THE LINE INTACT

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 20181, 25 June 1928, Page 8

THE LINE INTACT

ALL BLACKS’ FINE VICTORY

Natal Overwhelmed by Whirlwind Tactics of New Zealanders Natal, rated fifth in strength among- South African Rugby sides, suffered defeat at the hands of the All Blacks at Maritzburg on Saturday, the final score of 31 points to 3 indicating decided New Zealand superiority. The All Blacks left the field with their line uncrossed, and the wide margin of points which marked their victory will ten.l to increase public confidence in the team when it meets South Africa in the lust Test ne Saturday. Two defeats suffered early on the tour, though they were predicted in many quarters, had the effect of shaking New Zealand s confidence in her Rugbv elect, but recent successes have done much to restore public faith in the team’s ability to uphold the Rugby prestige of the of Saturday’s plav indicate that the All Blacks’ dominated has than half of the set serums, but were superior to the Springboks in the line-outs and loose. The backs played brilliantly after settling down, and it would appear that if possession can be gained for the rearguard in bigger matches the chances of success will be increased considerably. All will hinge on the forwards giving the backs chances. Though the match under review was won decisively, however, there should be no tendency to become over-optimistic of success on Saturday next. The last paragraph in the cabled news is pregnant with mooning—“Tt. is doubtful whether one Natal man will get in the Springbok side.” It is not suggested that matters should be looked at pessimistically, however, but in rating Saturday’s win as s forerunner to the big match ahead Natal’s apparent weakness must be taken fully into consideration. It would appear that no definite decision has yet been made as to the personnel of the Test team. Previous advice from South Africa held that Dallev was almost certain to be half-back. Now comes the news that Kilbv is almost sure to be the First Test pivot. Though it was zenerallv believed that the side against Natal was to play South Africa next Saturday it is almost certain that this assumption is wrong. Anaouncement of the Test team is expected during the week. HOW NEW ZEALAND WON THE EIGHTH MATCH (Special to Press Association'). Received Jung 24, 5.5 p.m. MARITZBURG, June 20. With eight points up in the first half against a slight wind, New Zealand overwhelmed Natal in the second spell of the match played at Maritzburg to-day. winning by five converted tries, one try and one penalty goal to one penalty goal. A quarter of an hour after the start of the second spell the All Biacks started to play brilliant football and right through the last half-hour they adopted whirlwind tactics. The backs found a gaping hole tn the defence through which the three-quarters pranced in sparkling style. Territorially in the first half Natal had the better of the game but the All Blacks took advantage of the slightest opportunity to go through. Ir was a different story in the second spell, the New Zealanders dazzling their opponents and delighting the crowd with brilliant thrusts by the backs. SOUTH AFRICAN SELECTOR. EXPRESSES OPINION. After the match Mr George Devenish, one of the South African selectors. said that after the trials this week he was not too pleased with the South African backs, and after seeing the All Blacks’ performance in the last twenty minutes to-day there was a doubt left in his mind as to the ability of South Africa to hold the New Zealanders. He was emphatic that the South African forwards would more than hold their own. The New Zealand team lined out as follows: LINDSAY. ROBILLIARD CARLETON GRENS II; I i STRANG JOHNSON. KILBY. SCRIMSHAW. SWAIN HADLEY M. BROWLIE ALLEY Me WILLIAMS STEWART HAZLETT Twenty-five minutes of little but ragged play had passed before anything approaching good football was seen in the match to-day. Then with a series of systematic attacks the New Zealanders worked play into the Jjatal twenty-five, where Kilby sent his backs away from a serum. When the ball came to Strang he sold the dummy beautifully, cut infield, then out to the wing, and sent Grenside over after a fine run. Lindsav converted from the toueh-line. NEW ZEALAN* 5 NATAL 0 A penalty for a serum infringement followed the kick-off, Lindsay landing another great goal, this time from ten yards inside half--way. NEW ZEALAND 8 NATAL 0 A spell of dull forward play followed until Johnson -flashed down the blind side of the serum and sent Scrimshaw over, but the rover was called back for a knock-on. Half-time was then called. ' BALOW'S MAGNIFICENT GOAL FROM HALF-WAY. Two minutes after resuming the game Brownlie wa? penalised for hanging on to the bail and Barlow kicked a magnificent goal against the Wind from half-way. NEW ZEALAND 8 NATAL 3 Given heart by the fact that they were only five points down the Natal forwards played with more vim and decision and the backs started to move with more freedom. Both sides then fell into slipshod ways until McWilliams sent to Kilby from the ruck. The ball was then handled by Johnson. Carleton and Robilliard, the ]a.<t-named racing hard down the line to score a tine |ry which Lindsay converted. NEW ZEALAND J 3 NATAL 3 Plainly Natal was almost paralysed nOw and the New Zealand backs were working with more precision. Clarkson, the Natal centre, came to light w ith one brilliant run and a try was saved only by an equally brilliant tackle by Lindsay. Then with three line attacks by the backs New Zealand had Natal in a tangle. Another sortie saw Strang send c’arleton away in fine style and the centre cut in smartly, transferring tu Scrimshaw, who scored under the jposts. Lindsay converter!. NEW ZEALAND 18 NATAL 3 A fine opening bv Johnson resulted in a scrum on the line and from the melee which followed Stewart dived uver. Lindsay again converted. NEW ZEALAND 23 NATAL 3 Natal now set up a hot attack but it was rendered ineffective when the New Zealand backs broke away, the ball coming from the serum through the hands of Kilby, Johnson, and Carleton to Grenside who beat two men and passed infield to Scrimshaw who raced over and scored an excellent try. Lindsay’s kick was again successful. NEW ZEALAND 28 NA TAT 3 It was an easy matter for New Zealand now. The next try came when Kilby made an opening from the ruck sending Johnson away. Carleton added his share and sent Robilliard over for a fine try in the corner. Lindsay just missed with the kick and when time came the score board read: NEW ZEALAND 31 NAT AT 3 FIRST HALF DISPLAY WAS “SHREDS AND PATCHES.” In the first half the game was one of shreds and patches but in the second spell the New Zealanders played bright football, the handling of the backs and the combination of the forwards being perfect. Kilby and Carleton outshone the rest of the back division with Johnson always sound. Carleton for the first time on the tour showed his true form. Both wings. Robilliard and Grenside. showed flashes of brilliance, but Grenside’s tackling was not altogether reliable. Lindsay’s display was sufficient to inspire confidence, though he was not called upon for much serious work. Strang for the most part was only a good connecting link and his defence was erratic. Kilby played another strong game, feeding his backs in lightning style and combining with Johnson beautifully. On his play in the last two matches Kilby should be certain to be the First Test half. .kll the forwards showed fine form, gaining possession from 28 scrums against their opponents’ 31 and capturing the ball twice out of every three I.ne-outs. McWilliams and Had lev were the best forwards of the day. It is very doubtful whether one Natal man will get in the Springf. bok si<U»