KIWI-AUCKLAND RUGBY MATCH WAS VERY BRIGHT

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 90, Issue 167, 22 July 1946, Page 5

KIWI-AUCKLAND RUGBY MATCH WAS VERY BRIGHT

OPEN EXHIBITION AND A DRAWN GAME (P A.) Auckland, July 21. In easily the brightest and most open exhibition ol Rugby seen in Auckland for a long time,' the Kiwis touring team played a drawn game against the Auckland representatives at Eden Park on Saturday, each side scoring 20 points. Auckland’s total was made up of five tries, one converted, and a penalty goal to the Kiwis’ two converted tries, two penalty goals, anil a potted goal. The Kiwis led at half-time by 13 points to 11. The match was played in brilliant sunshine, the ground being a little soft after heavy rain during the week. There was an attendance estimated at 35,000.

The result was a happy ending to a most enjoyable match by both players and spectators. Although Auckland scored more tries than the Kiwis the latter could be considered a little unlucky. Some of the rulings of the referee, Mr. A. Lazarus, King Country, were hard to follow. In the second spell J. Finlay, the Kiwis’ vice-captain and breakaway forward, appeared to score by the posts after coming from behind in a fine forward movement, but the official in charge ruled a scrum. A Kiwi forward came through with the ball at his feet in the loose, but was penalised and Sorenson Kicked a penalty goal. Then, in a cleaving kick from his own goal line, Totzlaft attempted to find the line, which he failed to do. Several Auckland forwards followed up well offside, and eventually the home side gained an equalising try by Grace.

True to tradition, the Kiwis threw the ball about with abandon, and it was easy to understand why the team became so popular in'its tour overseas. The winning of the match was only a secondary consideration with the tourists, who took all sorts ot risks. They received a great ovation from the crowd, and as they ran on theTield. the Auckland team gave theim three cheers, which were repeated before the kick-off. In the first 20 minutes of the game the Kiwis gave a real taste of their capabilities, and were 12 points to the good. During this period they played some dazzling Rugby which would have done credit to any All Black team. Their snappy and reverse passing, with quick changes of direction, had the defence non-plussed. As far as winning the game was concerned, the Kiwis had it won during this period if they had cared to play safely afterwards.

Halfway through the first spell the lack of fitness in the touring players, after a spell of three months, became apparent, and they looked a beaten team. However, they rallied splendidly, the forwards especially, halfway' through the second spell. The Kiwis had a monopoly of the ball from the serums in the first half, and the Auckland defence was severely tested. The Auckland team deserves great credit for its fine display. They were quick to take advantage of the Kiwis’ errors and backed up well. It was obvious, however, that if the Kiwis had been fitter some of the errors would have, been corrected.

It was pleasing to note the all round improvement in the play of the Auckland forwards. They kept together. and packed much better, while their line-out work compared favourably with that of the opposition in most instances.

Tries for the Kiwis were scored by Allen and Ingpen. Scott converted both, and kicked two penalty goals. Allen also potted a goal. For Auckland Dunn (2), Johnson, Sorenson, and Grace scored tries. Edwards converted one and Sorenson kicked a penalty goal.