SEVERE CRITICISM.

Wairarapa Age, 28 July 1930, Page 5

SEVERE CRITICISM.

TACTICS OF BRITISH RUGBY PLAYERS. OBSTRUCTION & SHEPHERDING FREQUENT. mr. e. McKenzie >s allegations AUCKLAND, July 27. Some criticism of the tactics adopted by the British Bugby team was made at a dinner of the Test teams last night by Mr. E. McKenzie, manager of the New Zealand team, and chairman of the New Zealand Selection Committee. Mr. McKenzie said that early in the present tour, Mr. Baxter, manager of 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 the British play to which strong exception can be taken. I have noticed frequently cases of obstruction, and whatwe, 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 the 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,’’ he said, “be guilty of lapses m 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, Mr. Baxter and Mr. F. D. Prentice (captain of the British team) declined to reply to Mr. McKenzieJs statements. Several prominent officials, including Mr. S. S. Dean chairman of the Management Committee of the New Zealand Rugby Union, Mr J Amici, president of the Auckland Union; and Mr. H. Frost, chairman of the Auckland Management Committee, expressed regret at Mr. McKenzie’s statements.—(PA)