KIWI RUGBY TEAM

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 89, Issue 263, 7 November 1945, Page 5

KIWI RUGBY TEAM

SCRUMMAGING NEEDS TO BE IMPROVED _ , London, Nov. 5. The Kiwi touring team, judging by commentators, Is having teething trouble with its pack. No fewer than 28 men have played in the three games so far, and although the backs are playing well, the forwards apparently have not had time to settle

"The Times” says: “The New Zealanders had to fight hard for their success at Neath against a side whose record this season suggested that a far heavier defeat was in store for them. Once again the New Zealand forwards disappointed In the scrummaging phase of the game, in which they will have to show a considerable Rhind was beaten for possession time after time, and if Neath had had any . backs comparable as a set with those of their opponents, the result would probably have been far different The. New Zealand backs yvon the game their handling and skilfui backing up being admirable. Smith, at centre, gave another glorious display. King, at five-eighths, was excellent. Sherratt, on the wing, showed both speed and devastating hand-off. and Scott, at full-back, was a model of coolness and accuracy.

Saxton, the captain, making his first appearance at scrum-half, did enough to prove that he would be very good indeed behind a winning pack. E. H. D. Sewell, in the "Daily Sketch,” says: “I was told by a reliable judge who saw the match that it is unlikely that the New Zealand touring side will ever be beaten more completely in the scrummage than they were at Neath. They did not heel the ball more than half a dozen times in the game, which was won by the Kiwis because they had faster and more purposeful backs. Coming into the side for the first time. Saxton had a thankless task behind the pack, which served him badly. Yet he qps able to get back on several occasions when he appeared to be overwhelmed. The New Zealanders must brush up their scrummaging. That was the lesson taught them bv the match—they cannot afford to leave everything to their splendid back division."

The Dominion has playem in both the Oxford and Cambridge University teams. P. W. Dav. formerly of Auckland University College, played for Oxford whm it beat a combined Richmond and Blackheath teem. 17-3., H. M. Kimberley a former New Zealand University representative, p’ayert for Cambridge, which beat London Scottish. 17-13.