N.Z. THRICE BEATEN

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 727, 29 July 1929, Page 13

N.Z. THRICE BEATEN

ALL BLACKS GO DOWN , IN FINAL TEST EPIC STRUGGLE AT SYDNEY (United P.A.— By Telegraph — Copyright) SYDNEY, Sunday. The final of the Rugby test series between New Zealand adn Australia was pla> ed at the Sydney cricket ground yesterday, and provided an epic struggle, Australia winning by 15 points to 13. New Zealand’s Unique position of fighting to win a single test, as against Australia s ambition to secure an unprecedented victory in all three, produced an unusual tenseness in the plaj ors of both sides, who were specify primed for the event. The weather was perfect, being sunny and without wind, while the ground was hard. Boy Scouts wero the guests of the Ivugby Union, and they gave their war cry prior to the big match. The attendance reached 29,000. Carle ton replaced Oliver in the New Zealand team, the latter being unable to play owing to a face injury suffered in Queensland, and at the last moment Leys replaced Dailey. The teams were: NEW ZEALAND. Fullback.—Tuck. Threequarters. Grenside, Stringfellow, Hook. Five-eighths.—Carleton, Lilburne. H alf back.—Leys. Wingforward.—Porter. Forwards.—Kivell, Snow. Rika, McWilliams, Sonntag, Reid, Cotterill. AUSTRALIA. Fullback.—W estiield. Threequarters.—McGhie, Towers, E. Ford, King. Five-eighth.—Lawton. Halfback.—Malcolm. Forwards.—Breckenridge, J. Ford, Ives, 11amalainen, Finlay, Thompson, Bonis, Ccrutti. On the day the better team won, although the final issue hung closely in the balance. It took 33 minutes of the second half to give the Australians their coveted lead. New Zealand showed some improved form and enterprise in the first spell, which greatly upset the Australian cohesion. This, how*ever, was not sustained in the second half, and the Australian back division worked in more systematic manner, finally enabling the side to snatch victory. New* Zealand lost the match for want of reliable place-kicking. Numerous opportunities were offered within good striking distance, and a much greater number of penalties was accorded against Australia in the first spell than against its opponents, an analysis showing Australia to be penalised 13 times against New Zealand’s seven. Australia gained a majority possession from the scrums. Malcolm, at scrum half, played magnificently, feeding his outside backs liberally. 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 Blacks’ forwards to a man worked hard, although raggedly. Finesse was lacking in the back movements. Tuck, at fullback, was not reliable, and Hook was somewhat weak. The general standard of play was excellent, especially in the later stages tho pace actually increasing as the game went on and presenting the spectators with a fast, open, spectacular display. The two Australian effort's leading to scores were probably the finest evolutions made in the whole series of tests and aroused tremendous and almost continuous cheering. The spirit throughout was excellent, as was the referee’s control of the game. Stringfellow, Grenside and Lilburne were the best of the New Zealand backs, while Sonntag, McWilliams and Snow were most prominent in the forwards. Kivell, Reid, Cotterill and Rika all ably contributed. Leys was not a strong connecting link.

MATCH DESCRIBED FAULTY NEW ZEALAND BACKS SPECTACULAR DISPLAY Following Lawton’s kick-off from tho south end of the ground tho 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 home team’s territory. Australia replied by carrying the game to midfield, but the All Blacks again pressed, and from a penalty Lilburne missed a goal narrowly. Leys and Stringfellow essayed dropped goals, but their attempts were unsuccessful. Continuing the pressure, New Zealand worked close to the righthand side corner of the goal line. There Cotterill swiftly passed infield to McWilliams. who scored within eight minutes of the start. Lilburne failed at goal. New ZeaJand 3 Australia 0 The All Blacks were now showing sparkling form, and four minutes later an Australian pass was intercepted beautifully by Stringfellow, who ran clean through, scoring between the posts. Lilburne converted. New Zealand 8 Australia 0 Stung by New Zealand’s unexpected brilliancy on attack, Australia replied with some fine concerted play. Headed by J. Ford, and placed in a good position by a fine centring kick by McGhie, they worked dovvnfield 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. New Zealand S Australia 3 Play then waged hot and strong in the centre of the field, both sides putting on tho pressure. Lawton was conspicuous in a fine attacking movement which, however, was spoiled by bad handling by Finlay. Australia was frequently penalised, mostly for off-sido plav. After 30 minutes of give-and-take play, from another penalty well infield Lawton registered his i second goal. New Zealand 8 Australia 6 New Zealand responded immediately with a good rucking movement. When near the posts Lilburne gained possession and ho made a magnificent long, accurate transfer outfield to Stringfellow, the ball going to Grenside, who dived across at the corner. Lilburne, with a superb effort, goaled. New Zealand 13 Australia 6 Following a tremendously hot Australian rally over the New Zealand line Tuck forced. Great excitement prevailed just before* half-time, when Towers infield dropped a great penalty goal. The spell ended with New Zealand leading by 13 points to 9. Following Porter’s kick-off after the interval play became very fast, but was somewhat ragged. It hovered in the centre of the field for a time, but gradually began to verge toward New Zealand’s end. and the All Blacks marked three tipies 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 until the effort was nullified by a mulled pass. The All Blacks immediately responded with a good combined rush, and from 30yds out Lilburne narrowly missed a goal from a penalty. A leg injury to McWilliams suspended activities momentarily. The crowd became exhilarated when tho finest movement of the day was staged. Towers made a brilliant dodgy run and his pass sent the ball through pight pairs of hands to J. Ford, who forced his way over at the corner flag, amidst tremendous applause. Lawton failed at goal, but it was a close shave. New Zealand 13 Australia 12 Both teams were now thoroughly on their mettle. Territorially, the Australians had much advantage for a time, but the All Blacks got relief and invaded the home team's quarters, where Lilburne attempted unsuccessfully to 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. Lawton’s attempt to add the extra points missed narrowly. Australia 13 New Zealand 13 Tho crowd applauded continuously as Australia had gained a two points’ lead. Porter secured from the kickoff and tlic All Blacks commenced a lively attack, only to be driven back, momentarily however, by a long kick. The All Blacks were again able to assume the offensive and for some time penned Australia within its own twenty-five. New Zealand’s movements lacked finish, and its various dashes ended fruitlessly against the Australians’ solid defence. Play increased in intensity and the final stages saw Australia making tremendous efforts to add further to its lead. E. 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. The final scores were: Australia 15 New Zealand 13