MEANT BUSINESS

Taranaki Daily News, 25 November 1935, Page 7

MEANT BUSINESS

MAGNIFICENT RUGBY

SADLER OUTSTANDING

CAUGHEY’S THRILLING TRY

SCOTS HEROIC PLAYERS

By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright. Ree. 8 pan. London, Nov. 24. New Zealand iriimediately showed that it meant business against Scotland, the forwards rucking fiercely. It was apparent that a few players on both sides were slightly nervous and over-anxious in facing 50,000 spectators. The All Blacks were first to settle down and tried several tricks, Hart and Hore working a smart throw-in from a lino-out,, but they were pulled up by the referee, Mr. C. H. Gadney, a brother of the English international captain and himself a fine player before he was injured. Then Sadler, going round the blind side of the scrum, tried a reverse pass, the ball going forward.

This stage of the game, as in most big games when the players are at high tension, was marked by frequent infringements, knock-bns and forward passes. Scotland’s first try came as the result of a clean cut through the defence, Dick tricking Oliver and Caughey. The latter made a poor attempt to tackle Fyfe, who beat Sadler with his pace. Thus a beautiful movement led to a wellearned try, Dick temporarily dispelling his reputation for hanging on too long. Gilbert was busy during the first quarter of an hour but was very safe and judged his line-kicks well. The All Blacks participated in few back movements during the opening 20 minutes. Griffiths was content to go round the blind side and find the line. On the contrary the Scottish three-quarters were making strenuous efforts to open up tne game. Caughey lost a chance when he dropped the ball following a cut-through. During Murdoch’s absence owing to a cut on the head Thom went to the wing, marking Hart, and Fyfe to centre.

GRIFFITHS MAKES OPENING.

Griffiths made a magnificent opening leading to Caughey’s first try, the latter forcing his way over after receiving the ball 10 yards from the line. Owing to Hadley’s quick heeling Shaw and Dick could not reach their positions.

Murdoch returned limping and played on the wing. Griffiths at this period was finding the line splendidly, often sending the ball into touch a few yards from the corner flag. Dick lost a try by hanging on after Logan had passed Griffiths and Sadler, despite the fact that the latter was in his best form, taking the hardest tackles imperturbably. Scotland attempted to make openings by kicking through but Gilbert let nothing pass him.

On the resumption after half-time the Scottish backs were guilty of much bad handling and wild passing which were inexcusable in international players, suggesting they were rattled, although this probably was not the case. The impression did not last long, however. Shaw completely defeated the defence, running between Griffiths and Caughey in a perfect movement in which he demonstrated intelligence and quick thinking. Thereafter came a period of terrifically hard forward play, both packs rucking vigorously to secure possession of the ball, which as towards the end of the first half, was still coming more to the All Blacks.

Hore after 20 minutes left the field to have his left arm bandaged. It had been badly injured and thereafter was useless, being carried at his side for the remainder, of the game. Then followed a period of 15 minutes when the possibility of a Scottish win was seen. The forwards swept down the field with the ball at toe, storming the tourists’ line with magnificent rushes. Scotland had a chance when it won a series of scrums, but somebody always did the wrong thing at the most critical moment.

NEW ZEALAND RALLIES.

The New Zealand pack, which had been racing round the field through the match, rallied and outplayed Scotland, amazing the spectators by the manner in which they fanned out to receive reverse passes and infield kicks from the wingers.

It was impossible to imagine a more brilliant movement than that which led to Caughey’s last try, for which the credit goes to Sadler, who skirted the wing with only a foot in which to move and beat four opponents before sending the ball to Caughey who, sensing the opportunity, raced towards the centre, of the field.

Every All Black gave a good display, making an irresistible combination. Gilbert was at his best and did not make a serious mistake. His tackling was deadly and his line-kicking faultless, while towards the close he rushed up with the three-quarters to open up play. Mitchell and Hart were dashing and determined and made numerous fine runs.

Sadler was outstanding, his magnificent dodging runs on either side of the scrum starting most of the tourists’ best movements. Caughey several times failed in tackling but made amends by wonderful attacking. New Zealand could not have done without' him. Griffiths was sound and made several surprising penetrating runs, while Oliver was again the brains of the backs. He was always in position and was most unselfish.

Reid, Mahoney, Hadley and Hore were in great form and were most prominent in the loose. Manchester, King, McKenzie and Lambourn did great work in the tight, meaning everything to New Zealand, which opposed an intelligent and virile pack.

Some express the opinion that the Scots were handicapped by Murdoch’s injury, although this was counterbalanced by Hore’s injury. New Zealand won 35 scrums and Scotland 15, Logan, Shaw and Dick were great individualists and liable to beat the soundest defender. The Scots backs tackled better than the New Zealanders and only the Scottish relentlessness prevented a big score.

Mr. Meredith’s coaching and tactical instructions played a big part in the victory.

Manchester says it was a good hard game against thorough sportsmen. He hoped the onlookers enjoyed it as much as the players did.

Hore is suffering from a badly strained arm but it is expected he will be available for the match against Ireland on December 7.

Critics applaud the brilliance of the AU Blacks’ teamwork, speed on the ball and sure handling, but point out that Murdoch was dazed for a long period and the game might have been closer if he had been fit.

The Dispatch says it was New Zealand s best display of the tour, but the luck evident throughout the tour still held.

The Sunday Graphic says. “The score flatters the winner as the second goal should not have been allowed. The All Blacks marred the game by overmuch obstruction.”

“New Zealand handsomely vindicated its claim to be rated as of international calibre,” says the Observer. “Its tactics

showed ‘ much more initiative than the mere opportunism exhibited in the earlier games. It was a pity that one or two defaced their performance by hanging on to the jerseys of players who were dribbling the ball.”