THE LEAGUE CODE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22804, 11 August 1937, Page 20

THE LEAGUE CODE

VISITING AUSTRALIANS

AN IMPRESSIVE SHOWING.

FINE SUPPORTING TACTICS

Tho Australian Hugby League representatives made a very favourable impression in the first test match against New Zealand, and they gave the impression that on a faster ground they would have carried a greater advantage. However, New Zealand put up a good showing and, with a little luck, would have forced the visitors to an even closer decision. There was a distinct improvement in the passing of tho New Zealand players. The ball was always well directed, although the passing could have been a>-little more brisk. It was only •hesitancy in passing that prevented New Zealand from scoring on two occasions. Once Halloran raced through the defence,, and he-had Tittleton, Chase and Davison in good positions. However, the ball travelled too slowly,and tho Australians' cover defence checked a dangerous movement. Credit can bo given New Zealand's forwards for a gamo fight against big odds. Not onco did the front row men get a reasonable chance of hooking the ball, and it must have been strenuous work pushing against a heavier and stronger pack. In tho loose, however, the New Zealand vanguard performed some tolling work, especially in the closing stages, when the forwards made great eiforts to pull tho gamo out of the fire.

In positional play New Zealand suffered in comparison with the visitors, who revealed an excellent knowledge of teamwork. The passes scut out by the Australian forwards usually found two, and sometimes three, backs racing into position. One of the finest moves seen in the game came as a result of perfect understanding between the two halves, Williams and Norman. The latter played very deep and he was able to run round the blind side the moment Williams received the ball from the scrum.

Beaton, tho insido centre, gave excellent support and only bad ground conditions prevented him from scoring. Much has been heard of Beaton, who is undoubtedly a splendid, penetrating back. He should prove a menace on a dry ground.

TEAM FOR SECOND TEST ELEVEN PLAYERS ANNOUNCED The New Zealand selectors have announced tho names of 11 players to train for the second test, the only newcomers being Glover, fullback, and Satherby, hooker. The inclusion of a recognised hooker miiy result in Now Zealand getting more of tho ball from the set scrums. However, it is a lack of experience more than anything else that places the New Zealand front row .it a disadvantage. Many times last Saturday the ball failed to reach the Australian hooker's foot, and it was on each occasion played by Stehr's outside foot. This is obviously a breach, but Stelir was not penalised very often.

Tho selectors have missed a good opportunity of trying new blood in the forwards, and Breed, the Marist frontrow player, would have been preferred to Cooties, Wellington. Mataira would probably, have been one of the frontrow forwards, but he is on the injured list. One of the unluckiest forwards in Auckland is Morgan, Ponsonby, who deserves a chance in the second row. His inclusion would have strengthened the scrum formation, and he lias been seen to better advantage in tho loose than Tetley, who will probably bo one of the side-row forwards should Watene play at the back of'the scrum. The final selection of the forwards will not he made- until after the AustraliaMaori match this afternoon. PRAISE FOR REFEREE FIRM CONTROL OF GAME The visitors were warm in their praise of tho handling of the game by Mr. M. Wetherill, who had firm control. His all-round exhibition of refcreeing revealed the wide experience lie gained, in his long and brilliant playing career. One member of the visiting team suggested that . Mr. Wetherill should he invited to control ono of the inter-State matches in Sydney next season.

it is interesting to note that the gate takings of £1339 were the largest ever received for a game ill the Dominion against an Australian Rugby League team. Two years ago, the takings for two games amounted to £llOO. Theso amounts are much below the figures for matches against English teams, when on several occasions thereceipts have nearly reached £2OOO.