MAY BE UNDEFEATED

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 89, Issue 287, 5 December 1945, Page 3

MAY BE UNDEFEATED

CRITICS’ PREDICTION OF KIWI’S TOUR

Recd. 6 p.m. London, Dec. 3. Though the loss of Ward to the Army in the second half at Bristol undoubtedly had much to do with the final result, critics agree that the Kiwis did not find their form until the closing minutes of the first half, and that in the end stamina and youth won.

In the first half, says "The Times,’’ the Army palpably were losing chances and as the older side were wasting much valuable energy. In the closing minutes of the first half, the Kiwi forwards and backs alike suddenly found their form, and from then on the match belonged almost entirely to the Kiwis. The Army not only lost the initiative; they lost a man as well, and the two things between them proved disastrous. Perhaps the New Zealanders were a trifle flattered by the final tally of points which Scott’s infallible place-kicking at goal magnified considerably. But the way in which the whole of the Kiwi team pressed home their advantage was most impressive, and certainly a good match to watch. YOUTH TELLS

The "Daily Mail” remarked that youth and stamina told their tale in round figures when the Kiwis beat a strong, but ageing Army team. "On the Rugby field old age begins at 30,” says the "Daily Mail” critic. "For the first half hour the Army attacked incessantly, giving a semblance of great superiority, and up to half-time had 20 good chances. The Kiwis had two, and from the second Smith burst through to score a grand try between the posts. The picture changed completely in the second half. Like a burst bubble, Army’s dominating ascendancy was gone. Injuries to Ward and Thomas, who had to leave the field, were a severe handicap in the later stages, but the Army were a beaten side before these incidents occurred.”

UNBEATEN TOUR PREDICTED As a result of their form against the Army, Hylton Cleaver, in the "Evening Standard,’- expresses the opinion: “Not even Cardiff should beat these Kiwis.” He adds: Ever since I first saw the New Zealand touring team beat Swansea I hedged about them beating Cardiff, whom they meet on Boxing Day, I thought the Welshmen would present a perfect team combination, and the Kiwis so far have been meeting- scratch fifteens. Now I take the Kiwis to beat Cardiff and finish their tour unbeaten. Not only did they beat England convincingly, but they also took a great risk against the Army of making nine changes in their team, and a tenth on the morning of the match. They had a new captain and they travelled down from London the same morning, arriving at the ground about 45 minutes before the start. This was a dangerous Policy, because after a long train journey players are so often stiff. They took on a very strong 15. including 12 internationals, and liberally laced with Rugby League stars. For half the game they were outplayed. The second half revealed greatness in this team so impressively that I can visual ise no defeat for them in Great Britain now”