LESSON IN TACTICS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22481, 27 July 1936, Page 12

LESSON IN TACTICS

FINE COMBINATION BRILLIANCE OF HALVES OUTSTANDING THREEQUARTER Superior in all departments of the game England gave a good all-round exhibition, an:l the Auckland side had a lesson in tactics. It took tlio visitors a little time to settle down, but once they found their feet they executed some brilliant movements, which greatly appealed to the spectators. England had a distinct advantage in gaining possession from tho scrums and Auckland had a hard afternoon on dofence. Generally the defence was fairly sound, but there wore, times when tho Auckland five-eighths were badly beaten by the brilliance and cleverness of tho English halves, Watkins and Jenkins. In spite of tho advantage of gaining the ball from the scrums the English backs made several errors in passing in the first spell and this allowed the Auckland team more time in which to cover on defence. There was soon no doubt, however, that the present touring side is a fine all-round combination and composed of very versatile players England's great strength on Saturday lay in tho excellent play of the halves. Jenkins played a brilliant allround game and showed that he is one of the finest players seen in this position at Carlaw Park. With a very deceptive run, quickness off the mark and ability to change his tactics in a flash, he was a thorn in the side of the home team throughout tho match and penetrated the defence on many occasions. Clever Combination Watkins. the scrum half, also stood out for a fine display. Giving beautiful passes to Jenkins, even at times from behind his back, tho combination and understanding of the pair was a treat to watch and one of the outstanding features, of tho match. Their unorthodox movements clearly had tho home team puzzled. They used the reverse pass effectively and when in trouble both players found gaps in the defence with cleverly-placed grubber kicks. Edwards, the 20-years-okl winger, and youngest member of tho team, played a brilliant game and three tries went to his credit. Exceptionally fast, he has a dazzling burst of speed and a most deceptive side-step with which he once left Dempsey standing. One of his tries, however, resulted from a very feeble effort by Brown to stop him right 011 the toucldine. Ho fully upheld the reputation which preceded him here, and compares favourably with the best international wings seen in the Dominion.

Risman also shone as a heady and effective link in the chain, his strong, straight running giving his wings plenty of chances. Hudson is a fast and determined runner, who played a good game, while McCue, a halfback did well in tho threequarter line. Enough, was seen of Brough to judge that he is a fullback equal in class to the renowned Sullivan. Very cool and safe in his play, he is a powerful and accurate left-foot kick, while his defence was excellent. He is still suffer ing from an injury received in Australia and was not seen to ad 'antago in making play for his backs. Outstanding Forwards

Among the English forwards there are some fine types of players. Hodgson and Beverley were outstanding. Both weighty and fast, they handled as well as any back and were alwavs handy on attack or defence. Armitt the hooker, who was so successful in Australia, gave his backs a feast of the ball.

Although outweighted the Auckland forwards made a brave showing, a feature of their play being their sound tackling. They, however, were not nearly so clever at handling and making opportunities as the English vanguard. Breed and Gault were conspicuous throughout, while Watene, Tetley and Pickrang gave good assistance. Auckland's first try was the result of Tetley cleverly throwing the defence out by swinging the attack the reverse wav.

The Auckland backs did not impress greatly when in possession, although occasionally they appeared likely to score in combined movements. Dempsev was disappointing at fullback, although he did good work on occasions. His tackling was erratic, good at times and weak at others. Brown, the Auckland captain, was also disappointing. He wandered out of position and did things not expected of an international player. Bright 'also failed to reveal form in keeping with the occasion. Tittleton Plays Well Tittleton was Auckland's best back. He tackled well, showed ability 011 attack and gave a sound all round display. Kay did a lot of effective work, hut failed to get bis man on occasions. Stockley, too, was often beaten. Powell played a sound game at halfback. Auckland got within a point of the visitors during the second spell, but throughout England did not appear to be unduly troubled. The team will be tendered a civic reception at the Town Hall at noon today. It will leave by train for Wellington this evening and play the next game against Wellington on Wednesday. The test matches will be decided at Carlaw Park on August 8 and August 15. TOUR IIT AUSTRALIA IMPRESSIONS OF MANAGER " We had an excellent tour in Australia, which we left with the knowledge that wo were one of the best sporting and cleanest teams yet sent overseas," said Mr. R. F. Anderton, co-manager of the English team in an interview on Saturday. " Our chief object was to retain the ' ashes' and we were successful after having to overcome more obstacles than any team has yet experienced in the way of injuries and travelling. We travelled hundreds of miles more than any other team and slept in the train many nights in succession. The team would have to play a test match after spending fivo nights of the week in the train. " The team played before some wonderful crowds. In the second test at Brisbane, in spite of heavy rain through out, all ground records for a test with regard to attendance and takings were broken." Asked his opinion of the standard of play in Australia Mr. Anderton said that it was fifty per cent better than in 1032. The only trouble regarding referees was their interpretation of the plav-the-ball rule. It was not played in Australia as in England. They took over £32,000 on the Australian tour, almost as much as in both Australia and New Zealand in 1932. The present side was one -of the most versatile from overseas, said Mr. Anderton. Win. or lose it would endeavour to play the class of football which the public required.