HEAVY GOING

Southland Times, Issue 22728, 2 November 1935, Page 5

HEAVY GOING

NEWPORT MATCH SURPRISE CHANGES IN TEAM HARD FORWARD PLAY (United Press Assn.—Telegraph Copyright.) London, October 31. The special correspondent of the United Press Association, commenting on the game at Newport, says: Mr V. R. Meredith surprised even the members of the team by his lastminute changes, particularly the substitution of Mitchell for Caughey, who is very fit. Mr Meredith undoubtedly believes Mitchell to be safer in heavy going. Hore and McKenzie have also shown good form on wet days. McLean and Hadley are still on the injured list. Thus bad luck still pursues the team as Hadley and McLean were just reaching New Zealand form. Incessant rain fell throughout the morning, following ten days’ intermittent wet weather, which badly affected the ground. Newport enthusiasts believed the local side to be greatly favoured by the heavy ground, while they also hoped a young, virile pack would hold the All Blacks. Mr Freethy, the referee who ordered off Cyril Brownlie at Twickenham in 1924, was originally selected to superintend the match, but he was unable to accept. Eighteen thousand people were present, but given fine weather, there would have been a record attendance and that at Newport in 1924 would probably have been eclipsed. A Spirited Start.

New Zealand began spiritedly, aiming at an early lead and following the example at Cardiff, where they won the game in the first fifteen minutes. The forwards, despite the heavy going, made every effort to get the ball to their backs, enabling them to jscore before the ball was slippery and heavy. Tindill and Corner were unlucky to be playing under such conditions, which did not suit the backs, and they may not have many more chances of gaining places in the international sides. The early stages saw New Zealand handling well and holding their opponents on their line for a long spell. Tindill, who had been waiting for his chance, did not make any mistake with a field goal. This early reverse spurred on Newport, who were dominant for a long period, Allan beating Mitchell before passing to Knowles. The winger had a •clear run, but Hart got him from behind. The Newport forwards were magnificent in the rucks and kept up the attack amid the crowd’s tense excitement, several times being within an ace of scoring. Gilbert was repeatedly called on to save the All Blacks, whose forwards then rallied, pushing Newport several yards. The tourists also tried wheeling and once took the ball threequarters of the length of the field. The crowd hooted the referee’s decision against Newport when the forwards were offside. The forwards battled fiercely, while on one occasion several blows were exchanged which the referee did not see. The home forwards maintained their reputation for cleverness in the loose scrums. Nevertheless, the All Blacks’ pack fought gallantly, considering that Hore and McKenzie were included at the last moment, packing very low and making an effort to get under their opponents. Mitchell Applauded.

Mitchell was greatly applauded for a dashing run, beating five or six forwards. He gave a long pass to Ball, who accepted it at top speed, but slipped in swerving past an opponent. Mahoney aroused the crowd’s amusement by taking a mark and giving the ball to Gilbert for the kick. The referee made the marker take the kick. The All Blacks for a period of ten minutes were dominant and persistently attacked, Tindill and Corner combining well. New Zealand had a chance after all the backs had handled, but Ball dropped the final pass. The All Black forwards again broke up too quickly, the opposing forwards repeatedly overwhelming Corner as in several previous games. The forwards now adopted shock tactics, crashing in the scrums and both front rows standing off and charging head down. The referee spoke to both sides. Hore, King, Lambourn and Mahoney were going great guns. King, from a line-out, gained 20 yards, using his weight to bump off his opponents. The forwards maintained the pressure, exhibiting great speed. McKenzie once outpaced three backs and was unlucky not to score. The virile forward contests continued, the home team being the chief sinners. The referee spoke to a Newport player and awarded a penalty against Newport, schoolboys counting him out. McKenzie s goal from 35 yards out was one of the sensations of the tour, the New Zealanders shaking hands with him. There was further hooting when a Newport player was knocked out when taking a mark. The game ended excitingly, play swaying up and down the field. Fog marred the closing stages. The AU Blacks’ backs for once played well without Oliver. Tindill played his best game of the tour. He often pierced the defence and gave fine passes. Mitchell and Griffiths handled well. Gilbert, despite having been injured, was rocklike in defence and is a great wet ground player. TWICKENHAM TO-DAY LONDONERS WILL BE STRONG. (By “Onlooker.”) For the 15 game of the tour to-day, against the London Counties, the All Blacks will make their first appearance at historic Twickenham, headquarters of the English Rugby Union. The New Zealanders play three times on this famous ‘ground, twice against the London Counties and once against England. In 1924 the All Blacks defeated London Counties twice, by 31 to 6 at Twickenham, and by 28 to 3 at Blackheath. They also accounted for England at Twickenham by 17 points to 11 in that remarkable game in which New Zealand played with 14 men for the greater part of the game following the summary dismissal of Cyril Brownlie from the field of play. As will be gleaned from the London side announced to meet the All Blacks to-day, very strong opposition is likely to be provided. Seven players of international standing are included, and it is probable that other of the number will win their international caps this year. In the circumstances it may be taken for granted that the New Zealanders will be faced with their greatest task to date. Of the seven internationals already named the most popular, with New Zealanders is D. A. Kendrew, the Leicester and England forward, who toured New Zealand with the British team in 1930. Kendrew will be remembered by Southlanders as the best forward in the Southland game at Invercargill. He is a rugged type, with height and weight and pace. Kendrew was the youngest member of the 1930 British team, being 19 years old that year, so that he should be at his best at the present time. Should Win To-day.

The All Blacks are now entering

upon the second half of the tour, and as their form has shown great improvement in the last few games, it is not too much to suggest that they will prove equal to the task before them to-day. According to reports the ground conditions are likely to be heavy. These conditions were not against them in the Newport game. On the other hand they appeared to suit the New Zealand forwards who are now playing very well together. Southlanders will be pleased that Mitchell has again been included as centre. His play on Thursday stamped him as a real star, and he certainly justified the confidence of the manager in his ability to play under heavy conditions, particularly as he was chosen to replace Caughey. This continuance of top-class form by Mitchell makes him more than ever a certainty for the first Test. His showing against England’s champions in to-day’s game will be followed with interest. Solomon has again been called upon to substitute for Gilbert. At this end of the world the decision does not appeal. However, Solomon might strike form and prove that he is a worthy substitute. Apart from the full-back position the team to represent the AU Blacks is weU up to standard and when the numbers go up to-morrow morning another victory should be hoisted. Whatever the result the match will provide a good test for the harder games to follow.