GOAL-KICKER'S SKILL

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23100, 27 July 1938, Page 22

GOAL-KICKER'S SKILL

VERY POWERFUL PACK

SPECIALIST ON LINE-OUT

It is a good Australian side, although Lewis, at outer centre, looks problematical. I would have displaced halfhack Stone by Ramalli, thus giving Richards a faster and deeper service, comparable with that given by Saxton to Berghan. Hayes, as centre, supplies confidence in both attack and defence. He is litter)}' reliable and, of course, has experience on his side as well. The wings, Carpenter (Victoria) and Howard (Queensland), are forces in attack. Carpenter is one of the sharpest players the game has known, quick as a flash in thought and action. Howard is tough, fast and aggressive in his play. Neither is the equal of Kelaher, however, but Carpenter has all the flair of a genius and does remarkable things; beside, he is a goal-kicker of more than ordinary skill.

The forwards are very impressive and comprise one of the greatest packs ever assembled to do battle for Australia. The average height is 6ft. and average weight I4st. 71b. The front row men are nearly as big as those fielded by the Springboks—Fanie and Boy Louw and LoU. Oxlade will be the spoiling specialist with a particular function to lessen Berghan's brilliance and efficiency. The lack will be excellent in scrummaging, l'hcy will bring added power into the line-out with Kerr in the side, as he •an outclass even Hodgson in getting Possession. His old Australian rules training sends him soaring feet off the ground and thus head and shoulders ind hands above everybody trying to latch the ball. Special attention to rucking should prevent New Zealand gaining domina,ion as'they did a wcok earlier. GRAND TEAM SPIRIT NEW ZEALANDERS POPULAR The New Zealand team's preparaions have been interrupted by the trip 'out west." This i 3 a new experience Dr All Blacks, but Australians have ecome used to it in New Zealand, here travelling so seriously impedes raining. However, Mr. Alex. Mctonald ran his boys on Monday before oparti.ire, and again at Wellington on uesdav, and the reserve party yesterav. He will have them at the Sydney ricket Ground this afternoon and ?a.in for a light run to-morrow morn- '?• There is a grand team spirit, and in ie bush, as in the city, the boys have ecome tremendously popular. They re so easy, so modest and retiring, :-t so companionable and approachable, •er ready to help anyone who is keen n learning some of their football lore. Their visits to the schools are splenic! educational aid.;, and 1 am certain icir words of wisdom will be stored >r use when others given by masters rid local experts have been long foritten. Who knows what future Aus■alian Rugby man will spring from the ■ed sown by the 19:58 All Blacks in icir quiet., happy little demonstrations i the Australian schoolboys;-" FOURTH MATCH TO-DAY CONTEST AGAINST NEWCASTLE The fourth match of the All Blacks' iur in Australia will he played against ewenstle to-day. 'I he team's record to ite is as follows: Points Opponents F?c*ult For Against ■>w Soiith Wales . . Won -JR SI esfern Union . . Won :tl O istralia . . Won t ft The remaining matches to be played e: —- -day.—v. Newcastle, tunhjy.—v. Queensland, igust 3.—v. Queensland country fifteen. igust 0. —v. Australia, at Brisbane, igust 10. —Game at Canberra, igust 13. —v. Australia, at Sydney. Jhe team will leave Sydney on gust 15 by the Awatea, arriving at Ellington on August 18.