THE ALL BLACKS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20781, 29 July 1929, Page 9

THE ALL BLACKS.

FINAL OF TEST SERIES. / AUSTRALIA WINS BY 15 TO 13. THREE PENALTY GOALS INCLUDED. EXCITEMENT IN CLOSING STAGES. • ■ - • • (United Press Association.) (By Electric Telegraph Copyright.)

SYDNEY, July 28, (Received. July 28, at 5>3 pan.)

The final, of the Rugby test series between New Zealand and Australia was played. at. Sydney Cricket Ground, and it provided an epic struggle. New Zeaunique position of fighting to win a single, test, as against Australia’s ambition to secure the unprecedented happening of wins in all three produced an unusual tenseness in the players of both sides, who were specially primed for the /-event. The weather was perfect—sunny and 'without wind—while the ground was hard in the central area. A section of Boy Scouts, who Svere the guests of the Rugby Union, gave a war cry prior to The big match. The attendance reached 29,000. ' Carleton replaced Oliver in the New Zealand' team, the latter being unable to play owing to a face injury he suffered in Queensland, and; at the last moment Leys replacing Dailey. The-teanis were as follow: v ALL BLACKS. . Full-back—J. M. Tuck. Three-quarters— B. ! Grenside, C. Stringfellow, L. Hook. Five-eighths—S. R. Carleton, H. LiJburne. ' Half-back.—E. T. Leys. Hookers—A. Cottrell, K. ,Reid. '■ Lock—C. Sonntag. „ Side supports—R, G. M'Williams, W. Rika. Back row—A. Kivell, E. M. Snow. Wing forward—-C. G. Porter. Emergencies—E. Cundy, E. R. Steere, A. Mahoney, B. Palmer, AUSTRALIA. Full-back—E. Westfield. Three-quarters—N. M'Ghie, C- H. Towers, S. C. King, E. Ford. Five-eighths—T. S. Lawton. Halt-back—S. J. Malcolm.

Forwards—J. W. ' Breckeuridge, J. Ford, Finlay, E. S. Thompson, E. Bonis, W. H’.‘ Ceruttil *■ Mr'A. V.. Mayne was the referee. ; - Following Lawton’s kick off from the south end of the ground the Australians ■ commenced a loose dribbling attack, but the pressure was relieved by a penalty •' kick to the centre.’ Then by good combined play .New, Zealand invaded the Greens’ territory. Australia replied by carrying the play to midfield, but the Blacks again pressed, and from a penalty ■ Lilburne missed a goal narrowly. Leys and Stringfellow essayed to drop goals, a but the attempts were unsuccessful; Continuing the pressure, New Zealand worked dose to the right hand, corner of the goal line, and there Cottrel swiftly ■ passed infield to M‘Williams, who scored within eight minutes of the start. Lilburne failed to convert. All Blacks 3 Australia .. 0 The All Blacks were ■ now showing sparkling form, and four minutes later an Australian pass was intercepted beautifully, by 1 Stringfellow, who ran clean through, scoring under the posts. Lilburne conyerted. All Blacks . . .. .. .. .. s Australia . . q Australia, stung by New Zealand’s unexpected brilliancy on attack, replied with some fine concerted play headed by J. I 1 ord, and, placed in a good position by a fine centreing kick by M'Ghie, they worked down field to the New Zealand twenty-five, where the All Blacks were penalised and Lawton kicked a splendid goal, which was hailed with enthusiasm by the large crowd.

All Blacks .... g Australia .. .. .. .. ... 3 The play then waged* hot and strong In the centre of the field, both sides’putting on the pressure. Lawton was conspicuous in a fine attacking movement, which, however, was Spoiled by bad handling by Findlay. Australia was frequently penalised, mostly fori offside play. After 30 minutes of give-and-take play, from another penalty well infield Lawton registered his second goal. All Blacks .. .. g ■Australia .. q ■ New Zealand responded immediately with a good rucking movement, and hen neai the posts Lilburne gained possession. He made a magnificent, long, transfer out to Stringfellow, and the ball went to Grensidc, who dived ncross at the corner. Lilburne converted with a superb kick. All Blacks 13 Australia .... t; Following a tremendously hot Aus-. tralian rally over the New Zealand line Tuck forced. Great excitement prevailed just before halftime, when Towers dropped a gfeat penalty goal. The spell ended with the scores:— All Blacks ]3 Australia .. .. 9 After the interval, following Porter’s kick off, play became very fast, but was somewhat ragged. It hovered in the centre of the field for a time, hut gradually began to verge'towards New Zealand's end, and the Blacks .marked three times in quick succession to relieve the

pressure. The next feature of the game was a beautifully engineered rearguard movement by Australia, all the backs handling the ball till the effort was nullified by a mulled pass. The All Blacks immediately responded with a good combined rust; and from 30 yards out Lilburne narrowly missed a goal from a penalty. An injury to one M'Williams’s legs suspended activities for some time, and the crowd became somewhat impatient, but on resuming play became exhilarating and the finest movement of the day was staged. Towers made a brilliant dodgy run, and his pass sent the ball through eight pairs of hands to J. FordJ who forced his way over at the corner flag amidst tremendous applause. Lawton failed to convert. .

All Blacks , _ 13 Australia -.13 Both teams were now thoroughly on their mettle. The Australians territorially had the advantage for a time, but the All Blacks got relief and invaded the Greens’ quarters, where Lilburne attempted unsuccessfully to kick a goal from a penalty. Australia then made a marvellous sortie. King, in midfield, gathered well and ran all his supports into position. After many exchanges King again secured, possession to score at the corner, but Lawton’s attempt to add the major points missed narrowly. Australia j 5 All Blacks .. 13 .'Porter secured, from the kick off and the All Blacks commenced a lively attack, only to be driven back for a while. However,, by a long kick, the Blacks were again able to assume the offensive, and for some time penned the Greens within their twenty-five. New Zealand’s movements lacked finish, 'and their various dashes ended fruitlessly against the Australians’ solid defence. The play increased in intensity, and the final stage; saw Australia making tremendous efforts to increase their lead. Ford and Malcolm almost scored, but when time was called no change had been registered, and Australia had done the hat trick in the tests.

On the day the better team won, although the final issue hung closely in the balance. It took 35 minutes of the second half to give, the Greens their coveted lead. New Zealand showed some improved form and enterprise in the first spell, which greatly upset the Australian cohesion. This, however, was not sustained in the second half, and the Australian back division worked in a more systematic manner, which finally enabled them to snatch the victory.New Zealand lost the match for want of reliable place kicking, numerous opportunities being offered within good striking distance. A much greater number -pf penalties was recorded against Australia in the first spell than against their opponents, an analysis showing that Australia were penalised 13 times against New Zealand’s seven.

Greens gained the ball from the majority of the scrums. Malcolm, at serum half, played- magnificently, feeding his outside backs liberally, while King and Lawton were both superb in attack.

Porter was at his best, and his ‘example and leadership were invaluable to New Zealand. The All Black forwards, to a man, worked hard, although raggedly, but finesse was lacking in the back movements. Tuck, at full-back, was not. reliable, and Hook was somewhat weak.

The geneial standard of play was excellent, especially in the later stages, the pace actually increasing as the game went on and presenting f the v spectators with a fast, open, and spectacular display. The two Australian efforts leading to scores were probably the finest evolutions made in the whole series of tests, and aroused tremendous and almost continuous cheering. The spirit shown throughout the match was excellent, as was the referee’s control of the game. Stringfellow, Grensidc, and Lilburne were the bess of the New Zealand backs, whilst Sonntag, M'Williams, and Snow the most prominent forwards, Kivell, Reid, Cottrell, and Rika all assisting ably. Leys was not a strong connecting 1 link.

ACCOUNT BY RADIO. AN EXCITING SECOND SPELL. DESPERATE PLAY AT FINISH. The match was broadcast by 2ML, Sydney, and the account was relayed bv 4YA. There was a great deal of’ interference on occasions, and for a quarter of an hour in the first spell the an-' nouncer’s voice could not be heard. The stands were well filled according to the announcer, and the sun was shining. It was stated that Nepia had returned to New Zealand on Friday and that Mr S. S. Dean was making satisfactory progress. THE PLAY.

New Zealand won the toss ami elected to defend the northern end of yie ground. 1 The Australia ns combined in passing after the kick-off and went right to the New Zealand line where a serum was ordered. Australia secured the bail,

but for an infringement another scrum was ordered. A free kick to the All Blacks, however, enabled them to get out of a very difficult position, the ball being sent out at half way. From the liuaout the Australians secured and with the ba 1 l at their toes went to the New Zealand twenty-five line. The All Blacks secured, and with a passing rush in which Stringfellow and Grenside were prominent they returned the ball to Australia’s twenty-five. The New Zealand three-quarter line was again set in motion, but the homo team was awarded a free kick, the ball going out at halfway. After an exchange of kicks the All Blacks were driven back to their own twenty-five, where they were given a penalty kick, the ball being sent 50 yards up the field. The game up to the present had been ragged. Following a good movement M'Wiliianis secured and went over at the corner to score. Lilburne took the kick, but the attempt was a.very poor one, the balling rolling along the ground. New Zealand .... ;j Australia Xil A scrum followed the kick-off, Malcolm kicking to Leys, who returned down field and gained a long stretch of ground. After a long interruption it was- announced that Ford had kicked to Stringfellow, who was brought down at halfway- From a scrum a free kick was awarded the 'New Zealanders, Lilburnc punting high and gaining no ground. Tlie Australians retaliated .with a passing rush, the ball going into touch at the New Zealand twenty-five flag. A scrum was formed, and the ball was carried to the New Zealand line, but a good kick returned the ball to half-wav. After an exchange of kicks the All Blacks were penalised, Lawton kicking a goal.' The listeners-in were surprised to hear .that the scores were: New Zealand § Australia ~ ~ ~ .... (j Porter secured from the kick-off and sent out to Hook, who cut in and passed to Stringfellow. The last named ran nicely and sent out a long pass to Grenside, who dashed over to score. The handling had been excellent. The Greens rushed too soon and Lilburnc had a free kick, putting over a beautiful goal rl"ht from the side-line. ° New Zealand 13 Australia

From the ensuing play Lawton took a free kick and sent the ball well down the field, where it was taken by Hook, who kicked into touch. The New Zealand forwards broke away. From halfway the Greens started a fine piece of play which took them to the New Zealand twenty-five. The All Blacks secured from the line-out and went almost'to halfway. There the Greens secured P’S® l ”; a,lt } t,lc ball was passed out to M Ghie, who found touch 10 yards from the New Zealand goal line. The Greens were again penalised, Lilburne failing to nnff the line. In the ensuing play both sides handled badly. The New Zealanders broke away and carried the ball to Australian territory, and Porter figured in good play by the All Blacks. The ball was returned to the other end. Kivell; was offside, and Towers dropkickcd a goal. •- 1 New Zealand . ~ 13 Australia .. .... , o

Australia quickly attacked again and took the ball to the New Zealand line Lawton passing to Ford, who was brought down when almost across. The Green three-quarters showed up well. King being collared after a strong dash. Hook secured, however, and saved with a beautiful kick. The Australians were again attacking when the half-time whistle went. SECOND SPELL. , . Ptoy at halfway, followed the resump, turn. Ihe New Zealanders were the first to attack. A scrum was formed. inside the Australians’ twenty-five, and the Greens were penalised, the shot at goal failing. Malcolm short-punted toStringfeUow, who marked and kicked to Law*oll ’ e Australian five-eighths sent on to lowers, and a passing rush was started, a knock-on spoiling the movement, hollowing an attack by the New Zcaiand forwards Lillmrne marked and kicked down the side line to M‘6hie. Lawton, said the announcer, was playino. a dne game. The description of exciting play was drowned by the cheering of the crowd. After all the Australian three-quarters had handled the ball M Ghie was brought down right on the line, the ball going into touch. This was the most thrilling piece of play in the game, and had M'Ghie possessed a little more pace he would have gone across. Porter showed up with a brilliant effort, aV? *, clo ' vn tIIG fleld and saving the All Blacks. Lawton took a penalty kick and sent to Tuck, the New Zealand full-back returning to Westfield,'who ran up and set his three-quarters coin l * Grenside took the baii from a kick and punted upfield. Westfield failed to gather- in the ball, which rolled .into touch at halfway, a movement in which Porter and Lilburne showed out took tlie ball almost to the Australian twentyfive. The New Zealanders, who at this stage were playing well, were-awarded a penalty, Lilburne made a good attempt to goal, the ball going just' outS !, t J l ®, l sosts * Solid tackling by both sides followed. M’Ghie punted down the held to halfway, where the AH Blacks were penalised. Westfield took the. kick and sent the ball to Hook, who punted high to Malcolm. The Australian halfback tried to start a three-quarter movementj but the attack broke down. Porter secured and passed to Grenside, who punted.

. ■^ e whistle has gone, and someone is being reprimanded. 'Australia has been given a free kick,” said the announcer. a ! ull causc d by an injury to Mtv illiams s ankle the announcer said that the New Zealanders had had the better of the game during the second spelL the only occasion when the Australians appeared to have' a chance of scoring being when M'Ghje was collared on the line. The bell then ‘went to indicate that the stoppage had reached the time limit, and that cither M'Williams would have to go off or the game would have to proceed. Play was immediately resumed, and the New Zealanders were penalised for an illegal tackle. The Australians combined in,an attack which provided one of the finest pieces of play during the day, Malcolm and E. Ford showing up. The forwards joined in the movement, arid the ball was sent to .1. Ford, who dashed ov->r for a score. Lawton's kick struck the crossbar. New Zealand .13 Australia 12

I’orter was playing a fine game. After an attack by the Australians a scrum five yards out was ordered. The ball went to the home team, but- New Zealand was awarded n free kick,. Porter finding the line at half-way. The New Zealanders broke away with a good forward movement. They were brought up for offside play, and Lawton found the line at New Zealand's twenty-five line. The Australian forwards attacked, Porter securing from a scrum ten yards from the New Zealand line, and transferring to Reid, who saved the situation with a fine kick, sending the ball out at halfway. A free kick taken by Porter sent the ball out at llie Australian twenty-live line. The New Zealanders immediately attacked, and a scrum was ordered. The, All Blacks were awarded a free kick in front of the posts, but Lilburne's shot was unsuccessful, the ball going just outside the posts. The drop-out was a bad one, and a serum was formed on the twentyfive line. The New Zealanders started passing, Lilburne handing on to Stringfellow, to gain some ground, and the Aus tralians wore called upon for strong defensive work. After good play by the All Blacks Grcnside secured and found touch five yards from the Australian line. The New Zealanders were awarded a free kick, but the shot at goal was a pu'-r one, the ball rising hick,into the air. A

long punt took the ball to New Zealand territory. Lilburnc, after a brilliant run in Australian territory, passed out to Grcnside, who failed to take the balk The Australian backs were set in motion amid cheering by the crowd. Malcolm sent to Lawton, and the ball travelled to Ford, to King, who punted and beat, the full-back to score, Lawton's kick failed. Australia 15 New Zealand .. ... .. 13 This was the first occasion on which the Australians had crossed the New Zealand line. After play at halfway Port“r gained ground with a speculator. The forward play on both sides was magnificent, Grcnside, who was playing a fine game, was prominent, and then Lilburne gained ground with a nm and kick 1 , bur the New Zealanders were driven back by TVcstfield. Fast play followed, the Black forwards charging down the field only to bo stopped by K. Ford, who kicked out at his twenty-five. Porter and Rika handled well, but a kick into touch eased the situation for Australia. From a penalty Porter had a drop-kick at goal, but missed, and a scrum was formed under the goalposts. The Blacks secured, and at the end of passing Hook was forced out just on the line. The ball then went to Grcnside, who failed to take it. King secured and saved. The New Zealanders threw the ball about well, hut a free kick drove them buck. The All Blacks were playing desperately, and one good move ment was spoiled by over-anxiety. The Australians took another turn to attack; King crossing and touching down. He was brought back by the referee, and New Zealand had to defend. Porter secured and kicked, Ives taking a mark right in front of the posts. He missed, but the All Blacks declined to force, Reid taking the ball up the field. The New Zealanders made a desperate attack, but the final whistle went with the scores:— Australia 15 New Zealand 13