“HIGHEST CLASS”

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 278, 26 November 1935, Page 7

“HIGHEST CLASS”

ALL BLACKS’ QUALITY BEST MATCH OF TOUR MATCH-WINNING PACK (By Telegraph—Preas Association —Copyright] LONDON, Nov. 24. In commenting cu the Rugby football match between New Zealand and •Scotland, The Times says: — “After making every possible excuse for the beaten side it is bare justice to New Zealand to grant t-hat Murrayfield was not only their most spectacular and most momentous victory, but it was also in every way the best match so far. From the front row of the scrummage, in which Hadley became an inspiring example, backwards through the sid*e to the fullback, Gilbert, fhe All Blacks seem at last to have found themselves as a team of the highest class.’’ The Daily Telegraph after sympathising with for New Zealand’s scoring while their opponents were disorganised through Murdoch’s injury, says: “New Zealand thoroughly deserved their victory which they owed largely to the forwards. They heeled quickly, whereas the ball came through the {Scottish scrummage slowly and clumsily. Even after the interval, when the Scottish backs did better, the heeling was still too sluggish to give the backs much hope of a successful attack. “If New Zealand are to be bc-aten th-ey must first be out-scrummaged. The Scottish backs, I believe, could have won the match behind a real scrummaging pack.” WINNERS APPLAUDED PRAISE FROM HOME CRITICS SOME CRITICISM ALSO LONDON, Nov. 24. Critics applauded the brilliance of the All Blacks’ team work, speed on the ball, and sure handling, but point out that Murdoch was dazed for a long period and the game might have been closer if he had been fit. The Dispatch says: “It was New Zealand’s best display of the tour, but the luck evident throughout the tour still held. ” The Sunday Graphic says: “The score flatters the winners, as the second goal should not have been allowed. The All Blacks marred the game by overmuch obstruction.’’ The Observer says: “New Zealand handsomely vindicated their claim to be rated as of international calibre. Their tactics showed much more initiative than the mere opportunism exhibited in earlier games. It was a pity that one or two defaced the performance by hanging on to the jerseys of players dribbling the ball.” Hore is suffering from a badly strained arm, but it is expected that he will be available for the match against Ireland on December 7.

CONGRATULATIONS APPRECIATIVE MESSAGES WELLINGTON, Nov. 25. Prior to Saturday’s Rugby football Test at Murrayfield, the New Zealand Rugby Union’s management committee send the following cablegram to the Scottish Kugby Football Union: “New Zealand Union and people greatly appreciate resumption of games with Scotland, and wish both teams a good, hard, pleasant game.” The match over, the New Zealand Rugby Union has sent the following cablegram to the New Zealand team: “Congratulations on splendid game and winning first Test- ’’