FINE DEFENCE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22493, 10 August 1936, Page 12

FINE DEFENCE

MANY CHANCES LOST CREDIT TO HOME FORWARDS ERRORS MADE IN KICKING As a spectacle, the match was disappointing, hut this was due to the excellent defence of both teams. It was hard, rugged football, in which the covering up and smothering tackles nullified movements in the early stages. In spite of the fact that New Zealand was beaten for possession in the scrums, the backs had enough opportunities to have won the game. The handling of the homo rearguard was at fault on occasions, and at least three golden chances went astray through lack of finish. Great credit is due to the New Zealand forwards, who played splendidly in the loose, and kept the. pace up throughout the match. They tackled determinedly, and their fast raiding often npset the visiting backs. A littlo more certainty in handling would give New Zealand superiority over the English forwards except in scrummaging. When in possession, the English backs were frequently compelled to kick, as tho home players were right on top of them. It was in kicking, however, that tho visitors showed far moro judgment than the home players. They generally found gaps, which placed New Zealand on defence, and gave the visiting forwards tho opportunity to cover. Tho Now Zealand forwards were given unnecessary running about through misjudged kicks. One very noticeable feature of England's play was the support given when a player broko away. The ball was sent on smartly with good passes, whereas the New Zealanders on occasions passed without judgment. Twice tho ball was sent the wrong way when tries looked certain. Only Two Tries

The soundness of the Now Zealand defence can be judged from the fact that England scored only two tries. England had a wealth of the ball from the scrums,- while tho home hacks for the most part had to make their own chances. Some clever scissors passing by llio New Zealand rearguard beat tho defence on a few occasions, and if the movements had had the same polish as that displayed by England tries would have resulted. Most of the credit for England's success can ho taken by Jenkins, tho fly half, who played a brilliant game. His cleverness led to tho first try scored by Edwards, whilo ho crowned a great display with a try after a fine solo run. Jenkins had some hard defence to cope with, and ho stood tho test well. Hin deceptive and strong running mndo holes in the defence ami, although ho was well watched, he proved more than a match for tho opposition, in tho first spell he narrowly failed to score from two fino solo efforts. An outstanding game was played by Belshaw at fullback for England, and on this exhibition he ranks with tho best custodians who have visited the Dominion. Exceptionally clever on his feet, ho often evaded the oncoming forwards by neat side-stepping. His handling and kicking were flawless, and some of his saves were brilliant.

Edwards, the speedy wing, was not seen to the same advantage as in the Auckland match, probably due to an injury in tho first spell. His speed, however, always made "him a source of danger. Hudson, on the other wing, appeared off his game and his form was disappointing. Brogden and Risman both played well, although they were closely watched. Brogden showed a great burst of speed when lie touched down behind the posts, but the try was not allowed owing to a breach at the start of tho movement. Watkins played a heady game behind the scrum and combined effectively with Jenkins Forwards Well Matched The English forwards gave the backs, good support, but were well matched by the lighter New Zealand vanguard. They were cleverer than the home pack in the close passing game, but were overshadowed in the loose. Hodgson. Miller and Troup played good games, Hodgson upheld his reputation as a place-kick and match-winner by kicking two great penalty goals. Those who had expected great things from Hemi, the New Zealand fullback, were very disappointed. He never once settled down and was right off form in his kicking. Hemi was suffering from a knee injury and limped badly in the second spell. L. Brown did hot have many chances from straight-out passing bouts, but was seen to advantage in making play for tho team, especially in scissors passing movements. L. Scott, on the other wing, also lacked chances. A kick early in the match appeared to put him off his usual game. Tittleton, Kay and Trevathan had a hard time on defence and generally came through with credit. Kay did some good covering work, but nearly cost his team a try on one occasion when he went to intercept. Powell played a good all-round game at halfback. He did some fine work on defence and was conspicuous in some bright attacking moves. Pickrang Outstanding

In a fine set of forwards Pickrang stood out for a great all-round game. His fast raiding and splendid tackling were of advantage to the team. McNeight and all the other forwards played well, and the team was capably led by Watene. Taking into consideration that it was the first occasion on which the New Zealand team had played together and had been in training for only a week, the side put up a valiant fight. Owing to the close result interest will now centre in the second test match at Carlaw Park next Saturday. Only one alteration has been made in the New Zealand team for next Saturday, Dempsey replacing Hemi at fullback. Players are requested to assemble at tho Commercial Hotel this morning at 11 o'clock.