THE ALL BLACKS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20499, 29 August 1928, Page 7

THE ALL BLACKS

WESTERN PROVINCE MATCH,

WEAKNESS OF THE FORWARDS.

BROWNLIE A PASSENGER,

(SrECiAB to Press Association.)

CAPETOWN, August 27

Commenting on the Western Province match Boy De Villiers, of the 1912 Springbok team, in the Cape Argus, said: —“After the resumption of the second half there was only the one team in it, and that was not the All Blacks. The Western Province forwards were scrumming in rare fashion, and at times simply lifted the All Blacks off their feet. The downfall of the New Zealanders was entirely due to their forwards, who were guilty of (a) not packing low enough and pushing together in the tight scrums; (b) breaking up while heeling the ball; and (c) breaking up before the Province heeled out the ball, thereby offering no resistance whatsoever. It is very difficult to find an international side like the All Blacks paying so little attention to the elementary rules of scrum work. With the exception of the hookers and the lock, the other four forwards were absolute passengers, with Brownlie the outstanding one amongst them.” H. Du P. Steytler, writing in Dio Burger, said:■—“Once more the Province forwards rose to the occasion, and especially in the second half they gave us a display of what a hard-shoving pack is capable of. Their good play was oven bettered by De Villiers and Osier behind the scrum. Vie latter being conspicuous on numerous occasions. He played a remarkably good game, and much of the honour of the team’s victory must go to him. His kicking was always judicious. The All Blacks crumpled up in the second half, particularly when Stewart had to take Carleton’s place. In the first half, however, when the visitors had by far the better of the game, they should have scored more. There was no subtlety in their back play, which, apart from Dailey, lacked a thrust. Johnson and Strang only ran straight, and never seemed to attempt to find a leakage in the Province’s defence. The Province was hard put to score their only try, which came as a result of individual clever play by Morkel. Hopes are running high for the result of the final test. If the Province forwards can dominate the play there is no reason why the Springboks pack should not again succeed in this department of 'the game.” Carletqn and Lindsay’s injuries will keep them out of the fourth test. Strang is also suffering from a damaged shoulder.

A new centre will have to be found, which is almost certain to he Lucas. There may also be a change in the fiveeighths. Nichoils will probably play second.

Yesterday the All Blacks visited Cape Point in motor cars. They toured almost the length and breadth of the peninsula, and every beauty spot was visited. Many lesser-known nooks were included in the tour. A crowd of about 70 comprised the party when the trip began, more joining in en ,route. Lunch was partaken of in splendid sunshine at Cape Point lighthouse, and by 0 o'clock in the evening the programme was completed. The All Blacks had experienced what they termed one of the most enjoyable days of the tour.