THE “ALL-BLACKS” IN ENGLAND

New Zealand Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 6382, 3 December 1907, Page 5

THE “ALL-BLACKS” IN ENGLAND

PRESS COMMENTS ON THE LEEDS MATCH.

PLAY STILL SHOWS FAULTS. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright (Received December 2, 5.34 p.m.) SYDNEY. December 3. Commenting on the New Zealand football team’s match against Leeds, played on October 26fch, the “Daily Chronde” says:— “With all their 'stars’ out, the New Zealanders had a stiff task to defeat the strong side which Leeds put in the field, and though they won by eight : pomts to two they had to strive their ■ hardest. There is still something faulty about the colonials’ play, which tho matches so far have not eliminated. They do not command the ball in tho scrummage, and their passing is far from perfect. The forwards axe good in the open, but they are always striving to handle the ball instead of at times relying on an effective dribble. The result is that the man fails to recover his balance, and cannot see where he is passing the leather. Forward transfers spoiled many chances, and inaccurate handling negatived several openings. Even with a clear field the combination was indifferent, and Wrigley was a great sinner in this regard. From La very’a form against Wakefield he seems a better man on the wing than Wrigley.” The “Daily Telegraph” remarks that “the New Zealanders did not hold a particularly strong advantage, but their form was superior to that of their opponents. Towards the finish the colonials returned to the attack, but their passing was faulty and they were unable to increase the lead which they had already established.”