WITH THE NEW ZEALAND TEAM.

Otago Witness, Issue 2676, 28 June 1905, Page 57

WITH THE NEW ZEALAND TEAM.

(From Our Own Correspondent.)

SYDNEY, June 16. After our team's defeat in Wellington — which, after all, cannot be taken too seriously, considering the conditions under which the match was played — we' had to hustle a trifle to catch the Monowai, which, by the courtesy of the Union Steam Ship Company, had been delayed unitil 7 p.m. for our benefit. To say that we were surprised at sight of the- gathering which was there to farewell our fellows was to put it mildly. It was almost impossible for the lads with the straw hats decorated with the fernleaves to reach the gangway. The crowd, it seemed, almost to a unit, insisted on a handshake and 'an expression of goodwill to show us their hearts were with us. On the boat's leaving the cheering was almost enough to startle a boilermaker. The cheering and " Kia-oras " having been exchanged, we made our way to the salcon, and spent a jolly time there until 10 o'clock — that is, those who were abLe to suppress their emotions, repeated calls at the telephone being responsible for a certain few. The rest of the days we spent in the ways common to ship-life— deck billiards, skipping, etc. It was difficult for our fellows to grasp the idea that they were really on the way to match our recent opponents from across the water. If such an undertaking had been suggested some five, or even three, years ago the most enthusiastio Soeker player or follower would have been sceptical ; but it is now an established fact. Opposition has certainly been a healthy food, and Socber a thriving infant. There was a time in New Zealand when Soeker was classed as a feeble game, fit for old women and frail humanity. It was relegated to the nursery without further thought as a harmless game and a form of mild recreation. Itg position now is a good second to Rugby, especially in New South Wales. It would make some of our New Zealand Rugby enthusiasts stop and think a little if they knew just how the game is regarded here. It is very popular, and has a large following. Of course, here as in New Zealand, Rugby has the following of the masses; but the sporting men are very general and unbiassed in their ideas, and give their attention to all games. It is a rare thing to hear anyone discussing the relative merits of games, all being content to believe that there is room for all sports, and that all sports, if they interest people, must be good. It was a eight to see our fellows creeping up on deck on arrival at Circular quay — bilious-looking, hungry, and unshaven. It looked almost like a resurrection of the days of Botany Bay. The trip across, as regards weather and seas, was capital. During the first two days in particular the sea was very smooth, and most of the lads were able to get on deck and retain their meals. Tuesday was rather rough, while on Wednesday we were treated to a wicked swell, which made most of us take to bunk.

We were met on arrival (1.30 p.m., Wednesday) by Mr Robinson, the manager of the New South Wales team which toured New Zealand last year, and many of the officials, and driven in a drag to the Great Southern Hotel, George street (which is our address). It has excellent accommodation, etc. The players ar» enjoying themselves in many ways. We had a practice game on Thursday afternoon against a scratch team here. Our boys, considering it was their first clear day from the boat, showed surprising form— the forwards m particular being very strong, and working with splendid combination. The prospects for Saturday's match are rather sultry for us. The general impression here is that we shall be beaten rather easily. The press, in particular, is very pessimistic regarding our chances. Its general tone, is that of' a father encouraging a son to do his best— " He's a good lad and will improve " sort of style. Our fellows, though, have a little keynote called " Energy," which will be pressed for all it is worth to-morrow. Our lads aro confident and keen, and full of. a

restless, want-to-g-et-at-them sort of feeling 1 , which will help them on towards giving * good account of themselves and stirring- up their opponents. The team we meet is a strong one, and will include some seven ov eight of the New South Wales representative team to meet us the following week. What tin's means may be grasped when it is mentioned that such men as M'Mahon, Condon, Hilder, and Spencer, of the New, South Wales team which met us in New Zealand, are emergencies. Timms. Byere, and Moore will be playing. This trio ar« in great form, and great favourites with th* public here.

For Sunday we have an invitation to a picnic somewhere out Manly way Othe* invitations are to hand for billiard championships, boxing tournaments, etc., so. altogether we have a fairly rosy time ahead. The free vse of the Sports Club's rooms has been offered us, together with membership cards entitling us to the full privileges of the club's rooms. This means an entry into all sporting circles here — a no mean thing.

I forgot to mention that an official welcome was given to the team here, at the Sports Club. The Mayor and Mr Nobbs, M.L.A., welcomed us heartily. New Zealanders are great favourites here, everyone striving his utmost to make us feel at home. Ours is a happy family. The appointment of JVTr Mayor as manager was indeed an inspiration. Ever genial and tactful, he has a way with him that makes? him a favourite everywhere.

The weather has been glorious — just like mild midsummer days in Dunedin, — with the evenings clear and fresh, but not, as we are gene-rally informed, cold. Indications for to-morrow in that l-espect could! not be better.

Our team to play Metropolitan to-morrow is as under: — Goal, Fitzgerald; backs— Clapliam, Newman ; halves — Middlemass, Taylor, Forrest ; ' s forwards — Mawson, Chadwick, Forshaw, Bis?ett, Brown. It might interest our friends to know that the members of the team, to a man, have been, clean-shaven, and in consequence present a smart and neat appearance. The New South Wales officials were rather surprised at the lightness of our physique. I ami rather of opinion, though, that when stripped we shall surprise them more than a little.

Samson, of the 1901 New Zealand Rugby team which toured New South Wales, and! -who represented Auckland on different occasions, is chatting with our fellows as I write. He has retired from fche game now, but is looking forward keenly to the New Zealand team's visit next month. He is a fine, gentlemanly fellow, and doing well in this city

June 19.

We had a perfect day, as hot as anything wo get in Dunedin in midsummer, for the match against the Metropolitan team; in. fact it was too hot, and fairly tried our team. The match was played at Epping Racecourse', an ideal spot from a spectator's point of view, as they are able to sit almost round the ground on high terraces, rising directly from the racing track. There was a large attendance — something like 4000. The spectators treated us really well, cheering heartily when a scor& was registered. As there has not been any rain here for some considerable time, the ground was almost as hard as the pavement. It seemed to us as though the heat was fairly radiating from its surface. This idea is rather accentuated on account of the ground beingso bare and brown-looking — not a blade of grass anywhere but what was burnt up and 2>arched. The defeat of the N.Z. team was due to three reasons. Firstly, the men had nob had time to strike form, having landed only three days previously. Secondly, the blazing sun was so different from what they had been used to : and, thirdly, the hardness and consequent fastness of the ground. This last was the chief factor in our downfall, as our men, instead of jumping forward to take the ball on the fly or to dropkick it, generally stood off, with the result that the ball either went feet above their heads or shot past them too quickly to allow of recovery. The Welshmen were, of courbe, well up to these little tricks. Speaking generally as regards their play, we were not treated to anything beyond our own, standard, and I am of opinion that we have little to learn. Perhaps this criticism is premature,' but next Saturday's match will settle the point.

There is one position in which the New South Wales players are stronger than anything we have ever had in New Zealand, and that is in the half back division. The way they get the ball from a forward's toe, their steadying of it, and the certainty witb which they get it to their forwards is a. treat, and would come as an eye-opener to most of our local men, who consider a half back's duty is purely to defend, or to kick the ball away from an opponent. 'Byers and Tirnms in particular are stars, and form. the foundation of the New South "Wales combination. . Nearly all the forward rushes are started by one of these two. Byers is, if anything, the better. He fairly excelled himself on Saturday in dealing with the dashing rushes of Forshaw and Chadwick; but he did not stop at that, for after he beat his opponents the ball invariably went! to a forward, his pa-s^ing being- deadly accurate and low.

The only man calling for special mention was Christie, right full back, whose linekicking was remarkable, both for its power and accuracy. He had the knack of sending the ball yards down the. field, just keeping it inside the touchline. The advantage of this iv making use of the wing forwards is at onoe apparent. This difficult feat was no fluke, as he did it repeatedly. Speaking of the game generally, the Metropolitan team had oertainly the test of exchanges. The combination of the forwards was not good, but quite sufficient? for our backs until they mastered the knack? of meeting the ball on its flight. Unfortunately, we had to pay for this experience to! the tune of 3 goals. When our players became familiar with the ground they made soft work of the New South Wales forwardswho were never dangerous after the first} half-hour. During this half-hour, however. tli-5 New Zealand forwards rarely touched the ball, and were b\it given one opportunity, from which Brown's goal resulted.

The second spell was in favour of New) Zealand throughout, the combination and cleverness of their forwards fairly beating the home team. It was a big; fight between screat forwards and great ha-lvos. The public lier© is particularly pleased with the Now Zealand forwards, who are cleverer and) much faster than the local 1 men ; while their combination and neat low passing was the subject of much favourable comment, being all the move remarkable on; account of tb,e short tim« and little oppor-

Junity the men had had of studying one Rnother'e play. Forshaw and Chadwick worked together like one man. Chadwick's £un through the New South Wales backs ."ivaa a bit sensationa-1, and he was loudly pheered when finally the ball found its way jinto the net. Forshaw and Bissett are great £hots, and they had bad luck in not scoring. Shot after shot was saved in brilliant style Iby the New South Wales goalkeeper, while itha backs conceded many corners. Mawson

-,"\ras not at his best, although, his centring [was perfect. Brown's lightning line rushes fclelignted the spectators. He played a fine 'game, but his centring has been better.

Tbe halves are the w-eak spot.

Taylor has

iiot fairly recovered from the trip across. Sforre&t has much improved, but he still Steeps too far back from, his forwards. Middlemass had tbe misfortune to get a.aiasty knock on the forehead, which neeessi-■jti-ted his retirement just after the eaminencemeait. It _was then that the inside bright of New South Wale* team put through Ithe first two goals. Harrison filled the gap, {and played a good' game in his new position. Clapham, full back, fairly excelled '3.imself when lie got to work, easily accountling for thei rushes of tha opposing forwards. Newman was not at his best, but he had toot recovered his iand legs. He played well fin the second spell, however, using- T&is (weight and head to seme purpose. -Fitzgerald has not shown anything brilliant, (being a long- way- behind Smallbone. One 1 »f the goals, scored by our opponents should ■ luwe bfcen easily saved. The New Zealand yearn altogether has made a very favourable . Impression on the public, and nexfc Saturday, teiven fine weather, 1 it should' beat the New Bouth "Welshmen handsomely. On Sunday we were driven to Narrabeen. ' teome 20- milas up 'the north coast, and -treated to dinner. The drive was most jenjoyable. Tb& match on Wednesday Is generally a win for our team, the opposing •Jeam being composed mainly of naval men. Hie health of the team is fairly good. Herbert Morrison is still suffering rather JbadJy as a result- of severe sea- sickness, but ihould be well enough to* play after next ,*veek. George Middkmass should also be Swell -enoug-h by that rime. He is a man we JDan ill. spar*. With, regard to- the financial arrange- - inents made by the New South Wales Association, one gentleman-Jiere has guaranteed the necessary' amount, some £<tfov- He is toreceive the full amount of the net. gates until the £400 is cleared oor& r and is- then to get 25 per cent, what might be ov«r. It' is considered here that a- total attendance - of- 12,000 at all matches will pay all expenses, so -with 4000" as. a start last Saturday the- guarantor seems fairly eeeure.