THE ALL BLACKS

Taranaki Daily News, 19 November 1924, Page 4

THE ALL BLACKS

TEAM !N GREAT FORM. SATURDAY’S BRILLIANT PLAY. ENGLISH CRITICS IMPRESSED. Jiy Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright. London, Nov. 17. The All Blacks are probably in better •condition at present than at any stage of the tour. Harvey’s throat is better. Porter and Robilliard have recovered from their leg injuries, and all three are included in •the team against Oxford. Mr. Dean, manager, is negotiating for a match at St. John, New Brunswick, and two in Victoria, British Columbia. The Athletic News says that a great many Rugbyites are of opinion that no more brilliant form has been shewn in the United Kingdom 'by any team than •was revealed by the New Zealanders an the second half of the match against London Counties. The Star says the All Blacks are not as black as their jerseys, and suffered more from whole-hearted tackling than the Londoners. Critics, eager for a sensational Sunday story, forgot- the exhilaration of full-blooded youthful Ruggerites. Lloyd, the Irish ex-half -back, refereed excellently and pulled up the All Blacks whenever necessary, except a few forward passes which he could not be expected to see owing t'o the All Blacks’ speed, unilessi provided with a motor scooter.

THE WELSH MATCH. DIFFICULTY OVER REFEREE. London, Nov. 17. A difficulty at present amounting almost to a deadlock ha-s arisen between the All Blacks and the Welsh Rugby Union over the choice of a- referee for the game with the tourists in Wales. The All Blacks requested that, in accordance with th© terms of their agreement with the English Rugby Union, the Welsh Union, before all Welsh matches with the tourists, should submit the names of three referees for the All Blacks to make a choice. The Welsh Union states that it has empowered the referees’ committee to select referees for all matches in Wales in which chibs affiliated to the Welsh Union are engaged. The Welsh Union is holding a special meeting at Cardiff this evening to decide what is regarded as an important question of policy. REFEREE DIFFICULTY SOLVED. NEW ZEALAND REQUEST MET. Received Nov. I'9, 8.10 p.m. London, Nov. 18. The Daily Express says it is underFl ood the result of the Welsh Rugby Union meeting is that the union will meet the wishes of the New Zealanders regarding the appointment of a referee.