADLEY LEADS THE PACK SADLER SAVES VISITORS By Telegraph—Press Association— Copyright LONDON.-Nov. 7 It was predicted before the game that the All Blacks would' not have matters their own way against Oxford, says the special correspondent of the United Press Association. Some judges were not impressed with the tourists at Twickenham and opined that Oxford would win. The Iff ley Road ground was crowded. Tickets were sold out two hours after they were available. Oxford lost thp season's opening match but won the next four, aggregating 82 points against 14. The New Zen landers were not sanguine about winning, fearing that the London hospitality would affect their play. Cooper was introduced to the All Blacks before the game. He knew several, including Mahoney, McLean, Hadley and Caughey. Cooper laughingly apologised for playing against New Zealand, adding, " Still, I am out to do my best for Oxford " The All Blacks were given a great reception on coming out —evidence of appreciation pf the fact that they always try to play bright football. Hadley led the pack. Forwards' Rush Tactics The All Blacks opened with the forwards using rush tactics. They were showing devil, packing low, pushing Oxford back arftl gaining ground. The clean handling of the backs in early movements was notable. The All Blacks stormed the Oxford lino for a long period. The ball was greasy owing to rain. Nevertheless, considering the conditions, the handling was satisfactory. The Oxford forwards played the right game, kicking through the rucks. Mitchell and Sadler initiated a great reverse passing movement, which broke down owing to a forward pass when the defence was beaten. Gilbert knocked on on a number of occasions in the first hal# but this was excusable. The All Blacks' forwards were 50 per cent better in the first half than at Twickenham, playing together and often overwhelming Oxford with dribbling rushes. The visitors were not used to -the English climate. Steam was rising from the backs of the players when they packed down in the scrums due to the coldness of the atmosphere. Knew Visitors' Game McShane, tho clever Australian half, knows the New Zealand game. He was playing an excellent game. Grieve similarly was a tower of strength. He was a stout defender and seldom failed to find the line when he kicked. Grieve's field goal precisely imitated Tindill's at Newport, the ball passing straight from the scrum to the kicker. The early lead heartened the Oxford forwards who, although outweighed, were not outmatched. Oxford was fortunate on a number of occasions. The All Blacks overran tho ball when there was a chance of opening up the game. The tackling of both sides was the keenest, and the Oxford insides were closely watched by Sadler and Griffiths. The All Black forwards developed a fine movement, leading to McKenzie's try. Keeping shoulder to shoulder, they toed the ball through the defence for over 30 yards, which has seldom been done on the tour. Oxford Backs Clever It looked anyone's game after the resumption. The Oxford backs 'were clever and were always likely, to score. Nevertheless, the All Blacks deserved their half-tiime lead, as territorially, and also in their play generally, they gave a superior showing. There was more combination between the New Zealand backs and forwards than that displayed by the University. The All Blacks' defence was riddled when Obolensky scored. McShane was also now finding loopholes in the All Blacks. The Oxford back* were always willing to take risks even in their own territory. They were throwing the ball about and were eager to increase their lead. The visitors' forwards were often offside and they were also penalised for forward passes. They continued to hold on in scrums and tight rucks, but they did not take advantage of opportunities. During a long period when the New Zealand line-kicking was faulty, the ball going across Oliver and Caughey were desperately attempting to make openings, but Grieve, Walford and Harding, with fiery, swift tackling, defeated them. Ellectlve Line-kicking McShane's retirement with the top of his head bleeding necessitated withdrawing Hughes from tie pack, resulting in Oxford concentrating on linekicking, in which they were effective. With the minutes slipping away, the tourists tried every device to score but the defence held. Excitement, which ran high throughout the match, was now terrific. Sadler once burst through but was pulled down. Caughey dropped a pass when Oxford was penned on its line. Here scrum followed scrum, and finally Sadler, with his sixth attempt, dashed round the scrum to score. Gilbert goaled with a great kick. It was one of the most enjoyable games of the tour. The All Blacks' win was not a fluke, although a draw might have been a fairer result.

Sadler saved tho tourists. He is improving with every game and is developing into a halfback equalling the best. Caughey was off his gai-o. Oliver has played better, but ho In*' 1 the backs together. Gilbert received a knock on the head, but he continued.