FOOTBALL.

Wanganui Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 160732, 19 August 1920, Page 5

FOOTBALL.

THE ALL BLACKS IN WELLINGTON.; A CHEAT DISPLAY, WELLINGTONIANS SURPRISED. (By Telegraph—Special to “Herald”)*. PALMEIISL'ON N., August 19. The AIL Blacks made Wellington look very cheap yesterday, much to the surprise of many Wcllingtonians, who previous to the game made no secret of their conlidcucc in the abiity of the local team to win. ’The All Blacks will sailer their first defeat to-day,” was what a number of Wellington supporters said, relying on the fact that Wellington had beaten Auckland, who had drawn with the New Zealand team. They overlooked the fact that when playing Auckland the Ail Blacks had no combination, and probably were not inclined to take too mony risks in the case o'; being hurt and prevented from making the trip. There was glorious weather yesterday, but the ground was in an atrocious condition owing to the recent rains, liquid mud being everywhere. Tin All Blacks played with the mm in their eye; during the first spell, but quickly invaded Wellington territory, and scored a try, which was unconverted. Shortly afterwards AlcNicholls equalised with a penalty goal, which created enthusiasm amongst ucilingtou supporters. A. splendid black forward rush, in which the footwork was very pretty, was followed by Storey putting in a great corcfocrew run, Ircatrng several, and scoring a line try. Then Beilis was responsible for a dashing piece of play, dribbling right over tho line, securing a try after a brilliant solo effort. 'This crushed Wellington’s hopes, the superiority of the All Blacks, both back and forward divisions, being most marked. It was a treat to we the way' the All Blacks handled tho greasy hall, and their dribbling rushes were remarkably fine, being equal to the best Soccer displays in this connection. It, was an object lesson to watch tho pretty footworn; of the backs when they dropped a jia.ss on. Picking up was impossible; they kept the ball at their toes, and went down, the. field at top until a chance to pick up came, and then away they went. The forwards were almost irresistible in their rushes, tho dribbling being high class. 'Tho tackling all round was excellent. Now and again when attacking they appeared to lake risks, and Wellington 'would get av.ay with a dangerous-looking rush, it was made evident then that the All Blacks were determined not to let their opponents cross their lino, and they would scon sweep the greens back. It is haid to say what would have happened to Wellington had the ground been in good order, enabling Hie. blacks to show off their best, but as it was tho result was somewhat staggering to many who c: pcctod so much from the local team. Of course the individual superiority was a factor, bat the result showed more what a few games together do for a team m the way of combination and cleverness individually and collectively. For tho winners, Jacobs, Beilis, and Donald were tho pick of the forwards, and Storey and O’Brien were, the best backs. 11. Nichoiis, M. Niehclls, and E. Evan did good work amongst tho Wellington Racks, and Harkucss and Fitzgerald were the pick of the forwards.