BRITAIN DEFEATS NEW ZEALAND

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 1005, 23 June 1930, Page 8

BRITAIN DEFEATS NEW ZEALAND

EVEN the most thin-blooded of Rugby enthusiasts in the more comfortable North would not have been unwilling to face Dunedin snow and icy wind on Saturday had lie foreseen the nature of the first Test match; nor would the achievement of the visiting team have failed to rouse in him a warm appreciation of men who have brought to this country the traditional spirit of Britain. On a ground that favoured them the All Blacks were defeated—narrowly, it is true, but none the less handsomely. It remains for New Zealand to congratulate the victors freely and generously as they deserve, and, at the same time, profit from the lesson taught on Otago’s Carisbrook.

Three distinct benefits accrue from the first clash in the struggle for the Rugby “Ashes.” In the first place the result of the match will give great pleasure and rouse high hopes in Britain. The fact that the visitors have drubbed the Kiwi in its lair proves more than anything else that the Homeland is regaining its athletic stride and strength. Further, the team will be inspired to give of its very best in the second Test. This match, incidentally, will provide a clearer indication, one way or another, of New Zealand’s fate. The second benefit falls obviously and in generous measure to the New Zealand Rugby Union, whose treasury enrichments are likely to have created a record by the time the tour i.s at an end. In the meantime the union may, in fact must, realise that there is young blood in the Dominion worthy of infusion into the ranks of its premier players. A third benefit is conferred on New Zealand football. Players and public alike have learned that whatever else is exercised now, it must not be conceit. This can only prove to be good for both the game and the country, showing as it does that no nation can hold a monopoly in sport or anything else without vigorous, unceasing effort. The match on Saturday revealed unexpected and serious weaknesses in the New Zealand side and there was every justification for immediate revision. Lilburne’s performance was disappointing and his displacement inevitable. The fact that Corner will replace Mill in the next Test serves to emphasise the difficulty New Zealand is facing because of the dearth of outstanding halfbacks. If the visitors force New Zealand into defensive play, the brunt of the defence will fall heavily on Cooke. Clearly the selectors have aimed at the formation of a back division strong on attack and, if a greater share of the ball can be secured in the second Test, this move will be justified.

Thus at the price of a match New Zealand has purchased valuable experience. It will be utilised to good advantage, no doubt, but the fact remains that the All Blacks have been fairly beaten by a better team. Definitely the British tourists comprise a force that will try the wearers of the Silver Fern to the utmost.