DOMINION STANDARD

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22543, 7 October 1936, Page 20

DOMINION STANDARD

WHAT TOUR REVEALED FINE FORWARDS AVAILABLE WEAK POINTS AMONG BACKS Many keen Rugby critics have expressed the opinion that the Australian team which recently concluded a tour of the Dominion was not a strong combination. 11 not, then what is the strength of New Zealand Rugby? Australia's best team was undoubtedly a good one, but unfortunately the reserves who replaced some of the injured mainstays of the touring combination were below standard, and so those people who saw the visitors under strength and judged them accordingly may be excused for having formed erroneous opinions. One feature of the tour which struck the visitors most forcibly was the inferioi' complex regarding the strength of home fifteens. For instance, in the minor centres of Wanganui, Carterton and Oamaru the first intimation which greeted the touring players was: "Our team is not much good and you should have an easy victory." However, the local fifteens appeared to make a special effort on the day with the result that tlio touring side never had one easy match. On the contrary, everywhere they went they were opposed by virilo packs of forwards, and if the home teams had possessed better backs the task of the visitors would have been still more difficult. After a loss at Auckland, Australia defeated Wanganui. The strength of Hawke's Bay was reputed to lie in its forwards who certainly did well oil the day, but it was a revelation to tlio Hawke's Bay public —among whom were the usual number of pessimists, as elsewhere —to find the backs taking such a prominent part in the ultimate victory.

TRAINING CURTAILED LOSS OF FIRST TEST MATCH Bitterly cold weather, with snow on the adjoining hills, made matters decidedly unpleasant for the Australians at Carterton where the match was played in rain with a cold wind. The practice on the previous morning had to be seriously curtailed under the conditions. Here again the visitors' emergency backs showed themselves incapable of adapting themselves to wet conditions.

The first test at Wellington could have gone either way—probably in favour of Australia had McLean not been so ilagrantly obstructed when he appeared likely to score a try in his favourite manner at a critical stage. A much-weakened combination scored a close win over North Otago at Oamaru between the tests. The homo sida made a showing which surprised its supporters. Incidentally the Australians greatly enjoyed their stay in this pretty little town. It is a centre which could well receive more attention from touring teams. This is essential to the improvement of material which undoubtedly exists in the district. The first spell of the second test at Dunedin thrilled the large crowd which attended Carisbrook, but the second was disappointing. The defence of some of the Australian backs crumpled badly, with the result that New Zealand scored a succession of tries. At both Invercargill and Christchurch the tourists had unusual tasks facing them. No previous Australian team had defeated Southland, while Canterbury had not been beaten by an overseas team s>ince as far back as 1882. Whereas the Southland forwards were the main factor in the retention of the home team's record, a little stronger touring sido nearly upset tradition so far as Lancaster Park was concerrned, Australia going under there by the narrow margin of one point. The tour was concluded with a substantial victory over the Maoris at Palmerston North, where under fine ground and weather conditions the Australians gave a sample of their real ability.

NEW ZEALAND FORWARDS IMPROVEMENT DISPLAYED During the course of their tour the Australians encountered many fine forwards. The New Zealand pack did not play up to standard in the first spell of the opening test, but improved after the interval. At no stage, however, did it outclass tlio opposing forwards, who dominated the line-outs and gained a full share of the ball from the scrums. Having had this game, followed by another mid-week one at Timaru, it was generally recognised that the New Zealandors would be capable of a better showing in the second test, and such proved the case, even allowing for the weak opposition .encountered. There may not' bo any Brownlies or Richardsons playing at the moment, but there are some excellent forwards in the Dominion, and a virile pack should bo obtained to oppose the Springboks next season. The selection of New Zealand's backs to meet the Springboks presents a much more difficult problem. Pollock, who played two good games against Australia, is undoubtedly a splendid fullback under tlio amended rules, but it is doubtful if ho is robust enough to stand up to the solid opposition he will encounter next season, and so there is likely to be a search for another custodian.

Watt, Caughey and Mitchell will bo on hand for the threequarter line. Hart has announced his retirement, and, if he cannot be persuaded to change his mind, his placo will not bo easily filled. His displays in the ,tests and in the Canterbury match proved him to be the outstanding winger the Australian team encountered. Mitchell played a brilliant game at centre for Southland against Australia and was to a very great degree responsible for the home team's success. Dick impressed the critics in the south, and he must receive serious consideration, provided he reproduces similar form again. The inside backs have been a problem for Now Zealand during the past few seasons. Sadler played at half in both tests, but his form was not above the ordinary and it is doubtful if he will capably fill the bill against the heavy forwards he will bo called upon to check next year. Gillies looks like being the first five-eighths. He is quick off the mark and handles well, but a tendency to overdo the cut-in spoils his play to a great extent. However, he may be able to overcome this failing. Griffiths is unquestionably possessed of football ability. He sees an opening in a flash, but unfortunately he lacks the pace necessary to carry him through such opening. He was too slow to be a successful connecting link —at first five-eighths in the first test and in a place further out at Dunedin. There appears to b6 an excellent opportunity for I). Sofomon, of Auckland, C. Le Quesne, who gavo a fine exhibition at Napier against Australia and who is now in Wellington, and one or two other five-eighths to force their way into next season's All Black teams. Likewise, a fullback and halfback of stamina may be discovered in the interval.