THE FOOTBALL WORLD.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, 22 August 1912, Page 18

THE FOOTBALL WORLD.

The Ranfurly Shield match between the crack provincial teams, Auckland and Taranaki, created the greatest enthusiasm in Rugby circles on Saturday, and by the time for the kickoff had arrived the attendance at Alexandra Park numbered fully 12,000. The fact of the Taranaki men making the trip to Auckland three days before the match so as to have every chance of being in their best fettle on meeting, the Ranfurly Shield holders caused interest to spread to a remarkable extent, and that Auckland would have to relinquish her hold on the coveted trophy was a prediction ventured on many sides. The daj was not an ideal one for a Ranfurly Shield game, a strong breeze being in evidence which distinctly favoured the side fortunate enough to win the toss. This was distinctly the case with the Auckland-Taranaki match on Saturday, as the great advantage . Auckland secured through playing with the wind in the first spell was not only indicated by the six points they scored, but it must, in fairness to Taranaki. be stated that the wind dropped considerably in the second half, the visitors faring badly in this respect.

The strain of the uphill fight the Taranaki players had to make against the wind in the first spell was expected to tell on them in the second half of the game, but it was during this period that the visitors were seen at their best and the greatest excitement prevailed when McLeod smartly registered a try which Franklin converted, making the score: Auckland 6, Taranaki 5. The Taranaki men were the aggressors during the latter part of the game, and they made desperate attempts to turn the issue in their favour, and with all of their backs keenly on the alert it looked as though they would succeed in the last ten minutes. The Taranaki backs, whose opportunities were restricted to a disheartening extent, resorted to the most resourceful tactics during their spirited attack on the Auckland citadel, and never have the Aucklanders been closer to losing the Shield and yet retained it, than was the case in Saturday’s fixture.

Taranaki can safely attribute their failure to wrest the Ranfurly Shield from Auckland to two reasons. In the first place their backs (of whose brilliant qualifications there can be no doubt) were heavily handicapped through the inability of their forwards to secure the ball in the scrums but once proportionately to Auckland s three. To afford some idea of the big advantage Auckland had in hooking the leather, it is worthy of mention that out of the 2S scrums formed during the match the Auckland forwards secured the ball 17 times, whereas Taranaki only got it from the scrum on six occasions, while the remaining five scrums terminated m no material advantage to either side. Had the same advantages .come the way of the Taranaki back division as presented to the Auckland rearguard, it is reasonable to assert that Taranaki would now have the Ranfurly Shield in their possession. The second reason of Taranaki’s failure to lift the Shield was that Stohr was a long way below his customary goal-kicking form. The crack Taranaki three-quarter has few, if any, equals at place-kicking (or drop-kicking for that matter) in New Zealand, but in each instance where he was entrusted with a shot at goal in the match against Auckland his kicks lacked both height and power. Stohr had several good chances as the result of penalties and marks of winning the match for Taranaki, but though the direction of his kicks was good, he could not add the few points to Taranaki’s score w r hich would have meant so much to them.

The Aucklanders fully realised they were up against a team capable of keeping them fully extended, and they never slackened their efforts. It was noticable, however, that whereas in previous games this season the local men have always been found putting great vim into their work in the closing stages, they were gradually being worn down by the Taranaki players as the second spell advanced, the visitors lasting the hard game out

to better advantage. It was only during the last half hour that the Taranaki backs had any openings to speak of in attack, for recognising the futility of waiting for the ball to issue from their side of the scrum before they could initiate a passing run, they rushed in and made their own openings by gathering up the ball smartly in the scrambles and loose play and sending it on to their fellow backs. These tactics proved a source of trouble to the Aucklanders, and called for sound tackling on their part in order to ward off defeat.

Auckland owes her victory over Taranaki largely to the consistency with which Tresize and Sellars hooked the ball in the scrum, while supporters of the blue and white jersey have also to thank J. O’Leary for the yeoman service that player rendered at full-back. He was the best defensive back on the ground, and his presence as the last line of defence in the local rearguard relieved the Aucklanders of much anxiety, as he was undoubtedly the mainstay of the home team. The value of a reliable full-back has been demonstrated on so many occasions where matches have been lost and won simply through the failure or success of a player in that position that nowadays it is' becoming the recognised rule to select one of the soundest backs who usually

plays closer to the scrum to act as full-back sooner than take any chances with an unreliable player. O’Leary’s selection as full-back in the Auckland team was a wise move on the part of Mr D. Gallaher, and is a big safeguard when meeting teams of Taranaki’s calibre, as was fully evidenced on Saturday.

A comparison of the rival forward teams, Auckland and Taranaki, showed the former up more favourably in the pack, but in the open honours were mostly with the visitors. Particularly towards the end of the game did the Taranaki forwards display superior form in the loose, the alacrity with which they came to one another’s assistance being a bright feature in their play. The Taranaki men were able to hold Auckland in the scrums, but their hookers were outclassed to a very marked extent. The fine, dribbling rushes of the Taranaki vanguard often looked like bearing fruit, and were only counteracted as a result of the stubborn defence of the Auckland rearguard. The frequent passing rushes' indulged in by the visiting forwards, who had an excellent leader in their wing, Taylor, kept the Aucklanders extremely busy in the second spell, while altogether the visitors are entitled to no little credit for the dash and energy which they maintained right up to the last moment —certain proof that they had not neglected training operations. «*\ * *

The Auckland forwards met with the strongest opposition they have had so far this season, and though their display was not marked with any particular amount of brilliancy, they disputed every inch of ground,

and had the satisfaction 'of leaving the field victorious after a memorable struggle. It was thoughc that the Aucklanders would hold the advantage in this division, but outside of their scrum work, the Taranaki vanguard were every bit as formidable as the home forwards. The Auckland backs were much better served as regards opportunities than the visiting rearguard, but with the exception of a very soft try notched by Macky after the kick-off they were unable to penetrate the Taranaki defence. In fact, the tackling on both sides was a treat to witness, the rival backs bringing one another down in thrilling fashion. The pace and nippiness of the Auckland backs were instrumental in averting what frequently appeared likely to result in a certain score. The local backs did not, however, get far with their passing runs, many of which were frustrated before any material advantage was gained, the Taranaki wing beingvery successful in his roving commission.

The Taranaki backs missed a number of golden chances through the ball hanging fire at the five-eighths line, but there were times, however, when the leather did come out to Don Cameron and Stohr, and an exciting piece of play followed. Had the Taranaki backs been given plenty of chances, it is safe to say that the

onlookers would have been treated to one of the finest exhibitions of spectacular football seen at Alexandra Park, as the Taranaki men were, without exception, a nrst-rate combination —quick, clever, and having plenty of resourcefulness. The attractive feature in the case of the Taranaki backs was the successful way in which they brought into operation such ruses as feinting in the passing runs, side-stepping their opponents, and other effective dodges. In this respect they -departed altogether from the orthodox style of play, and that the public appreciated their refreshing tactics was evident by the cheering which these manoeuvres aroused. Were it not for the fact that the Taranaki backs invariably cut-in by means of tricky runs, rather than race across the field in the hope of outpacing the opposing backs, thereby crowding their own threequarters, they would not be nearly the power they are at present in New Zealand provincial football, for undoubtedly Taranaki owes her proud position to the initiative displayed by the backs, who have profited greatly by having such fine exponents in their midst in past years as “Jimmy” Hunter and “Simon” Mynott.

J. Hall, the Auckland winger, did not impress the onlookers with his play, and it remains a puzzle why he is included in the team before Walshe who is a far more useful man in the position.

Wilson, Tresize and Sellars were the most prominent trio of the Auckland forwards, all three grafting with a will.

Webb, at half, had a busy though, not difficult task behind the Auckland pack, and the forwards hooking the ball with clockwork precision, he fed his backs in a manner which left no room for complaint. His smartness again proved a valuable asset, and he has no equal in Auckland at getting the leather away quickly.

Ifwerson, at five-eighths, shone in attack, his nippiness standing him in good stead. The bulk of defensive work, however, was undertaken by his partner, Weston, whose tackling in particular was very sound. The latter is a capable all-round back, who is always handy at the right moment.

The Auckland three-quarter line played up to expectations; in fact, they surprised the visiting combination. McGregor especially tackled n his very best style, while his screw kicking was executed with great judgment. Once or twice his old weakness of rushing into the thick of his opponents presented itself, but as his elusiveness enabled him to beat three or four of them before being grounded no particular danger threatened.

Stewart, at centre, played very soundly, the unflinching way in which he got down to the rushes being of

great assistance to the He was a useful member in the passing bouts, and also rendered good service with his sure fielding and judicious line kicking.

Macky gave a good display on the wing threequarter, being very dangerous on the attack. He was, however, watched by the Taranaki, backs, who guarded against a repetition of the try he notched shortly after the kick-off.

O’Leary was a tower of strength tothe Aucklanders at full-back, and seldom has such fine line kicking been witnessed at the’ Park as that for which he was responsible. Only once during the game did he fail to relievethe Aucklanders when matters looked, black, and taken altogether he was the safest back on the ground, asTaranaki knew to their cost, as henipped nearly all of their best efforts in the bud.

The Taranaki forwards all played, well, Young in particular giving a dashing display. Taylor, on the wing, was a great grafter for the visitors, and played with excellent judgment throughout.

Brown, at half, made the most of the limited chances' he had of distinguishing himself, while he did a great deal of stopping, especially in the first half.

S. Cameron, at five-eighths, showed much initiative, but had an inclination to do too much. In the second spell he played full-back, his accuratehandling of the ball and safe tackling keeping the Aucklanders at bay.

McLeod, at five-eighths, was one of the busiest backs on the ground, and he got through his work creditably. Once or twice he broke away as a result of baffling his opponents, and matters looked dangerous for the Aucklanders until his career was stopped.

The Taranaki three-quarter line played under difficulties, for rarely did they have a chance to show their capabilities in attack. Don Cameron proved a slippery customer on several occasions, and generally succeeded in beating two or three men before being brought to a halt. The Taranaki flyer also gave proof of his indispensable worth in defence.

Stohr greatly pleased the onlookers with his clever methods of attack and defence, and is a useful back to have in any team.

Roberts, at centre, was not so prominent as the wings, but nevertheless played a serviceable game.

Franklyn, who came on when Colman retired, gave a finished display, being quick to seize any chance that came his way, while he made some brilliant openings for his fellow backs.

Colman was playing soundly at fullback up to the time he was injured. His powerful boosts in the face of a strong wind gave a good idea of his kicking powers, which have not deteriorated in the slightest since last seen in Auckland. He also took the ball neatly, and his accident was a piece of bad luck for Taranaki.

NOTES.

The Auckland team will enter upon their second test on Saturday, when they will have to defend the Ranfurly Shield against the chosen of Wellington. The Wellington representatives enjoy the distinction of having narrowly defeated Taranaki this season, but as the latter province was without the services of several of their best men on that occasion the result of the game does not serve as a criterion as to the probable , outcome of Saturday’s match between Wellington and Auckland. One thing, appears certain, however, and that is if Auckland should meet with a like success in hooking the ball as in the match against Taranaki, it is difficult to see how they can fail to retain the Shield. It is hardly likely that the Wellington forwards will show to better advantage in the open than did the Taranaki men, and . for that, reason alone Auckland’s position appears to be fairly secure, as no anxiety is felt on the score of obtaining the leather in the scrums as often as the visitors. The only likelihood of Auckland tasting defeat would be in the event of the backs showing poor defence, but after their display against Taranaki, they should play with increased confidence, so that Auckland's prospects on past form are certainly encouraging to their supporters.

The last occasion on which Auckland suffered defeat at the hands of Wellington was in 1904, when the Empire representatives captured the Ranfurly Shield. It was thought that the trophy had gone to Wellington for a lengthy sojourn, and the Auckland team which went in quest of it in 1905 was regarded as one of the weakest fifteens that had ever left the province, and Aucklanders held out a forlorn hope of them re-captur-ing the Shield. It was, therefore, with minglings of surprise and unbounded enthusiasm that supporters of the blue and white received the news flashed over the telegraph wires to the effect that Auckland had won by 10 points to 6. “Dick” Wynyard and G. Tyler each registered a try for Auckland, while Francis kicked a magnificent goal from a mark taken by “Scobie” McKenzie. The Ranfurly Shield thus returned to Auckland, where it has since remained.

The Wellington team, which arrives to-night (Thursday) by the Rotorua express, will be stationed at the Royal Hotel during their stay in Auckland. The team to meet Auckland will be as follows, with the exception that E. Roberts may probably replace the veteran F. Roberts at half-back: — Full-back, Murray; threequarters, Grace, Ryan, Young; five-eighths, Ramsden and McKenzie; half-back, F. Roberts; forwards, Skinner (wing), Elliott, Ready, Gillespie, Wilson, R. Paton, Moffatt, and H. Paton.

The Auckland fifteen will undergo no alteration to the team which defeated Taranaki on Saturday.

Mr J. Burns, manager of the Wellington team which arrives in Auckland by the Rotorua express to-night (Thursday), is the old Melrose Club centre three-quarter and ? ull-back. In business life he is in charge of the stamp-printing department of the Government Printing Office, and is very popular and well liked by those who work under him. In the summer time he spends most of his spare time on the rifle range, and makes many goou scores as a member of the Karori Rifle Club.

Amid strife and rumours of strife and threats of invasion of Northern Union forces, it is pleasant (says a Dunedin writer) to note the exceedingly healthy tone of amateur Rugby in Dunedin, and the increased interest of players and public in the game. Not within recent years has Rugby created so much enthusiasm and interest as that of the present season. Throughout the series of club matches the attendances have been large, with an added increase as the semifinals of the premiership were being played off. The standard of play, too, has vastly improved, until now we can claim footballers who exercise their intelligence and prove the possibilities of the game.

’ Fred” Roberts, the Wellington half-back, has during the past few weeks been suffering from a severe injury to his back, which may prevent him from taking his place be-

hind the visiting pack against Auckland on Saturday. Should the famous All Black be unable to don the black jersey with gold crest, Auckland enthusiasts will be greatly disappointed, as they have been looking forward to seeing the veteran halfback in action again. Another Wellington back who has been on the sick list is G. Murray, the ex-Auck-lander, who has just recovered from an attack of quinsy.

The Otago team, which commences its northern tour on August 28, will consist of twenty players and two managers. Following on a big run of representative matches on the home ground last season, Otago can look forward to the northern tour with (Pleasure, and no anxiety regarding finance.

The record gate at the recent Southern-University match in Dunedin when the attendance numbered 10,500 is striking testimony that the Rugby game is not falling off in popularity, The previous record for a club game in Dunedin was in 1907 when University and Alhambra met before an attendance of 7000. The record for a football attendance in Dunedin was on the occasion of the British team v. Otago and Southland, when the crowd was roughly estimated at 20,000.

A Southern writer pens the following appreciation of Gray, Die crack five-eighths, who represented Canterbury against Southland:—Gray needs a prize piragraph all to himself. The more one watches his play the more

one becomes convinced that when the history of iNew Zealand football is written his name must appear among the very elect. It is not that he does well only what comes to his share, but note how he covers up the mistakes of his own side; hew he always seems to be in the correct position when danger threatens. It is this wonderful anticipation of the play that stamps him as a high-grade player. There was not a score that he did not have a hand in, either directly or indirectly, and there was hardly a dangerous position for Canterbury that he was not in. the forefront of the defence. Rarely has he given a more classy exhibition. He is full of football of the highest order and brimming over with initiative, and serves as a model of a cool, heady, artistic player who has made a science of the game.

At the meeting of the Taranaki Rugby Union executive the question of the locale of the representative matches to be played in Taranaki was discussed, the chairman (Mr Jas. McLeod) suggesting that the Canterbury fixture be decided at New Plymouth, as in his opinion a £5O better gate would be obtained at this township. Mr Skoglund favoured Stratford, which had about 3000 population, and instanced a case a few years back in which a Stratford gate had given better results financially than one in New Plymouth. Messrs Glenn and Lees were also in favour of Stratford having the match, remarking that the fixtures should be divided evenly between New Plymouth, Hawera and Stratford. The Otago match will be played at Hawera on September 4, so that New Plymouth will fare badly this season as far as important games are concerned.

Mr Jas. McLeod, chairman of the Taranaki Rugby Union, at a meeting of the executive outlined a scheme for the encouragement of the game in the schools throughout Taranaki. Briefly stated, Mr McLeod’s idea is to divide Taranaki into six districts, the schools in each district to be centralised as far as is possible round- the chief towns in their district. Secondary schools’ “A” teams will form a senior competition, and their “B” teams will compete with the primary schools in a junior competition. These centres would be, say New Plymouth, Waitara, Inglewood, Stratford, Eltham, Opunake, Hawera, Manaia, Okaiawa, and Patea, and the schools in the neighbourhood of each of these centres would be grouped into northern and southern divisions, which, after playing off in their own competitions, would meet each other in a final, as is the rule in the club matches now. This final would be financed by the union, which would also give financial help to the primary schools if they had to travel far when playing their inter-school matches. It is also hoped that old players who are being presented with life membership tickets may be induced to lend their .assistance in helping along the scheme. Shields and caps would also be provided by the union.