THE ALL BLACKS.

Taranaki Daily News, 16 September 1924, Page 5

THE ALL BLACKS.

COMMENT IN BRITAIN.

“IN MANY WAYS DISAPPOINTING.” PRAISE FOR THE FORWARDSBy Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright. Received Sept. 15, 7.35 p.ift. London, Sept. J 5. Sporting Life, in a critical impression of the AU Blacks, -says few Devon men had put oh the football boot this season, so it was astounding that they compelled a thoroughly trained and perfectly organised combination to play such a game. In many ways the All Blacks Were disappointing, but in others they were fascinating.

The forwards did not hook well, but possibly the three-two-three formation of their rivals was disconcerting. In attack, however, the All Black forwards were immense. All are very fast in the loose and break away at great speed, while their height and strength H line-out work makes them formidable.

Lucas, Svenson and Dailey will contribute much to the success of the team. Their ability to give and. take a reverse pass at full speed was extraordinary. London, Sept. 14. The Sunday News says: “The New Zealanders, on a hard ground, will be difficult to beat, but it will be Surprising if they even approach the record of their predecessors.” The NeWs of the World gives a similar verdict, and expresses the opinion that Dailey and Cooke are likely to distinguish themselves. The paper states that Porter’s mission as extra half, wing- forward or rover, does not appeal to English footballers. For iriost of the time he was purely an obstructionist. That style is not wanted here.

The Observer states: “The New Zealanders, on this showing, are not as powerful as the previous team. Their forwards are not a whit in advance of Devon, but they have a decided pull outside.”

The Sunday Express states: “Some of the New Zealanders’ Ways in the scrums displeased the spectators. The crowd at one time demanded that two should Ibe sent off. The team is amazingly fast.”