A SURPRISE

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17567, 18 June 1925, Page 3

A SURPRISE

ALL BLACKS LOSE, i ■ “GOT THEIR TAILS DOWN” HARRIS PLAYED SOUNDLY. By Telegraph—Press Aspo iiton—Copyright Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. SYDNEY. June 17. 'i he All Blacks made their second appearance in Sydney this afternoon, against a team chosen from the metropolitan and country districts, in the presence of 2500 spectators. The result came as a general surprise. The ground was soft, with a big puddle j in the centre. The ball was greasy, and this prevented accurate handling. The game throughout was very even, with the advantage in the second half j with the heme-side-Although New Zealand did not make j such a good showing it. was a. much j more interesting game than on Satur- . day. Shaw replaced Fox in the New j South Wales team. 1 The New Zealanders’ scrum work : showed considerable improvement | compared with Saturday. They gain- j ed the ball frequently. Their laic-out j pinv also was much better. The teams were : NEW ZEALAND. Full-back. J. Harris. Three-quarters. W. Elvy D. Johnston G. Lav/ Fivc-c ighths. G. Lawson L- Johnston. 1 lalf-back. T. Gorki 11. Forwards. J. Donald (wing) A. Lomas A. Kirkpatrick B. Finlavson L.*Righton J. .Wallers A.'Thomas 13. Dickson NEW SOUTH WALES-Full-back. Ross. Three-quarters. Crossman Reid Morrissey Smith Five-eighth. George. J lalf-back. Snell. Forwards. Thorn Lay cock Rigncy Baker Shaw Tarleton Ritchie. New South AValcs drew first blood a few minutes after the opening, Reid diving over and Grossman converting. Lomas, Kirkpatrick and Firdnyson ■were prominent in dribbling rushes, which gained much ground and kept. New South Wales on the defensive for the greater part of the spell. 'I he home team was incomparably stronger than Saturday's side. Thorn again was a tower of strength, and he was ably supported by Ross. Reid and M6rrissev, who shone especially in the second half. The New Zealanders showed better combination than the local men, and some brilliant passing movements were witnessed. New Zealand's tries in the first half were due mainly to forward work. Finlayson secured the ball at half-way and passed to Dickson at the twenty-five line. The latter pushed his way over. Then Walters’crossed, and the same player started a movement which resulted in Elvy scoring at. the corner. Johnston converted two of these tries, and the score at half-time was:—• New Zealand . . • .13 New South Wales . . .5 New South AValcs had the better of the second half. The All Blacks were heavily pressed, and towards the end seemed to get their tails down. On opening. New Zealand was compelled to force. A few minutes later Elw strained the ligaments of his feet and had to retire, lie was replaced by Matson. Thorn made several individual dashes, but he was not supported. The New South Wales forwards were inclined to speculate and kick hard instead of dribbling, and several ptomising movements were spoiled by trying to pick up the ball when it could have been dribbled over. The All Blacks were continually on the defensive. From a passing rush, which commenced at half-way, Reid dived over, and Crossman converted. The'Blue forwards then overran the All Blacks, and a few minutes later New Zealand had to force. Then Barber secured from the ruck, and the ball had passed through several players’ hands Crossman scored wide out, hut failed to convert his own try. New South AYalcs attacked again, •and Reid dashed over under tho posts. Grossman added the major points. New Zealand rallied a little after this, although they were still kept defending their line. Play was transferred occasionally to the Blues’ half only to quickly return. The local backs were indulging in short kicks just over the All Blacks’ heads, and quick following up put them in a good position. Harris was playing very soundly, and was called on continuously to save his side. Morrissey, who is a big man, used his weight to advantage, and played cleverly. Just on time Donald broke through, and Finlayson finished off a nice movement bv scoring at the corner. Johnston s kick failed, and the game ended: New South Wales . . .IS New Zealand . . . .10