ALL BLACKS’ CLOSE CALL

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 283, 3 December 1935, Page 4

ALL BLACKS’ CLOSE CALL

VIGOROUS FORWARDS ULSTER’S GOOD SHOWING STRUGGLE BETWEEN PACKS BELFAST, Nov. 30. The special correspondent of the United Press dissociation, commenting on the Ulster match, says the New Zealanders expected to be fully tested in view of meeting a new type of forwards, who aro notably strong and vigorous. Moreover, the tourists had a high opinion of Kendrew and Ross, whom they had previously’ encountered, and also had doubts regarding Lbeir own reconstructed back line, and several players bad colds, although they were not serious. The All Blacks had not previously played on such a cold day, which, with the rain, affected the backs, while the heavy going favoured the Ulster forwards. fc>. Neill replaced Kennedy in the Ulster forwards. Lord Abercorn, who is a keen follower of Rugby, remarked that the tourists looked a capable, athletic Jot. The game was dull for the first 20 minutes, consisting mostly of scrums and rucks. Forward honours were even, the tourists heeling quickly, and Tindill was gaining ground with linekicks. The first half was slightly in favour of Ulster, whose forwards took advantage of the downfield wind in the last 15 minutes, going at top speed and swarming over Badler, who was often unable to pass. Caughey aud Tindill were closely watched and well tackled, although Tindill on several occasions broke through. The game was resumed at a fast pace | and developed into an intensely interesting struggle between the two packs. Ulster adopted tearaway tactics which repeately resulted in their dashing through their opponents, whoso welljudged line-kicking averted trouble. With twenty minutes to go a draw seemed certain. The visitors appeared incapable of breaking through, owing to the forwards, except rarely, being unable to master the Ulster pack, which throughout the second half played remarkably well and proved too good for their opponents in practically all departments. They taught the New Zealanders a lesson in scrumming, wheeling and dribbling, and gave the tourists’ backs no quarter. There was one stage when it seemed that Ulster would take complete control, but towards the finish New Zealand woke up.

No blame attaches to Tindill, who was one of the safest of the visiting backs. Mitchell and Hart made desperate efforts lo score in the last ten minutes but the tourists were up against the best pack yet encountered. They must do much better to hold Ireland, which will field far stronger backs. The tourists were amazed at the referee not awarding Tindill’s field goal from in front of the posts. The ball appeared from the touch-line to pass over the bar. The New Zealanders behind Tindill jumped with glee, indicating it was a successful kick. Vorrath was one of the most outstanding forwards on the field. He played an intelligent game, stopping many dangerous rushes. The crowd was delighted at the unexpectedly good showing of Ulster boys and rushed the field at the final whistle, attempting to chair the players, whose white jerseys with the famous 'red hand” of Ulster wero nowunrecognisable owing to the mud. THAT DROPPED GOAL OPPONENT TOUCHES BALL ’ ULSTER FORWARDS TRIUMPH LONIDON, Dee. 1. Several of tihe All Blacks near Tindill say that the referee was correct in not awarding a dropped goal. Although the ball went over the bar an opponent touched it, a fact which Tindill himself admits. The New Zealanders were not disappointed and are not disturbed at the result, which was not due to any All Black’s weakness but to the great display of the Ulster pack in conditions unquestionably favouring them. Newspaper critics agree that the Ulster forwards triumphed in a battle in the mud. The Observer expresses the opinion that on a dry day the faster New Zealanders would have won but were beaten by the forwards in one of the hardest games they have ever had.