The Man Behind the Scrum.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XLIII, Issue 6, 11 August 1909, Page 10

The Man Behind the Scrum.

(By

A. L. HUMPHRIES.)

[Arthus L. Humphries, easily the first half-back of the last generation, has something to say by way of contrast between the Rugby of to-day and yesterday, writes of New Zealand and Australia, gives some hints to the half-back, and finally expresses the opinion, with which many will agree, that too much rep. football is played in the Dominion,! In speaking of Rugby football, the question repeatedly arises, are the players of to-day better than those of ten or fifteen years ago? Some will tell you that they are, while others, and I think the majority, still hold a brief for those players whose football days are done. Speaking as one of the old players, who has followed the game closely up to the present season, I would venture to say that if it were possible to test the strength of the best New Zealand representative team of to-day .against that of ten years ago, there would be very little to choose between the two. By this I do not mean to say that the style of play has not altered; as a matter of fact I think it has changed considerably, but not in every respect is the alteration an improvement. For instance, the new style of back play, though possibly stronger in attack is, in my opinion, considerably weaker in defence, and for this reason, that instead of the players tackling hard and low, as of old, their object now seems to be not to put their opponent temporarily out of action, but to secure the ball and take up the attack themselves- Thus we find to-day the good old style of tackling the exception rather than the rule. Of course, some players will tell you that attack is the best possible defence; this may be so where a team is vastly superior to another in forwards, and their backs are also much faster, but where you are up against it (if I may use the terra), give me the men who can tackle hard and low, and can take their gruelling when there are rushes to stop. In speaking of defence I hope I may be excused if I refer to the Taranaki team of 1904 to 1908- I think I am safe in saying one could count on one’s fingers the number of tries scored against them during these years—and why? Because they always played with a double line of defence—a system which I think few other teams ever adopted. By a double line of defence, 1 mean that when an opposing team started to attack, the word was given either right, or left, whichever side the attack was going to, when the half back and possibly a forward would immediately fill the gap between the scrum and the fiveeighths, which prevented the opposing half coming through, and also blocked the five-eighths from cutting in, consequently the only course open was for the opposing half either to kick or pass to his five-eighth, who in turn must either kick or pass to his three-quarters. if he passed to the three-quarters, the position was exactly the same, as the gaps were filled right across the field, thus preventing that “ cutting” which is so dangerous to a defending team, I might also say that every back was told off to take an opposing back, and he generally did it hard and low. Another golden rule whs to take the man with the ball, and get to him as quickly as possible, and thus put him out of action before he had time to get going. By adopting this Style of defence it was On very rare occasions that the Taranaki full back was sailed upon to stop a man. I regret to say, however, that this style of play does not prevail in Taranaki at the present time. I mentioned that the attack of the present day backs is stronger than that of the old-time players, and for these reasons: To do thoroughly all the defensive work that a baek is called upon to do during a game naturally takes a great deal out of him, but if part of this defence is sacrificed for attack, it naturally follows that the attack is stronger. The opportunities of attack have also been increased by the style of play now adopted by all our best forwards—that is the feeding of the backs whenever an opportunity offers. In making these remarks I would like to say that I am referring t.o New Zealand representatives and the best provincial players. Referring to club and provincial football, generally, from what I have seen in Taranaki, and heard of from other provinces, I should say that there are not as many first-class players donning the jersey to-day. as there were ten years ago. Speaking of New Zealand teams, I

have seen, I should say that the 1897 team could hold its own with any of them, though, perhaps records would show otherwise. It must be remembered, however, that though later teams have done better, few have been asked to play under tlie same conditions as that of the 1897 team- This team was beaten in one match (the second test) during the Australian tour, but why? Because they were asked to do what was beyond human endurance, and that was to play four matches, on possibly the hardest grounds in the world, in eight days, during which time they travelled over 300 miles. And the New’ South Wales team in 1897 was the best team I have ever seen them put in the field. Providing the conditions are equal, in my opinion Australia will never beat New Zealand, and for these reasons: — Firstly, because of the hot climate which must necessarily prevent players from doing the amount of practice indulged in by players in New Zealand; and secondly, on account of the hard grounds, which knock players out before they have time to learn the finer points of the game. The life of footballers in Australia, with a few exceptions, is a very short one, while in New Zealand we have some who have played for twenty years and more, showing clearly that our climate and grounds are far more suitable for the good old game than those of Australia. Speaking of the climatic effect on footballers reminds me of my two trips to Australia and the effect the climate had for a few days on the whole team. Possibly this effect was not noticed by the majority of the members, but results speak for themselves, and I maintain from my own experience that the reason of the second test matches played in Australia during each New Zealand tour resulting disastrously for New Zealand on so many occasions—it has now happened four or five times—is because of the effect of the climate on the players. It seems to me that after one has been in Australia for a few days and played a couple of games, one’s blood gets hot and thin, and then follows that loss of energy and spirits which are so necessary when playing Rugby football. Strange enough, this effect does not last long, and after a few days, although playing in a temperature much above that at which w’e play in New Zealand, the players put a good deal of vim into their work, and, as results have shown, proved themselves on each occasion of better material than the Australian players. There is one thing I have noticed of later years both in Australia and New Zealand, and that is that good legitimate hard play is too often mistaken for rough play, a fact which will, if the referees take much notice of it, have a serious effect on football both in New Zealand and Australia. We don’t want to turn the game into a parlour game, and I contend that, even if it is played hard, as long as it is played scientifically, and without intent to hurt, the accidents will be very few. Where the most accidents happen is where the inexperienced are playing. In the thirteen years I was playing first grade football, and it was played hard in those days, I only remember about half a dozen serious accidents; so that, after all, if the game is played properly, it is not as rough as some people would have us believe. Possibly a few words in reference to half-back play may be of interest to some followers of the New Zealand national game. In making these few remarks I trust that I may be pardoned if I consider the position of half-back the most important in the field. This is why I think so: In the first place'the half-back is the key of the whole team, and on him rests the responsibility of getting the most work possible out of both the backs and the forwards, A good halfback will always work a team so that the backs won’t be standing still while the forwards are being worked to death, and vice versa. Another important point for a half-back is that he should always indicate to the forwards which way the ball is going when in a loose serum. By doing this he is keeping his forwards together, and getting that combination amongst them which always proves such an important factor in Rugby football. The half-back should also to a very great extent control the line-out work. He is in the position to see where the line can bo worked to the best advantage, and if he and the man who throws the ball out from touch understand each other, it is surprising the amount of good work they can initiate. When about to receive the ball frdnj the scrum is a time when a half-back must use great judgment. He should not always, as is usually done, receive it from his fsnrards every t-ims

they hook it. It is often of far greater advantage to his side if he makes a pretence of securing it, and then, immediately the opposing team start to come round, screws the scrum and sets the forwards going. By this means the backs often get a much-needed rest. Many a time I have seen a team who had good forwards meet with disaster simply because the half-back ran the remaining backs on his side off their legs. The ability to stop rushes is a qualification all good backs must have, and from stopping rushes some of their best opportunities arise. For instance: If, when about to stop a rush, the half-back, instead of waiting for the ball to come to him, were to dive into the ball, he would find that almost invariably the opposing forwards would completely overrun him and thus give him an opportunity of passing out to his own backs when ths other side were least expecting it. After receiving a ball from the back of a scrum, a half-back should not make a practice of running with it, but should feed his fiveeighths or three-quarters. Opportunities will arise, however, during a game for him to run with the ball. It is then that the advantages of not making it a practice is felt, as the other team is not expecting it, and, consequently, the position for them becomes serious. Very little kicking should be done by a halfback, as he is generally so close to the forwards that only a few yards, can be gained, whereas by passing to one of those behind him, the advantage as a rule is very considerable. After delivering a pass from the scrum, a half-back should follow behind those of his side who are running with the ball as closely as possible, so that, should one of them miss a pass, or should one of the other side intercept, he is in a position to, and often will, avert a great danger. The same course should also be adopted when the other side is attacking, as by filling up the gaps between his own backs he is forming a second line of defence, and, besides preventing the other backs from cutting in, should one of his own side miss a man, he is in a position to take him. The secret of success in halfback play is variety; never let the other side know what you are going to do next. Before concluding this article there is one question I would like to touch on, and that is, Are we going too far with Rugby football in New Zealand? Personally, I think there are too many representative matches played every year, a fact Which accounts to a very great extent for the professional movement, and also for the dissatisfaction of the public with the game as played to-day. If we had less representative football there would not be the same trouble in getting players to travel, nor would the question as to payment for loss of time be raised, as trips would be less frequent and more appreciated. The public, also, would be more appreciative and less critical, and instead of asking for all sorts of new rules to make the game faster, they would be pleased to accept it as it is. The fact of giving people too much of a good thing makes them dissatisfied;' but if it is given sparingly they will accept it with gratitude. ASSOCIATION. The only Association football match played at Auckland on Saturday was the Cup final between the Ponsonby and North Shore B teams. The match was won by Ponsonby by 4 goals to nil. NORTHERN UNION. Taranaki Beats The first interprovincial match of the season, under Northern Union Rules, was played at Victoria Park on Saturday, when Taranaki met Auckland, the local team being defeated by 8 points to 7, after an Interesting exhibition. The ground was wet and heavy, and during the game a smart shower fell, making the ball greasy, but the backs on both sides handled ths greasy leather in good style, and the spectators were rewarded with some open and exciting play. The attendance, considering the wintry day, was very satisfactory, and It is estimated at about 5000. Mr E. B, Todd officiated as referee, and was very strict on anything in the shape of rough, play. Two matches leading up to the semi-final, were played on Saturday, at One Tree Hill. P. Upton beat Banford, 4up nnd 2 to play; S. Upton beat Busk, 2 up. Next Saturday, therefore, P. Upton will meet Mair, and S. Upton meets Barns In the semi-final. The Maori Team. The Maoris played a 'Newcastle fcatw on August 4. The latter had the Maoris on the defensive In the first half, which ended: Newcastle, 7 points; Maoris, nil.

The second spell became exciting, the Maoris playing their hardest, and both sides indulging in rough play. Tuki, ■with a fine run, scored, but the kick failed. There was great excitement when Pakere, taking a pass at full speed, dashed down the ground, transferring, just as he was collared, to Wikiriwi, who dashed over and scored. The spell had nearly finished, and a goal meant a local defeat. Tuki, however, sent the ball about a yard wide, and Newcastle won by 7 points to 6. The match between the Maori and Queensland teams on Aug. 7 under Northern Union rules was fast and open. The Maori defence and passing . were good. The local men scored rapidly, the scores at half-time standing: Queensland 13, Maoris three. In the second half the pace became faster, but Queensland pressed their opponents almost continuously. The tackling of the Maoris became erratic as the tide of play went against them. Pouwhiuwhiu in the second half, and Wharapapa, in the second, scored tries for the Maoris, but these were not converted. Rukutae got a try, which Hairi converted. After more hard play the whistle sounded with the scores: Queensland 21, Maoris 11.