England's Unpreparedness

NZ Truth, Issue 968, 18 October 1924, Page 11

England's Unpreparedness

RETIRED PLAYERS COMING BACK LONDON, September. 1. Britain, like' New Zealand, during the war period had its Rugby ranks very much depleted by the losses sustained and the almost total stoppage of the game. Practically all clubs ceased to do anything:, most players being on active service. From the time of the finish of the war, however, the reorganisation of the Rugby world has been very slow and labored, that is, if the' present early outlook is atiy indication. Although the season opened officially on Saturday there is no mention made of even a practice, and the All Blacks are here to-morrow. Take one cutting alone from. "The Field," a well-known sporting paper: "The Rugby season opened officially on Saturday, but the large majority of clubs do not start proceedings for some weeks yet." Thus we have a true vista into the laxity of the British Rugbyite, to

hurry-up, no bustle, the All Blacks will wait, etc., and the last lingering matches of cricket are still going, despite the almost continual showery days with sodden wickets. I went to Lords, but saw little play of any merit. . The selection of the Devon County team was made practically from two clubs only last year, and it is expected to be the same this year. I have not heard of the county men assembling ror special training or even practice. These methods are vastly different from what New Zealand would expect, but I mention them m order to illustrate the manner m which the average Britisher takes his dear old Rugger. ""Our game, you know," one big official here told me, after a long description of how England can always bully poor old Scotland at Twickenham. (The latter country has hardly ever won or. this ground.) However, there are indications that point out .that the Maorilnnders ar.u going to create a great furore if they

start winning as decisively as we dii m 1905, and so far I see nothing *o stop them. One thing is apparent, that being the earnest and hearty manner m which the team will be received everywhere. Alr.eady one big theatrical manager wants them first when they touch the "Big Smoke." The National Sporting Club is going to extend them an offer for a special night, etc. The general knowledge of Rugby here amongst the masses is very limited indeed. Football is Soccer over here. As an instance, let. me quote two examples. One party asked me per letter, "What band of dusky acrobats I was introducing," and "Where will they be showing, Wembley?" In showing a small golden Rugby football .attached to my watchchain here m London, one fellow said, with usual Cockney twang, "That's no football, governor; that's the wrong shape." The round ball is understood only. A good deal has been written here about the special importance of the visit of the New Zealand team, but except for some flutter amongst the Rugby Union officials intimately connected with the tour, nothing special is evident. Some of the comments m the papers are very funny, but generally although this new team have been written u.p as overyhelming m their strength these Home critics cannot for, a moment credit or believe they are ipproximately near the originals. The slow manner of the rejuvenation of British Rugger leads them to suppose that New Zealand could not possibly build up so completely after the ravages of war. In defence of the poor showing that the British tourists are making m South Africa it is considered here that this side which was sent out under the auspices of the International Board was never really, representative of British Rugby at its full strength. It has been rumored that Kershaw, the great scrum half, will again come out to meet New Zealand, and possibly Gracie, who is reckoned the best centre three-quarter m England. [Gracie played m the Cheshire game last Saturday, and was one of the outstanding players. — "Tackier.] There is also some speculation about the chances of playing Dr. R. L. Raymond, the Sydney University player, now at Oxford. 1 .Last year he did not "strike form, being: tied up m his studies, but this season It is anticipated he will be at his' best. Another great player who, like Kershaw, was giving the game best, is W. W. Wakefield, is again coming out to meet New Zealand. This player is a particularly fine forward of the new type England has produced lately. The question of "Can we beat the All Blacks?" is being discussed by a few. So far there is not much from Wales. One friend writes and states that the clubs are not to be taken lightly and that one reason why s?o many of the Welsh players have accepted engagements with the League clubs is owing to the very severe financial stringency that is being felt all through the ,United Kingdom and elsewhere. \ - The Cardiff and Swansea teams are looking forward with relish to seeing the All Black jerseys jazzing on the Welsh fields again. Two or three evening papers the other night appeared with some flaring headlines entitled "Are the All Blacks Professionals?" The "Evening News," I think, published that according to the "Auckland Star" every member of the All Black team 5s liable to suspension for breaking the amateur rule as interpreted by the English Rugby Union. This is based on the accounts of the many fine presentations to each member of the team. on leaving, handbags, rugs, wallets, etc. The observance of the rule which, sets a limit of £2 as the value of a presentation is also stated to have been broken. New Zealand's recommendations at the big conference are, I hear, likely to get a better hearing and consideration than m the past. I am going south to Plymouth to meet the team on arrival. Wireless advises that there has been some very rough weather m the Atlantic.

After a big public reception at Plymouth and a dinner at Newtpn Abbot, the members of the team will be glad to get to real work for the business of again shaking up John Bull and Co.