The Teams.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18324, 15 August 1921, Page 6

The Teams.

The teams were as follows: SOUTH AFRICA. Full-back, G. P. Morkel. Three-quarters—-Van Heerdcn, Clarkson, Meyer, Henry Morkel. Stand-off half, J. P. Michau. Half-back, Townsend. Forwards—“ Boy” Morkel (deputy-captain), “Baby” Michau, Kruger, Walker, Mcllish, Harry Morkel, Mostert, Scholtz. XEW ZEALAND. Full-back, C, M. Kingston. Three-quarters—P. Storey, G. G. Aitkon (captain), J. Steel. Five-eighths, C. Badeley, M. Xicholls. Half-back, H. E. Xicholls. Forwards —J. G. Donald. W. Duncan, J. Richardson, K. Hughes, J. Molfitt, E. Beilis, li Fogarty, A. White. The Play. Well up to time the teams marched on to tno held. 'lhe bund struck up the Xutioual Anthem after the usual posing tor the camera, and the teams exenanged friendly cucers. There were many calls lor the Springboks’ war-cry, and they were loudly appiauded when they grouped before the grand stand and shouted their strange defiance. The wind was a negligible factor. but the New Zealanders hau the sun iu their eyes in the tirst spell. The All Blacks’ kick-off was returned well to tne hallway by G. P. Morkel, and from the first lino-out the Black forwards started a dashing attack. G. P. Morke! again sent them back beyond halfway, and there was a brief stoppage for a minor injury. The Springboks curried a scrum after the lineout by their great weight, and a free kick was given thorn for off-side pmy. The kick wont high across the field, and M. Xicholls found the line near midfield. Richardson broke through the loose, and H. Xicholls started a movement from Badeley to M. Xicholls to Aitken. and finally to Storey, who kicked out near the Springboks' twenty-live. Townsend snapped up the ball from the next scrum and sent it out by the halfway flag. Again this übiquitous half gained ground for his side by a useful line kick, and a free kick to the Springboks took play to the home twentylive. J. P. Michau kicked across to Steel, who dodged one opponent, but wasbrougnt down by a second. The ball was passed back to van lleerden about the Xew Zealand twenty-five, but he failed to take it, and Donald broke away, Aitken carrying it on to the middle of the field. Beilis was laid out. H. Xicholls, Badeley, and M. Xicholls took part in a passing rush which went pretty well straight across the field. J. P. Michau gained ground with a strong kick to the left wing. The Green forwards broke away till Aitken gave them check. Then Meyer, Clarkson, and Van Heerden got going with a dangerous-looking passing rush, ending in van Heerden kicking out at the corner. The lino-out was followed by scrumming on the line, and a free kick to South Africa gave G. P. Morkel a nice chance of placing n goal from the twentyfive not far from the outline, but ho failed to lift the ball properly. Van Heerden running straight across dodged two tackles cleverly, but White brought him down as ho attempted to hurdle. Kruger stopped a Black movement, and found the line, and then Scholtz and Kruger led a forward rush. Townsend set Clarkson going, but Storey brought him down when he was going strongly for the line. The All Blacks now lifted the siege, and Duncan led them buck to the centre. South Africa was awarded another free kick, and Xew Zealand forced. Donald following up hard kicked the ball out of Townsend’s hands, but van Heerden secured and found safety. Offside play brought the All Blacks their first free kick, which Townsend returned. A pass from 11. Xicholls weift astray, and Aitkon miskicked the ball back and out in Now Zealand territory. The SPRINGBOKS AGAIN PRESSED VIGOROUSLY, till H. Xicholls got a mark from a line-out. and kicked out near the centre. Here play, which was always fast and full of incident, hung for a few minutes. H. Xicholls went round a scrum, evaded a tackle, and found the line inside the Springboks’ twenty five. Enthusiasm ran high among the vast crowd as the Blacks carried play forward from the line-out and packed round an exciting scrum near the line. The Blacks got, the ball, but “Boy” Morkel kicked it away from H. Xicholls. Townsend shot it out to J. P. Michau. who fumbled, but found the line. M. Xicholls tried to go round the scrum, but was well blocked. Scholtz dribbled through, and kicked across the field to Steel, who found the line at his own twenty-five. H. Xicholls was getting the ball, but the Springboks were swarming through on hlnP before ho could got rid of it. Kruger got the ball away from a loose rush, and kicked to Steel, who responded with A BEAUTIFUL LINE KICK past the half-way flag. The sun was obviously troubling the Xew Zealanders. Passing across the field by borh sides broke down, and Townsend was penalised for picking the ball out of the scrum. M. Xicholls had a place kick from a few yards inside half-way, but the shot, though well directed, fell a little short. Hughes and Donald broke through, but Clarkson was handy, and sent them back with a good kick. Badeley marked in the face of a Green rush, and kicked to Van Hcerdcn, who gained no ground with his kick. Moffitt and Badeley next handled the ball, and got it to Storey, who was streaking for the lino when heavily brought clown. Ho was knocked out for a few seconds, and the injury ho received to his shoulder seriously affected him for the rest of the day. Passing by Donald, H. Xicholls, Aitken, and Steel ended in a knpek-on and a scrum. Play returned to centre. Aitken fielded a high kick from G. P. Morkel well, and gained nearly 50 yards with a beauti fully-judged return. Clarkson and Kingston exchanged kicks, and then Van Heerden let his side down. The All Blades were now

FIGHTING TO GET THE LINE, and Storey broke through and threw off two or three men, till Kruger pulled him up. The ball was kicked to Van Heerden, who punted right down the field almost to the New Zealand twenty-five. Several exchanges of kicks saw play still at about the same spot, till a free kick to New Zealand shifted the scene back to half-way. Fumbling by more than one of the New Zealand hacks threatened to cause serious trouble but somebody kicked out in the rick if time. Mover speculated through (be crowd, but Steel picked up. and returned the leather to half-way. H. Nicholls secured the ball from a scrum, and sent it to Badele.v. who got in a fine powerful kick that nut Now Zealand in position. Tight scrumming took place inside the visitors' twenty-live and a free kick to New Zea land gave promise of a score, but M. Nidiolls’s kick went to Meyer, who got rid of it safely iust as Beilis collared him. H. Nic-hol!-- rolled a bad pass along the ground, and piny travelled straight across fieVl towards the grand stand. Badelrv again saved the situation, and got in his kick, bid 0. P. Morkel returned it to halfwav. The came again; but a free V’ck to the Springboks relieved the pressure. Kingston’s return was charged down, but M. Nicholls saved. Again the visitors got the benefit of a penalty. Clarkson went right through, but Kingston was in time to find the line. Then Clarkson cut out two or throe men. and made A DASHING RUN

which ended in Henry Morkel, to whom he had passed being hurled out right on too of the corner flagpost. Van Heerden failed to hold a pass from a loose rush in front, of the goal posts, and Aitken dribbled Rack to the centre of the field. A moment later tbo Blacks were attacking strongly, but the passing was fumbled by the backs, and van Heerden li.vd something to do with a lightning change back to New Zealand ground. G. P. Morkel returned a linenick to within five yards of Now Zealand’s line. J. P. Michael made n desperate effort to break through. Then Mellish got the ball from a scrum and as he fell (lashed it on to van Heerden on the blind side. Van Heerden, too. was soundly tackled, but just, too late, for as he foil full length forward he TOUCHED DOWN OVER THE LINE. The visitors’ success was rewarded with sportsmanlike applause, which was renewed when G. P. Morkel shot the ball nicely between the posts. New Zealand Nil. Son I h Africa 5 points. After this there was barely a minute’s play before the whistle sounded half-time. THE SECOND SPELL. After the teams had changed, the visitors had to face a sinking sun. 'The kickoff was returned by Kingston, and, G. I’. Morkel getting it, bis powerful kick resulted in New Zealand forcing. Then .after an exchange of kicks, Steel got in a wonderful line kick that transferred play from his own twenty-live to the Springboks’ twenty-five, and put his side in position. Black passing broke down and Storey speculated into touch in face of a rush. A free-kick to New Zealand was followed by a scrum, and van Heerden, having got the ball, was seen jumping into the middle of the hunch, J. P. Michau kicked out, at the corner, hot pressure was set up on the New Zealand lino, and they wore compelled to force. Long kicking altered the favour, and Aitltoii dropped a pass from M. complexion of the game in the All Blacks’

Xicholls when he was in good position. Steel had a place hide from just, inside half-way, but the ball did not rise, and G. I*. Morkel returned if to neutral ground. Clarkson took the ball well, and passing from him to Meyer and Henry Morkel gained a little ground. New /ealand attacking, Townsend kicked triekly over his head but Storey marked. Badeley kicked high, and the bounce badly beating G. T. .Morkel and two or three others. Beilis was able to DASH IX AND TOUCH DOWN before they could "force. Kruger charged before the ball was put down and no charge was allowed. Amid tumultuous enthusiasm M. Xicholls converted the try and equalised the scores, ,i Xew Zealand 5 points. South Africa 5 points. Play had now been in progress 12 minutes and the expectations of the crowd ran high. Fogarty, who had been doing splendid work, was laid-out for a brief spell. ’A speculator from the Xew Zealand twentyfive resulted in Kingston and J. M. Michau having a great race for the ball, which eventually wont over the dead lino into the crowd. Badoley got a chance to kick well down the field, and the bounce beat G. P. Morkel, but he recovered with characteristic coolness and returned past half-way. Fogarty led a rush from the line-out, ami Stool was all but clear when the whistle called him back for u knock-on. Ail ken sent a penalty kick across to Clarkson, who ran and passed to van Hcerdcn. Beilis fielded van Hcerden’s kick and sent it back to half-way. “Baby” Michau was hurl and caused the first stoppage gl the game for injury to a visitor. Play hung on the South African side of the middle line, and Badeley stopped a Green rush in good stylo. Too hard kicking by the home team vave G. P. Morkel another chance _to show his marvellous ability as a lino kicker, and he put the ball out at the New Zealand twenty-five. Then occurred the most exciting and spectacular incident of the day when Steel registered ONE OF THE MOST BRILLIANT TRIES

ever seen here. rouuXvmg up like a racehorse a cross kick just inside his own centre line he took tne ball at the top of his speed, sliook ott one green man, and then settled down to a stern race lor the line from about the half-way. For perhaps 26yds he roomed to race neck and nock with Moyer, who was straining every nerve to get him. Then it became clear that he was steadily outdistancing Meyer and that G. P. Morkel could not get across in time; and the crowd gave vent to a wild outburst of enthusiasm as he raced round behind the posts. M. Xicholls’ neat goal mado the score: Xew Zealand 10 points South Africa 5 points

The Springboks came again with renewed determination, and immediately carried play beyond the home twenty-five. A free kick was awarded them, but G. P. Morkel mado a poor attempt at goal, which Aitken fielded and returned to the twenty-five. The South Africans continued to attack vigorously. Mostert made a desperate attempt to got across, and Steel tackled Henry Morkel in great style near the lino. Donald was temporarily laid out in a loose rush. Hughes came through tight scrummaging and Townsend found the line. Twice in succession G. P. Morkel attempted to drop a penalty goal, the second attempt going

AS NEAR AS POSSIBLE. A titanic struggle was earned on on the New Zealand line, and Townsend was dashing tnrougli when ho was called back tor a knock on. Meyer tried to cut in but was overwhelmed. V'an Heerden made a remarkable jinky run through half a dozen tacklers, but ho hung on too long and New Zealand got a tree kick, which relieved things considerably. Duncan started a rush and put in a moo cross kick, but Townsend got his side out of trouble and returned tne ball to half-way. Passing between M. Nicholls and Aitken was stopjied by green forwards in the centre of their own ground, but when they broke through Budeley stopped the rush in good stylo. VAN HEERDEN AGAIN ELUDED SEVERAL TACKLERS in a groat run from half-way, but ended by throwing out a bad pass meant lor Clarkson, and the All Blacks were saved. Eoliowmg up hard a high kick by 11. Nicholas, Winto brought down G. I’. Morkel with the ball for once in his career, and he was penalised for failing to get rid of it. 'the South Africans were forced from the free kick. They wore forced again twice in quick succession, on the last occasion Donald having a close race for the ball with G. P. Morkel and Henrv Morkel. The All Blacks continued to attack with plenty of versatility and vim. White almost dashed over from a line out anti scrummaging took place five yards out. il. Nicholls shot the ball out to Badeley, who also nearly got across. Then Aitken fielded a hard kick and sent it out to Donald, who transferred to Storey, enabling him to race across at the very corner. M. Nicholls’ kick went astray and the score read: New Zealand 13 points South Africa 5 points There was not much of the spell left to go now, and with the home team STILE GOING SIRONGLY the result seemed to be determined. Play recommenced with interchange of long kicks of which the Spriuguoks had the nuvantage. Kingston tumbled, but recovered and louncl the lino at his own twenty-live, ’llio game was stopped for an injury to il. Nicholls who immediately afterwards made a useful kick down the line. Henry Morkel got a pass and was going strongly down the left wing when he was beautifully tackled by Steel. This was practically the last incident in a great and memorable game which came to a close at about 20 minutes past four. The sounding of the final whistle was the signal for an enormous and delighted crowd to swarm on to the ground to clieer and congratulate the heroes of the hour. The final sere read : New Zealand 13 points South Africa 5 points Mr E. Mackenzie, of Wairarapa, was referee. Notes on the Game. By Full Back. The interest in the first test match between New Zealand and the Springboks—a meeting which has been talked of for many years—culminated at Carisbrook on Satuiday, when people from as far north as Auckland and as far south as Stewart Island were amongst the huge crowd present to witness the first test. When the final whistle went, and the All Blacks had won, a scene of indescribable enthusiasm took place on the ground, which was rushed by men, women, and children. The conquering All Blacks wore carried shoulder high from the field, cheer after cheer breaking out as their bearers pushed through the crowd. It was a great game, worthy of the occasion, with the All Black forwards fighting their hardest when the Greens had them jammed on their line. The pace amongst the forwards was at times a Icraekter, and the All Hack forwards especially were at times compelled to run further than they should by the failure of their backs to punt high enough to give them a chance to get up and under, or else to find the line. Viewing the game dispassionately, one only states the .fact when il is recorded that there was no margin of 13 points to 5 between the relative football merits of the two teams. The Green forwards time and again in the first half broke up the opposing pack by their weight and determination, and had they then continued to dribble through they would have given the. All Blacks a bad time. They work, however, to give their ball to the half, and gel their three-quarter line into action. Now Zealand’s prospects were not too promising at the opening of the second spell when the Greens had a lend of 5 points. The Green forwards had given the All Black pack a hard testing in the first spell, and they came with a rattle in the second. The Green backs, however, were not getting the ball well. Townsend was closely watched b- Donald, and although He played a fine game ho was not so brilliant as in (he matches against Otago and Southland. When Townsend did get the ball, ,1. P. Michnu, eland-off half, could not carry on Ihe effort—in fact, Michnu played a poor game for his side. Henry Morkel, on the loft wing, got few chances, Meyer played a fair game only, Clarkson also only got a few chances, and van Heerden is more of a runner than a footballer, though he is a dangerous scoring man. The bock machinery of the Greens did not go as well on .Saturday as it did on Wednesday, otherv, ise there might have been a different tale to tell in the first test. G. P. Morkel, full back, played his usual sound game. His line kicking gained his side a lot of ground every time, but it was bad plav on the part rf the All Blacks to kick clown to him and give him plenty of time to return. Moslert and M. Michnu were in nl] the heavy line out work, and Scholiz. Me’lish, and Harry Morkel battled hard in the scrums. At the end of the first spell tiie supporters of New Zealand were not unduly optimistic, and they waited, strung to their

highest, for the score which seemed long m coming. \t lien u m;i come Hie game began to turn in Uio All inaclvs 1 favour, anu after Steen's magnincuil try it seemed all over. Hut tue .-'ouUi Africans were fighting to the last dilcn, and van lieerden threw away what looked like a certain try. Van lieerden him a great chance to go through himself, and then he nail Clarkson running besiae him with an almost clear run in. V an lieerden made a bad pass, and tile chance ended.

speaking oi Svee.s' try, it was the result of a determined run. i'roni a scrum about Ino centre, 11. E. Nicholls passed lo Badclcy. wno cross-kicked to Sice.. ihe West Coast wing tliree-quarler took it .n his stride, threw olf a tackle by Henry Morkel, and started on a oO yards' .-prim down the line. Meyer came across tu.-t, but could not reach the -til Black, and G. P. f Morkel find no hope of getting to him. Ihe try brought vividly to my mind the first occasion on which 1 saw Steel p.ay. It was in lfil9, lor the South Island. A cross-kick was sent over to Algar, on the wing, by a North island back, but he missed it, and Steel caught it in tne air. tie started from the centre peg, just as on Saturday, went down tire touclntne, and scored a brilliant try. Great amusement was caused that day by a West Coast Maori, who burst through the huge crowd, ran out lo the centre ot the ground, took his hat off, and shook hands with Steel. The broad smile on the Maori’s face as he canto off the ground showed how pleased he was. However, to continue, 1 am going to say at once that the back play behind the scrum was not up to New Zealand representative form. Certainly the Green torwards were fanning many of the scrums and dropping down on our backs, but even allowing for this the back play was nothing to boast about. H. E. Nicholls did a lot of stopping behind tho scrum, and played gamely trom start to finish. , Jits attack, however, lacked method. It appeared to me that when he did pass he ran too far across the back of his scrum before letting it go, and the opposing backs were then on tbe move through. Moreover. 1 ’ think it was bad play on his part towards the end of the game to punt over the top of tho scrums. U might have put the opposing three-quarter hue into action at anv time. 1 remember that the late "Osie” Crawford was dropped front an Otago team on one occasion for this very style of play. I do hot know what was wrong with Badeley. He did not play up to the high reputation ho has as a five-eighth, although he put. in some great line kicks. M. Nicholls started well, btti ho also did not play up to his reputed form. Aitken was a lair centre. Storey got hurt early in the game, and could not do himself justice. It was a plucky effort on his part when ho threw himself across the lino towards tho end of the game to score. Kingston did all that was wanted of him well. He is quick to recover a mistake, and also a quick kick. It was only by stern determination that the forwards held tho Green backs, and won tho match for New Zealand. I had seen the Green forwards play before they came to Dunedin, and I realised that any team which did not want to be beaten had to stick to them right through. Tho Blacks did stick to them, but tho Greens got the ball mostly from the scrums, but Donald followed tho ball through wo'l. r lho All Black forwards in the first spell did not hold tho Greens like the Otago forwards did in the first half. Tho All Black forwards lasted batter, however, than the Otago forwards, whose backs did not help them much, end they had the Greens well beaten when the final whistle went. It appears to me, however, that one or two of the forwards were not putting their full weight into the scrum, and Moffitt (lock) on several occasions was late in getting up to the play, and the scrum had lo bo formed without him. As showing how ihe standard of New Zealand back play has fallen it needs only be mentioned that on only a couple of occasions, so far as 1 can remember, was the ball sent out to a wing three-quarter from a concerted piece of passing from the scrum. I am a firm admirer of “Teddy” Roberts as a half-back. 1 consider ho is a better halt-back than H. E. Nicholls. Tho South Africans are a hard team to heat, and the best team has to bo picked if the second and third tests arc to bo won. I do not think that the New Zealand team that played on Saturday was the best that could have been selected. Mr MacKcnzic, referee on Saturday, was too long in blowing the whistle when the opposing forwards indulged in “sacks on the mill,” so to speak. Mr MacKonzic must have lost sight of tho hall in tho melee, and that being so. he should have blown his whistle. Dunedin referees at once blow the whistle in these conciroumstances as they - realise that men are likely to get hurt when they are down in these scrambles. Beilis’s Try. Wihon the incidents of lliu first test match form a subject ot discussion in the years to come one of the most debated points will relate to Beilis's try. When the South Africans return homo this incident will loom large in their store of anecdotes, 'ihe south Africans wore very tore over the decision which gave Beilis a try. One of the Springboks at the dinner in tne evening, stated that his men were “like kittens ’ niter the decision wars given. Iho circumstances which led up to the try were as loilows:—Badeley punted high towards the goal posts. G. P. Morkel, the Greens’ full back, dropped back over his own l.ne, near tho posts, to take it. but the ball on landing bounced away from him instead of to him. 'lhe next moment .Meyer and Henry Morkel were scrambling for the ball, and then Beilis threw himself on it, and tho referee awarded a try. Responding to the toast of his health in the evening, Mr E. MacKenzie said he thought that on the day New Zealand had slightly the better team. The game had been played in a clean manner. i\s regards tho first score of Now Zealand, to which some exception had been taken, there was no doubt in his mind that it was an absolutely fair try. The score as it occurred was on all fours with the try in the Wei-lington-Springboks match. H. E. Nicholls had been the man who had missed the ball, which was gathered in later by a Springbok and he was allowed a try. A man falling on the ball, and not touching it down with his hand, did not score a try. The incident could not be clearly followed from the press box. but from what could bo seen it was quite apparent that the try scored was a lucky one. Tho South Africans stoutly maintain, however, that the ball had been already forced before Beilis got his hand on it. impressions of the Game. The following impressions of tho game ore given by well-known followers of Rugby:— MR E. WYLIE. Mr E. Wylie, a Wellington representative forward, and treasurer of the New Zealand Rugby Union, who is accompanying the Springboks on their southern tour, stated that the game was a very hard one, and certainly in tho first spell he thought that the Springbok forwards were more than holding their own. Personally he had thought that the New Zealanders were holding something up their sleeve, but judging from the second spell they could not have had much. Wo Now Zealanders all reckoned that we had a very strong forward team, and wo expected a groat deal from then!, but the result of the day’s play showed that there was very little difference between tho two teams’ forwards. The game had been keenly contested, and the forwards had two strenuous 45-minuto spells. They acquitted themselves honourably and played hard, but there was no foul or unfair tactics observable. Tho contest between tho two stylos of play bad not really been fought out to a conclusion, and still lemamcd to bo settled. Mr Wylie said that ho predicted that the contests in the two following tests would bo vej'y close, and that he would nut, be surprised if the result should conic out two lo one iu favour of New Zealand. In regard to the back play lie certainly ihougni that the New Zealand system had proved itself superior to the Springboks' system. T here was more cohesion between the backs on the Now Zealand stylo, only not so much individual brilliance as on the South African r-ide. Steel’s try was a very fine effort, and Aitken had played a sound, solid game and made no mistakes. It was hard to particularise amongst the Now Zealand backs, hut in my opinion Steel was the best back on the New Zealand side. Kingston had little to do, but he had acquitted himself very creditably. Of the forwards he liked Moflit and Richardson. On the Springboks’ side ho Itad liked Kruger and Baby Michau in the forwards, and G. P. Morkel at fullback played an almost perfect game; and so did Townsend at half. If he wore asked to pick the best back on the Springboks’ fide bo had to name Townsend. MR V. G. CAVANAGH.

Mr Cavanngli. an Utngo representative forward, and at one time a selector for Otago and New Zealand, said tli.it to his mind New Zealand was lucky to get out of it. New Zealand’s tactics, however, were, better than theirs. The Springboks' five-eighth tried to cut in too much, when the greens’ strength should have been to get it out to their wing men and give them ground to work on, and enable them to show their pace. Again, in the first half the greens’ did not make full use of the disadvantage their oppon-

ents were under by having the sun in their faces in the fir.-t spell, and kicked to the line. New Zealand’s meins had won them the match. They used the sun, so to speak, to tlie full when they had the Springboks’ facing it. Steel’s try was the result of the most determined run seen on Carishrook since Mona Thomson's run in the match against the \nglo-Welsh team, and (lie West Coast three-quarter's effort was just as good. These were the two finest runs seen on Unrisbrook in international games. The Springboks would bo a great side if their forwards went in for dribbling rushes, and passed with their feet the same as they did with their hands. They would then take the starch out of any back team and pive their speedy backs golden opportunities to score. In (ho loose play, Mr Cavanagh said that he liked Richardson, Duncan, White, and Fogarty. Donald would be a great forward if he would learn how to control and dribble the ball. Ho had run his forwards up and down the field with no results. MR A. M’DONALD. Mr A. Ai'jUonuid, the original “All BlacK,” who is associated witn Air Stead in coaching the New Zealand lonvards, oxpiossed Uio opinion Uiat our lor wards were oeiier Ulan meir opponents in the loose. Tne sheer weight or the Springboks told, however, m the tight work, winen was very solid. Ho did not think our backs were really up to New Zealand representative standard, although they shaped very well lor a first exlubiuon. tie is confident they will play much better alter a little more practice togetner, and once tbey get combination incy should bo a very difficult lot to bear. 'lho game throug-Qout was hard and clean and very evenly contested. Fogarty was outstanding lor splendid work among the forwards. MR W. J, STEAD. Mr W. J. Stead, who has been training the New Zealanders with Mr M’Doiiald, summed the match up by saying that Uio more versatile team won. Considering it was their first gome together, he thought the New Zealand backs had put up a wonderful performance. He drew attention to tiro tact that Moffit, Beilis, and Storey had all been partially disabled early in tne game, this representing a considerable weakening of the fighting strength of the team. He was satisued that the game, though hard, was a clean-fought one. "I still prefer our own style of lormation.” said Mr Stead, rcierring to the Springboks’ arrangement ot four three-quarters and two halves. MR W. S. GLENN, M.P.

Mr W. S. Glenn, M.P., a member of the orginal “All lilucks,” said that ho was delighted with the keenessol the game, lie considered that South Africa had the better of the game for two-thirds of the play. What struck him about the New Zealand team was the opportunity the forwards had of getting on to high kicks. There was a lack of last following up, and this style of play seemed to be something of a lost art. In the back division, somewhere on the centre, between the centre three-quarter and the scrum half, something did not seem to be going quite right. That was where the weakness of the back division seemed to lie. Steel’s try was one of the most wonderful he had ever seen. He could not help being struck with the fine effort ho made. The play of Donald and Beilis struck him very much. Ho thought it was simply splendid. The full back played a magnificent game, and could be classed as absolutely Al. He thought the New Zealand team suffered from the fact that a lot of the backs were young men. The next time they played they would probably do better, never having had the opportunity of playing together till now. The South African team appealed to him as being a very fine side. 'J hero was not the slightest doubt about that. They seemed to miss opportunities, however, through the two half backs or the centre three-quarters not running straight, their efforts being finally nullified by the last man to receive the ball, the wing threequarter, being shoved right over to the line. If the two half backs or centre threequarter made sure of beating a man first. he 1 thought the team would secure a lot more tries. The team lost two tries on Saturday, he thought, by reason of not going on. He was delighted with the game as a whole. It was a really fine contest. A SOUND OPINION. A well-known ex-New Zealand representative player said that the All Blacks wanted more tail forwards. There were more lineouis than scrums, and if a side got the ball from a line-out the other side could not play. The team that could get the ball from the line-outs controlled the game more than it would do if it got the bail from the ecrums. ANOTHER EX-REPRESENTATIVE PLAYER. Another ox-represontative N.Z. player had this to say : AVhen a wing three-quarter (Steel! has got to come across four limes in a first spell to save his centre backs something ,'a wrong inside the centre; Our backs did not find the line, and at times they ran the forwards 30 yards or 4-0 yards more than they should nave had to go. MR F. H. CAMPBELL. Mr F. H. Campbell, an ex-president of the Otago Rugby Union, gave the following impressions;—It was a great game from start to finish, and the South African# wore never out of it until perhaps the last 10 minutes. At half-time, when the score was 5 to nil in favour of South Africa, many New; Zealand supporters felt that there was a big chance of their men being beaten, especially as the attack of the New Zealand backs broke down so often. One could not help wishing that such backs os Hunter, Stead, and Freddy Roberts had been there to take advantage of the many opportunities offered. New Zealand’s first try was very lucky, although the result of good following up, but my own opinion is that a South African touched the ball down first, and that opinion is shared by many who were nearer to the spot than those in the stand. But why should our visitors show such bad form by openly disputing the referee’s decision? Surely they know by this time that there is no chance of his altering his verdict, and they ought to bo sportsmen enough to say nothing. The game was played in a much better' spirit than that of Wednesday, and it makes one feel almost sorry that the South Africans played Otago, because the impression loft on the minds of the public after Saturday’s game was distinctly favourable to the visitors. They played hard from start to finish, and, although their forwards tired somewhat towards the end, because of their strenuous work all through the game, there was always the chance that their backs might score again. Indeed, Van. Heerden threw away a certain try by a bad pass when there was a c.ear run in for his colleague. I believe Van Hoarder! could have scored himself. I liked this player. He is full ot lootball, and is most good-tempered. Their full back gave us a fin© exhibition of kicking, and Townsend, at half, did great work Steel’s try for New Zealand was the result of a wonderful run. He seemed on the verge of being overtaken by Meyer at almost every stride, but he eventually forged ahead, and scored a great try. His kicking, too, was worthy of the highest praise, and he created a most tavourable impression on iiiis first appearance in Danodin. Donald is a splendid wing forward, but I have never altered my opinion that wing forward play should be abolished. It leads to most of the bad feeling that occurs in matches, and, after all, the wing forward is only a “spoiler.’’ Ho spoils good back play, and good hack play is what the public delight to see more than anything else. Tossibly the South Africans had a better forward team on SaiuiMty than they had on Wednesday, but the Otago forwards have every reason to congratulate themselves on their fine display—leaving out filie temper—against such redoubtable opponents. The referee bad a most strenuous task, and; possibly found the game too fast for him at times. I think that ho was far tod slow in blowing his whistle when the forwards were on the ground on top of one another. Not only is there considerable danger to the player on such occasions, but the opportunity is frequently given to a side to get the la-all out without the opponents being able to do anything because of the men lying in front of them. The Otago Rugby Union deserves the most hearty thanks of all concerned for the way they handled the huge crowd. There seemed to be no hitch at all in vho arrangements for accommodating the people. As for the Now Zealand Union and the programme offered by it to the public for Is —well, words fail me. Teams Entertained. The teams wero entertained in the evening to a dinner in the City Hotel. Mr J. M‘Lend, president of the Now Zealand Rugby Union, occupied the chair. lii proposing the toast of the visiting team, the chairman said that they had been delighted that, the traditions of their football had been worthily uphold that day. Tho game had been played in the cleanest ami truest spirit of Rugby. They were not taking any great credit to themselves over tho result of the match, as there wars not much difference between the two teams. The difference, bo thought, was that tho New Zealand team bad played with more earnestness and intensiveness, and that that little bit of difference was the difference between the play of tho two teams. Mr M'Ueod sail! that he would like to congratulate the Otago Union for the manner in which it had carried out the arrange-

monks for the match. They had been most excellent, and the officials deserved the full credit which they had earned, 'ihey had been glad to win, and would have fully appreciated the play of the visitors had they been beaten. (Applause.) Air Bennett, manager of the Springboks’ team, said that it was his pleasure that night to convoy to the members of the New Zealand team the congratulations ot the South African Football .board and the people of South Africa, on their win that day. He could assure them of this that very few people in South Africa would be ahio that day to attend to their business. He did not say altogether that the people of South Africa expected them to win tnat day, although they perhaps were a little hopeful on Fridav, and tuoy were going to got a great disappointment. i'ersonaliy he congratulated them on their victory, but he was going to prophesy that they were going to give the New Zealand team a still harder go in the next two test matches. They • had won that day, they admitted, won handsomely, but this was only the first leg. He had one other duty to perlorm that night. Ho wished to express the gratitude ot the Springboks’ team to the citizens of Dunedin for the very pleasant time they had had in Dunedin. He also desired to thank those owners who had lent their cars to enable them to make a trip into the country. They also felt a deep sense of gratitude to the waitresses of their hotel for the manner they had attended to their wants. The speaker returned thanks to the Now Zealand ) Kugby Union officials and the officials of the various Rugby unions they. had played under for the manner they had treated them, and he only wished that the same excellent spirit that existed between the officials would also exist between the players in every match they played, (Hear, hear.) Reference was made to the sporting spirit in which the game had been played, and Mr Bennett concluded as follows:—“We had our test to-day and to a certain extent wo are quite satisfied, more especially ns we have a further opportunity of reversing | the position.” (Applause.) I Mr Boy Merkel, the captain of the Springboks, said that the game that day had been played in a gentlemanly spirit. They did nut feel downhearted. They had been beaten that day, but they would live to fight another da y. (A ppl au so.) They were going to give them a fight in the second and third tests. Mr Aitken, the captain of the All Blacks, i proposed the toast of the New Zealand 1 Rugby Union. In the course of his remarks he said that his team wished to thank the men they had been in charge of | cinoe they had been in Dunedin. He j thought that most of their success was' due i to the excellent coaching they had had j under Mr Stead and Mr M'Donald. The I team also desired to thank Mr Donald Stuart, the manager of the team, for the excellent manner in which he had looked after them. Best Back and Best Forward. At the dinner to the teams on Saturday night, Mr J. M‘Leod (president of the New Zealand Rugby Union), stated that the Dominion Sportsmen's Association had donated medals to the beet back and the best forward on the ground in each of the /throe tests. The eo'eetors had informed him that the best back was H. E. Nicholls and the best forward Baby Michau. These two players were therefore the winners of the two medals. The Gate. It 'a estimat'd taut mere were 22,000 to 23,000 people on' the ground. Several thousand people watched the game from the hills. The gate receipts came to about £2700. With £ISOO for the gate for the OtagoSouth Afr.can match the total takings came to £4200. The New Zealand Tour. RESULTS OF MATCHES PLAYED. July 13, v. Wanganui.—South Africans won oy 1 goal from a try, 1 penalty goal, and 1 try (II points) to 1 penalty goal and 1 try (6 points). July 16, v. Taranaki.—Draw; no score. July 20, v. Wainarapa and Bush District. —South Africans won by 3 goals and 1 try (18 points) to 1 try (3 points). July 23, v. Wellington.—South Africans won by 1 goal and 1 try (8 points) to 1 penalty goal (3 points). July 27, v.West Coast.—South Africans won by 3 goals from tries, 3 penalty goals, and 3 tries (33 points) to 1 penalty goal (3 points). July 30, v. Canterbury.—South Africans lost by 1 goal from the field (4 points) to 2 tries (6 points). August 3, v. South Canterbury.—South Africans won by 5 goals from tries, 1 penalty goal, and 2 tries (34 points) to 1 penalty goal (3 points). August 6, v. Southland.—South Africans won by 4 tries (12 points) to nil. August 10, v. Otago.—South Africans won by 1 goal from try and 2 tries (11 points) to 1 penally goal (3 points). August 13, v. New Zealand.—South Africans lost by 1 goal from try (5 points) to 2 goals from tries and 1 try (13 points). Summary: Matches played, 9; won, 6; lost. 2; drawn 1; points for, 136; points against, 40. A Handsome Gift. Oswald M. Smith and Co., of this city, received a cable on Friday from their principals, Messrs Jenkins and Timm (Ltd.), silver and electroplate manufacture ns, Sheffield, England, offering to donate to the New Zealand Union a 15-guinea” silver cup to be presented to the New Zealand player who scores the most points for hie side in the three test matches. The offer has been accepted by the New Zealand Union, and the cup is to be known as the “ Jenkins and Timm Cup.” One of the principals of the firm is an old Rugby player of fame in the Old Country, and it indicates a pleasing spirit to see that enthusiasm in Now Zealand Rugby is evinced 12,000 miles away. The presence of a massed group of girls from the various Dunedin colleges lent a touch of colour and animation. Their attendance under such favourable circumstances was appropriate in view of the fact that t,hey qualified as “ kindred sports,” - i t ic n st part members of the Otago Junior Lawn Tennis Association. With hia usual zeal for the welfare of his juniors, their president, Mr B. B. Couston, induced the O.R.F.U. vto grant the privilege, and then saw to the erection of a tiered platform from which the girls viewed the match in comfort. The enthusiasm in this particular area when success crowned New Zealand’s efforts was an inspiration. Throughout their training in Ehined/in the All Black team made the Y.M.C.A. their headquarters. Each dav the players stripped at the association building on their return, taking full advantage of the splendid hot water supply of the building. The exorcise room was fitted up as massage headquarters, and bore Mr A. W. Mercer and his associates rubbed the men down. After the match on Saturday Mr D. Sttewart expressed to the general secretary the appreciation of the players and the Rugby Union for the use of the building, and to the physical director, Mr Hanna, for bis attention. THE SMALL BIRD NUISANCE. TO TUB EDITOR Sin,—The damage for which the small bird is responsible in the orchards of Central Otago is of such moment to orchurdists that I would ask you to be good enough to insert this letter, hoping that it may reach the eye of some person who can suggest a moans of coping with the evil. Particularly would I ask the Government inspectors (rabbit inspectors) to let us hoar from them as to how they would deal with this pest. I have from time to time read the correspondence which has appeared in your paper dealing with the rabbit nuisance, and have carefully read the evidence of the rabbit inspectors when they have been prosecuting farmers, but all along one phase of the question seems to have been neglected, and that is, the financial side of it. Where is the money coming from that will enable and permit the farmers to purchase the netting, fencing wires, posts, and subsequently pay for the labour to deal with the rabbit post? There can lie no suggestion that fencing will keep out the small bird nuisance. Arc tliore any suggestions, remembering that the goldfinch and redpolc do not eat grain.—I am, etc., Fred. Geo. Duncan - . Dunedin, August 12.