RUGBY FOOTBALL

New Zealand Times, Volume XXX, Issue 6452, 25 February 1908, Page 5

RUGBY FOOTBALL

BRITISH TEAM FOR NEW ZEALAND. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright LONDON, February 24. The Rugby Union football team will sail for New Zealand by the Afchenic. It is expected that the ■ names will be announced in a few 7 days, THE PROFESSIONAL TOUR. NEW ZEALANDERS’ DEFEAT AT OLDHAM. (Received February 24, 7.35 p.m.) SYDNEY', February 24. In its comments on the fifth representative match, played at Oldham against Lancashire on January 18th, the London “ Daily Telegraph ” says: ■‘The Now Zealanders tvere opposed to a strong team, and at all points tho home men proved to be their superiors. Indeed, the colonials gave a disappointing display, sustaining the heaviest defeat of their tour—one goal six tries (20 points) to two goals' (4 points). They not only lacked the pace of the home players, but their forwards failed to hold their own, and the game from beginning to end left no doubt as to the superiority of Lancashire. The points gained by tho colonials were from two penalty goals, wliich Messenger kicked.” Tho “ Daily Nows ” describes the play of the “All-Blacks” as disappointing.