NORTHERN UNION v. NEW ZEALAND. SYDNEY, March 4.

Otago Witness, Issue 2817, 11 March 1908, Page 62

NORTHERN UNION v. NEW ZEALAND. SYDNEY, March 4.

The All-Blacks played the first- test match against, a picked Northern "Union team at Leeds, suffering defeat by a goal and four tries to two tries., I The Sportsman says that the ground, being protected, -was in excellent condi- \ tion for play. The All Blacks seldom rose above commonplace. The New Zsalandere missed the services of Messenger, who was suffering from a cold. Almost from the start the local side 'irete superior^

but their tactics were painfully crude and •low, otherwise they must have scored heavily. There was- 25 minutes' play before Jolly dropped a clever goal, which was followed by a try. At half-time the Northern Union were leading by 8 points to nil. On crossing over the home side were again painfully slow in taking advantage ■of their opportunities, but, following a rousing run by Todd on the other side, they put more sting into then* play. The New Zealanders then Tallied a little, and tries were scored by Todd and Wynyard, the kicks at goal failing. This brought to a close a disappointing and uninspiring match. The Daily News says the All Blacks had to play against a strong wind in the first hlaf, but they were nearly always defending, and were clearly outclassed. March 5. Commenting on the Leeds match, the Chronicle says that in the opening stages, the -New Zealanders pressed, bat their attacks lacked force. The second half was keenly contested. In the later stages the All- Blacks were quite the- superior side. Wyndham scored a clever try in. the final minutes. The Sportsman says that in the York inatch> where the home team gained a narrow victory by a goal and a try to a try, the conditions were in favour of the colonial methods. The All Blacks commenced- in- a promising style. Todd missed an excellent chance of getting over the home line, but the visitors maintained the pressure, and Rowe crossed, Turtill failing to convert. Before the teams crossed over York secured a goal. The second half was pointless. The home team were often in a strong attacking position, but were not clever enough to break down the fine defence of their opponents.