EXAMPLE OF SCHOOL RUGBY

Taranaki Daily News, 24 August 1933, Page 7

EXAMPLE OF SCHOOL RUGBY

AUCKLAND CRITIC’S OPINION. LOT DEPENDS ON THE REFEREE. The Rugby match between New Plymouth Boys’ High School and Auckland Grammar School at Auckland on Saturday has been cited by the New Zealand Herald’s football critic as a splendid example of what the standard of football can be under the present rules. ‘‘There has been a good deal of controversy in Rugby circles of late regarding the amended rules,” the writer stated. ‘‘No doubt many Aucklanders would like to revert to them, but, as no dispensations will be granted by the English Rugby Union, the various unions throughout New Zealand have no option but to play under international rules. A close study of the position does not lay blame with the rules, however. Excellent Rugby can be played—and has for years . been played—under the present rules.

‘‘The match at Eden Park on Saturday last between Auckland Grammar School and New Plymouth Boys’ High School was a splendid example of what the standard of football can be under any rules. The main thing is to get the players to play in the true spirit of the game. This cannot possibly be done unless the referees are prepared—and have the ability—to also enter into that same spirit. But what frequently happens?

‘‘A referee is seen to literally ‘blow the teams off the field.’ He appears to be under the inipression from the very beginning that every one of 30 players is out to beat him, which, of course, is an entirely wrong aspect. Mr. Finlayson realised the position on Saturday and accordingly permitted the Grammar and New Plymouth boys to play football—not to stop them. With more such exhibitions of control, the standard of play would quickly reach that which was witnessed from the great pre-war provincial teams.

“Rugby matches in Auckland for secondary schools finished on Saturday with the playing of the annual game between New Plymouth High School and. Auckland Grammar School. New Plymouth has again produced a strong team end this fully extended the champion Grammar fifteen. Indeed, each team scored two tries and two penalty goals, but whereas Grammar converted both of its tries, New Plymouth converted only one try, and lost. The match, spectacular and exciting in every respect, was a perfect climax to what had been a most interesting season for schools’ Rugby.”