RUGBY FOOTBALL.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19278, 16 September 1924, Page 7

RUGBY FOOTBALL.

THE ALL BLACKS’ TOUR

NOT EQUAL TO 1905 TEAM.

cnmoisM of wing forward.

Prose Association —By Telegraph—Copyright. LONDON, September 14. Commenting on the play of the All Blacks in the match against Devon, the Sunday News says: ‘‘The New Zealanders, on a hard ground, will be difficult to beat, but it will bo surprising if they even approach the record of their predecessors.” The News of the World gives a similar verdict, and expresses the opinion that Dailey and Cooke are likely to distinguish themselves. The writer adds: ‘‘Porter’s mission as extra half, wing forward, ot rover does not appeal to English footballers, for most of the lime he is purely an obstructionist. That stylo of play is not wanted here.” ' The Observer states: ‘‘The New Zealanders, on their shqwing, are not as powerful as the previous team. Their forwards were not a whit in advance of Devon, but they had a decided pull outside.” The Sunday Express states; “Some of the New Zealanders’ ways in the scrums displeased the spectators, the crowd at one time demanding that two should be seiit off. The team is amazingly fast.” —A. and N.Z. Cable.

THE FORWARDS PRAISED

A FORMIDABLE PACK.

LONDON, September 15. (Received Sepi. 15, at 7.35 p.m.) Sporting Life, in a critical impression of tne All Blacks, says;—“Few Devon men had put on a bool this season, so it is astounding that they compelled a thoroughly trained and perfectly organised combination to play such a game._ In many ways the All Blacks were disappointing. In others they fascinated. The forwards did not hook well, out possibly the 3-2-5 formation of their rivals was disconcerting. In attack, however, the All Blade forwards are immense. They are all very fast in the loose, and they break away at great speed. Their height and strength in the line-outs makes them formidable The outsides—-Lucas and Svenson—and Dailey will contribute much to the success of the team. Their ability lb give and take the reverse pass at full speed is extraordinary.—A. and N.Z. Cable.