FIRST BLOOD

Wairarapa Age, 1 June 1928, Page 5

FIRST BLOOD

ALL BLACKS’ OPENING WIN IN AFRICA. WESTERN PROVINCES BEATEN. J FORWARDS IN FORM. (Special to Association.) CAPETOWN, May 30. A crowd of 20,000 watched the All Blacks beat the West era Province Country Clubs team to-day by 11 points to 3. The ground was in excellent condition, and the weather perfect. The form shown by the New Zealanders was good, the forwards playing a great game. The backs were a little uncertain in handling, their movements lacking finish. After a few minutes of ragged play, Nicholls, from a line-out, made a clever opening, the ball being handled by Finlayson, Lucas and Robilliard. The last-najued swerved his way down the line to score behind the posts. Nicholls •converted. New Zealand, 5; Country Clubs, 0. The New Zealand backs •carved their way through the defence, * but bad handling at the critical moment spoilt three likely chances. A series of scrums followed, the New Zealanders being beaten for the ball on most occasions. Attacking movements by the opposing backs were easily broken. After several attempts at penalty goals, Nicholls increased the score with a fine kick. New Zealand, 8; Country Clubs, 0. The home team started the second spell with lightning attacks, and from a brilliant passing bout, in which seven men handled the ball, Van der Merwe flew across at the corner. New Zealand. 8; Country Clubs, 3. The All Black forwards, led by Finlayson and C. Brownlie, started a succession of telling thrusts, and the defence almost wilted under terrific pressure. Brownlie forced his way over, but a try was not allowed. Again, the New Zealanders stormed the line. Robilliard picked up from the ruck and raced across the field to send Finlayson away. The local defence was caught at sixes and sevens. Taking a pass from Finlayson, Swain sealed the issue by scoring near the corner. Nicholls failed to convert. The game ended:—> New Zealand 11 Western Province C.C 3 CAPTAIN SLIGHTLY INJURED. CAPETOWN, May 30. M. Brownlie, captain of the New Zealand team, was unable to play in the first match, as he damaged an ankle in training. He will play in Saturday’s match.—(Australian Press Association.)