RUGBY.

Waikato Times, Volume 113, Issue 18927, 22 April 1933, Page 17 (Supplement)

RUGBY.

A MEMORABLE MATCH. ALL BLACKS IN AUSTRALIA. Whenever Rugby men of the 1900’s meet they talk of big things done In their days, says a Sydney writer. The All Blacks of 1905 stamped their unparalleled greatness and class on the Rugby of the entire world. Before they set out for England in 1905 the most famous of all All Blacks came agross to Sydney to play three matches. These were glorious displays of Rugger. In one the result was an 8-all draw. It amazed the New Zealand publio and perplexed the officials of the Dominion Union, who had believed their team to be invincible on Australian Helds.

In good time they crossed the Tasman, once again, in 1907, to entertain crowds on tills sido. Their first match with New South Wales attracted 52,000 people to the Sydney Cricket Ground. . A wondrous sight, the football quickened the pulse of the crowds. Though the All Blacks, now led by Jimmy Hunter, won by 11 to nil, there was nothing much between the teams. A Sensational Try. Then came the second match with the home team fresh as paint, confident as so many Bradmans, and tuned to the moment. They got on top of the All Blacks, made the pace a hummer, and scored two tries to nil against Ihc wind. Then came the change over, and the most sensational try ever seen in tiiis country. The homo team were now a little nervous and making some errors in passing. But by judicious use of the touch line they forced the Blacks back beyond half-way. There the serummagers heeled to little Fred Woods, who whipped it on to Christ McKivalt, and on to K. Mandible, thence out to big Bede Smith, t lit; old King's School star centre three-quarter. The Blacks were, at their heels like a team of hounds, but Smith cut in well inside Ihe left-wing and drew the inside men, to whip it out to Dally Messenger on the wing. The Blacks were making for him and with General Booth and G. Spencer, the full-back, barring Ihc way •straight ahead. Messenger moved like a Garllon, yet seemVd blocked close |.i Ihc goal line. General Booth stood Michlly henl forward, hands stretched and ready-for Iho lackle, as Messenger neared him. The General could lackle, Iml. this time he grabbed the atmosphere.

Dally bouncing up to him suddenly lifted, himself Into Die air liked a winged man, ball in front of him gripped iii the two hands. He sailed over

the top of the amazed' full-back and then diving hands first, ball held firmly, landed on the turf In goal to score the sensa'tional try that clinched the victory.

The Only. Defeat.

The crowds were electrified. They gave one huge roar in ecstasy like a sudden clap of thunder and then settled down to thundering applause. They had seen Messenger do some queer and entrancing things before, but never such a leap and dive as this. It was unique and laid the foundation of the greatness that came to him in latter seasons.

New South Wales won the matoh by 14 to nil. Messenger converted his try and landed a goal from a mark. It was the only defeat sustained -on the tour by those All Blacks who- had brilliant William Wallace, their centra three-quarter, famous Fred Roberts, their half-back, and W. Cunningham, their lock man In the pack. The first three matches In Sydney, two with the State team, attracted 122,000 people and the gates were £59001

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