NEW ZEALAND WINS AGAIN

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXV, Issue 18630, 28 July 1930, Page 12

NEW ZEALAND WINS AGAIN

Third Rugby Test RECORD CROWD IN AUCKLAND. SENSATION AT DINNER. The Third Test, played at Eden Park, Auckland, on Saturday, before a crowd estimated at 40,000, resulted in a win for the New Zealanders, who now have a lead of two fames to one in the series. Great Britain held an advantage of five points until near the end of the first half, and in the early stages were the dominant party, but the “ Black and. Whites ” reversed the positions and scored a welldeserved victory. The lighter New Zealand pack held their own, while the Dominion rearguard showed more resource and skill than their opponents. The game was followed with unusual interest throughout the Dominion, but is in danger of being forgotten in its aftermath. A first-class sensation has been caused by charges levelled at the Britishers by Mr E. McKenzie, of Wairarapa, chairman of the New Zealand Selection Committee. Mr McKenzie appears to have followed the example of Mr Baxter, manager of the British team, who made similar strictures at Wanganui on New Zealand play. It is reported, however, that Mr Baxter has demanded an apology, which he has not offered, and that the visitors will not attend future functions unless one is forthcoming. New Zealand Union officials are said to be greatly perturbed. Mr McKenzie has merely given expression to opinion which is growing steadily throughout the country, but whether a New Zealand selector is wise in offering it is open to question, and the place for it seems to have been ill chosen.

By Telegraph—Press Association. AUCKLAND, July 26. New Zealand defeated Britain by 15 : points to 10 in the third Rugby Test match, which was played at Eden Park this afternoon. It was a game packed with incident, and one which will be remembered for thrilling play. It was announced that a crowd of 40,000 people was present, which is a record atfendance for a football match in New Zealand. By nine o’clock there were 500 people at the 1 Park, and two hours later the number had increased to 28,000. Special trains were packed, and motor-cars were packed by thousands in streets ad- ; joining the ground. The result of the game was in doubt until the finish, and although it was evident that there would be a great rush for home, scarcely a person left the ground before the end of the game, so intense was the excitement. The British team played a vastly different game from that against Auckland last Saturday, and the score was a fair indication of the merits of the teams. New Zealand certainly gained a well-deserved win, for after the first half hour during which Britain held the advantage both back and forward, except in line-outs, the New Zealand team settled down to its game, which was worthy of an All Black side. Each side changed its tactics, and in this respect the advantage generally lay with New Zealand. The inclusion of Spong made a wonderful difference to the British rearguard’s method of attack. Poole got the ball away very fast, and Spong ( was quick to make the most of every opportunity. He was without doubt the outstanding player of the British side. Britain had the better of the first half territorially, but there was a noticeable improvement in the play of the New Zealanders. In the second spell the lighter New Zealand pack more than held its own, especially in the loose, and there was no easing up in the play of either vanguard. The experience of Cooke, Porter, Nicholls and Lucas was a big factor in New Zealand’s success, Cooke showing much of his true form. He was dangerous in every attacking movement, and was a tower of strength in defence. Nicholls and Lucas were both among the best players on the field. Nepia was not called upon to do much work, but carried out his duties well. Bassett, on the other hand, had a busy afternoon, and played a creditable game. Corner was not so successful as in Wis two previous games against the British, largely because he was closely watched, and because in the first spell he was inclined to do too much on his own. In the second spell he set- : tied down to a sound game. THE PLAY. New Zealand kicked off against wind and sun. The-first incident was a good attempt by Strang to goal from a penalty just inside half-way. The New Zealand backs were quickly seen in action, carrying play to Britain’s 25. Their advantage was short-lived, and a few minutes later Black attempted to kick a penalty goal, but the ball fell short. The first movement by the British backs ended in a spirited dash up the side-line by Reeve, who short-punted beyond the dead-ball line. Play hovered about half-way until Britain was given a penalty well within New Zealand territory. Black’s kick went a little wide. Britain continued to hold an advantage, and from a loose scrum the ball was whipped out to Aarvold. Lucas saved a dangerous situation by intercepting Aarvold’s in-pass to Spong. Led by Beamish, the British forwards forced play within a few yards of the New Zealand line. From a set scrum only a few yards out Spong cut in neatly, giving Bowcott a clear run for a try between the posts. It was a clever movement, and the enthusiasm of the crowd was thoroughly roused. Ivor Jones converted. Britain .. .. .. ~ ~ 5 New Zealand 0 New Zealand penetrated to Britain’s 25 by a movement between Strang and Hart on the blind side, but Britain were not long in retaliating. Poole found the line within the New Zealand 25, and Ivor Jones narrowly missed goaling from a penalty kick. Britain continued to hold an advantage, throwing the ball about in a manner which thrilled the spectators. New Zealand improved its position when Corner sent Strang and Hart away on a bright movement on the blind side. Hart inpassed to Cooke, who centred. Bassett relieved the position with a good lineKick. The situation again looked dangerous for Britain when Porter oroke through in a great dash, passing to Steere. Lucas was in a handy pqsition, but a pass went astray. Two scrums followed in Britain’s 25. Corner first tried the blind side, but was blocked. Securing a second time, Corner sent the New Zealand backs away on the other side. Cooke cut in at top speed, and Hart dashed for the line. The crowd rose to its feet, but Hart lost possession a few yards from the line. Play fluctuated between the two 25's until a good penalty kick by

i Nepia. gave New Zealand a temporary advantage. Then Ivor Jones, backed . up by Hodgson ahd Aarvold, broke . through, and Cooke was again called ; upon to save the position with a line ; kick. Britain continued to press. ‘ Porter kicked through from the loose. , and Bassett took a difficult ball on the bounce and returned to Nepia, who kicked over the line, Britain forcing. ■ A good back movement, in which Cooke and Hart were prominent, took play within a few yards of Britain’s j line. Securing from the scrums which followed, New Zealand made desperate ! efforts to score, only to be forced 1 ■ back. Then came a brilliant movement in which New Zealand equalised the scores. Nicholls moved to first five-eighths, and Corner sent the ball out smartly from a scrum in Britain’s 25. Nicholls kicked across-field to Lucas, who gathered the ball beautifully, and with the British backs caught out of position, was able to score near the posts. It was a great piece of strategic play on the part of Nicholls. Strang converted. Britain 5 New Zealand 5 From a penalty at half-way, Parker attempted a goal, the ball striking J a post. Strang relieved with a good line kick, and half-time came shortly I afterwards with the score Britain 5 New Zealand 5 During the greater part of the first j half the sun had been obscured by clouds, but in the second spell it appeared again fitfully. The Second Spell. ! The crowd was given a thrill early in the spell. Corner was caught in possession, and Britain were given a penalty. Black's kick against the wind j missed narrowly. Britain continued to receive a fair share of the ball from scrums and their backs were always dangerous. Cooke returned a penalty j kick by Parker, and in a splendid rush by the New Zealand forwards, Bassett’s return was smothered, Steere forcing I his way over. Strang failed to con- j vert from some distance out. New Zealand 8 Britain 5 Play followed near half-way until Aarvold made a great burst for the line past Lucas. He was caught, and j the New Zealand forwards rallied round, Batty relieving the position temporarily with a good line kick. ! Britain continued to press hard near the corner flag, Nicholls clearing finally from a scrum. Porter secured possession from Spong at half-way, and broke through, Hart carrying the movement to Britain’s 25 line. Receiv- [ I ing the ball smartly from a scrum, Nicholls coolly drop-kicked a great goal. New Zealand 12 Britain 5 Strenuous forward play followed, until Spong beat both New Zealand forwards and backs in a dashing run. He passed to Morley, who shortpunted down the line. However, Cooke was backing up, and was able to clear. The British forwards continued to press hard, and there were several moments of suspense. Batty then broke through, and dropping the ball to his feet reserved the advantage by a great effort. Hart cross-kicked, but Bassett was safe and found the line with a good kick. Cooke retaliated, finding the line in Britain’s 25. Corner ran over near the corner, but Nicholls’s kick fell short. New Zealand 15 Britain 5 Spong was prominent in every movement, and again made a determined effort, which Cooke frustrated. Porter was watching Spong carefully. The New Zealand forwards were sent back repeatedly by penalty kicks, but returned in a great loose rush, and crossed Britain’s line, only to be recalled. With only a few minutes before time, light rain began, and there was one heavy shower. Aarvold and Morley broke away with a great burst of speed, Morley being forced out by Nepia. Following loose play at halfj way, Cooke was tackled without the j ball, allowing Ivor Jones and Aarvold to come through, and the latter scored | behind the posts. Black converted. j New Zealand 15 Britain 10 j Excitement was now intense. The I game ended a minute or two later I with play in midfield. I New Zealand 15 j Britain io ' Mr S. Hollander (Christchurch) was referee. NEW ZEALAND BETTER SIDE. BRITISH FAIL TO JUSTIFY REPUTATION. (Special to the “Herald.’’) AUCKLAND, July 27. Curiously enough, New Zealand’s victory over Britain caused very little elation on the part of many of those who formed the record crowd of forty thousand which followed the game.

Although winning the game by fifteen points to ten, it cannot be said that the display of the winners was fully up to All Black standard, or that of Britain up to expectations. The greater versatility of the- New Zealand backs, and the adroit tactics on two occasions which were directly responsible for nine points, won the game. How the Points Came. Britain was first to score. Ivor Jones secured from a scrum in the New Zealand 25, and in a flash whipped the ball out to the ever-alert Spong. Bowcott was handy, and with Nepia out of position, had raced across practically unopposed for a smart try, which Ivor Jones converted. New Zealand squared the account just before halftime, when Nicholls carried into effect what was apparently a prearranged plan. A scrum was ordered in Britain’s 25, and suddenly Nicholls changed places with Strang at first five-eighths. Securing the ball, he quickly cross-kicked to Lucas on the wing. The winger was playing well up in readiness. Before the British j knew what had happened Lucas was across, racing behind the posts for Strang to convert. It was clever strategy, coolly carried out. McLean signalised his entry into international football by scoring the next try from a punt from Nicholls, Strang failing with a difficult kick. Then came the next touch of genius referred to, when Corner cut out Strang to whip the ball quickly out to Nicholls from a scrum near the posts. The suddenness of the movement, and the drawing of the British backs on to Strang, gave Nicholls time and space to manoeuvre into position for a neatly potted goal. Then McLean scored again from a forward rush, and the scores were 15-5 in New Zealand’s favour. Just before the end, Ivor Jones opened up a pretty scoring movement, and passed to Spong, who sent Aarvold racing clean past Cooke and Nicholls for a good try beneath the posts, which Black converted. Britishers Start Well. Early in the game it looked as if Britain was going to line up to the reputation earned at the beginning of the tour of out-speeding their opponents. Very early Aarvold and Reeve looked dangerous with speedy dashes, and the British scrum was also using

its extra weight to advantage, but despite this disadvantage, the New Zealand hookers managed to get a fair share of the ball, and also dominate the loose play. In forward play Britain was sadly disappointing, and if the best New Zealand pack had been available it would have overwhelmed it. as did the Auckland pack last week. The British forwards were coming round too quickly, and had a heavy penetrating scrum been available, it would have smashed completely l through, and in a very short time completely controlled the game. In this respect Aucklanders were very disappointed at the showing of the British forwards, not only last Saturday, but also to-day, and in view of the previous reports of them, can only conclude they are feeling the effects of the tour. To-day the New Zealand scrum, which is one of the weakest i fielded for several years, easily had an advantage. The Visitors’ Backs. Poole got away some pretty reverse passes behind the scrum, and Spong j played brilliantly, both on attack and defence, but his three-quarters seemed unable to turn his openings to account. It is true the New Zealand tackling was good, the defence of Strang, Corner and Cooke being particularly good, but with the exception of the first fifteen minutes, and towards the end of the game, the British backs never gave great cause for alarm. Bassett was solid as a rock, and saved many points for his side, as well as saving his forwards well with long, accurate line kicks. The Forward Division. Of the forwards, Ivor Jones, Hodgson and Black were the pick, with Beamish and Rew next. New Zealand’s Backs. Although not the Cooke of old on attack, Cooke was magnificent on defence, and it was well for New Zealand that it had him in the centre position. Time and again he flashed from apparently nowhere to save from tight corners, and his fielding and kicking were very sure. Corner, although not given the ball as cleanly as the Auckland pack gave it to him last week, sent out crisp and accurate passes. He also tackled everything that came his way, and also went down to forward rushes heroically. Strang, at first five-eighths, fully justified his inclusion. His work was mostly of a self-sacrificing variety, for which others largely got the credit, but it was none the less valuable to the side. He took and gave .passes cleanly, and always at good speed, and his defence was sound. Nicholls, although inclined at times to cut in when well supported, showed sound judgment generally, and his cool generalship undoubtedly steadied the side. Lucas, on one wing, was not satisfactory. It is true he finished off Nicholls’s cross-kick well, but his inability to tackle low does not | make him a satisfactory winger. Hart, i on the other wing, gave a much better j performance, and it was a pity that ! more scoring opportunities did not S come his way. Nepia was only a i shadow of the Nepia of old, and was never very impressive. Nepia had the reputation of never having played well j at Auckland, and to-day's display confirms that impression. His kicking was accurate enough, but not remarkable : for its length, and in general full-back work he was not up to Bassett’s | standard. The Light Pack. I With Stewart, and one or two men ! of th e stamp of A. and L. Knight in ; the pack, the New Zealand forwards would have paved the way for a much bigger score. This is in no way dis--1 crediting the work of the New Zealand pack, which played well in the loose, but it is impossible to say that it was the best pack fielded by New Zealand. Batty and McLean were two outstanding forwards. Batty was not only tigerish in the loose, but also went well in the tight stuff. McLean was also a useful line-out man, in addition to persistently being on the ball throughout the game. Hazlett and Steere also went fairly well, but McWilliams was not as prominent as expected. Porter was all over the paddock, and at times broke away well, but without being responsible for any consistently good and productive movements. On the day’s play New Zealand was the better side, its play being more enterprising and varied. BOMBSHELL AT DINNER. BRITISH TACTICS CRITICISED. By Telegraph—Press Association. AUCKLAND, July 27. Criticism of the tactics adopted by the British Rugby team was made at 'i a dinner to the Test teams last night i by Mr E. McKenzie, manager of the j New Zealand team, and chairman of . the rJew Zealand Selection Committee, j Mr McKenzie said that early in the i present tour Mr Baxter, manager of A the English, team, had criticised the

New Zealand style of Rugby, in particular the wing-forward, who has been described as the “wolf of the game.” “We appreciate this criticism,” said Mr McKenzie, “but I have seen the majority of the British team’s games, and I think I might reply by criticising certain aspects of the visitors’ play. There have been points in British play to which strong exception can be taken. I have noticed frequently cases of obstruction, and what we in New Zealand know as shepherding. I do not know whether they have been intentional or not. I certainly hope they have not. It is an offence against the rules of the game, and I must say that some of the instances of obstruction appeared to have been deliberately studied. Shepherding of a player with the ball so that he cannot be tackled has also been common, and frequently members of the opposing teams have been held by their jerseys after they have got rid of the ball.” Mr McKenzie said he would not pretend that New Zealand players were perfect. “They may also on occasions be guilty of lapses in this respect, but I will say that the British team is a fine enough side to win matches without resorting to obstruction and similar tactics, which may or may not be intentional.” After the dinner, Messrs Baxter and Prentice declined to reply to Mr McKenzie’s statements. Several prominent officials, including Mr S. S. Dean, chairman of the Management Committee of the New Zealand Union; Mr J. Arneil, president of the Auckland Union; and Mr 11. Frost, chairman of the Auckland Management Committee, expressed regret at Mr McKenzie’s statements. A FIRST-CLASS SENSATION. BRITISH MANAGER’S THREAT. OFFICIALS PERTURBED. (Special to the “HeraJa.") AUCKLAND, July 27. Though the Test match was a big topic of conversation yesterday, it was completely eclipsed by the sensation caused by Mr E. McKenzie, manager of the New Zealand team, at the official dinner last evening.

In replying to the toast of the New Zealand team. Mr McKenzie strongly attacked the British team’s methods, calling them obstructionists, and accusing them of shepherding right through the tour. Until these remarks were made, the function was proceeding smoothly, but after this a sudden and acute hush fell upon the whole proceedings. Mr McKenzie, who had delivered his remarks in a calm steady voice, resumed his seat amidst deathless silence, and with a noticeable set of pale faces. Mr McKenzie hau stated that the present team had specialised in forms of obstruction and shepherding, and it ill became their manager to refer to the wing-forward, when his breakaway forwards spent most of their time obstructing and shepherding. A serious position has arisen. Mr Baxter, their manager, is stated to have said that the British team will attend no more such official functions until an ample public apology is forthcoming.

Mr S. Hollander, referee, though deprecating the fact that the matter had been given publicity, stated to your correspondent that he would make a statement if the matter became public property. His version is that there was only one case of obstruction by a British forward, which he penalised. He characterised Mr McKenzie's remarks as unfortunate and uncalled for.

Rugby officials in Auckland, and also members of the New Zealand Rugby Union now in Auckland, view Mr McKenzie's statements with great concern and alarm. As a result of the statement, and the manner in which it was accepted by Mr Baxter, there seems no doubt tnat a special meet- ! ing of the New Zealand Union will have to be called to discuss the matter. There is no doubt that Mr McKenzie had given the matter due thought before speaking, as the speech in no way appeared to be given on the spur of the moment or under stress of excitement, but rather as a deliberae prepared statement. At the time it fell like a bombshell on the gathering. There is also no doubt but that Mr McKenzie will have a fair following locally, the British team not having created an enirely favourable opinion in the previous match against Auckland. Tfie British players appeared ! to resent heavy tackling, and retaliated : with wild blows when heavily but fairly tackled. It is also unfortunate that ! there is an air of exclusiveness exhibit- | ed by some members of the team and also by the manager, which is not j appreciated by many with whom the j team came in contact. It is obvious that the team is far from being the most popular to visit Auckland, although the citizens were more than fully prepared to extend the right hand of fellowship and do their best to entertain them while here. Nevertheless, the McKenzie incident cannot be regarded with other than dismay, being a bad breach of good form. It is generally understood that the relations between Mr McKenzie and also other officials of the Rugby Union have not been the most amicable during the past few weeks. THE GATE RECEIPTS. By Telegraph—Press Association AUCKLAND, July 27. The largest crowd that has ever witnessed a football match in New Zealand attended the third Rugby Test match yesterday. The official estimate is over 40,000. The gate takings were £SOOO. The total gate takings for the tour are now over £42,000. RESULTS OF TOUR. The British team have now played seventeen matches in the Dominion, having won twelve and lost five. They have scored 287 points, while 165 have been registered against them. Three Tests have been played, two of which i have been won by New Zealand, and one by Britain. The results to date are as under: — v. Wanganui, won 19—3. v. Taranaki, won 23—7. v. Manawhenua, won 34—8. v. Wairarapa-Bush, won 19—6. v. Wellington, lost B—l2.8 —12. v. Canterbury, lost B—l 4. v. Buller-West Coast, won 34—11. v. Otago, won 33—9. v. New Zealand (First Test), won 6—3. v. Southland, won £)—3. v. South Canterbury-North OtagoAshburton, won 16—9. v. New Zealand (Second Test), lost 10—13. v. Maoris, won 19—13. v. Hawke’s Bay, won 14—3. v. East Coast-Poverty Bay-Bay of Plenty, won 25—11. v. Auckland, lost 6—19. v. New Zealand (Third Test), lost 15—10.

Remaining Matches. I July 30—v. North Auckland, at I Whangarei. August 2—v. Waikato-Thames ValleyKing Country, at Hamilton. August 9—v. New Zealand (Fourth Test), at Wellington. August 13—v. Nelson-Marlborough-Golden Bay, at Blenheim.