THE ALL BLACKS.

Press, Volume LX, Issue 18234, 19 November 1924, Page 9

THE ALL BLACKS.

THEIR NAME CLEARED.

"NOTHING JUSTIFYING CRITICISM." (BT CABLE— PP.SSS ASSOCIATION— COPYRIGHT) (Sroxxx "Srx" Service.) (Received November 15th, 10.40 p.m.) LONDON, November 17. "As an old Rugbyite, I saw nothing ■justifying criticism of the All Blacks' play against London," said a prominent critic. "I was surrounded by many British cx-Rugbyitos. whoso comments showed that they, like myself, were charmed with tho play of both teams. 1 did not hear a single adverse comment. "The Londoners were frequently as good as the All Blacks, but they did not finish their movements so well as the New Zealanders. The latter showed greater speed and stamina than the Londoners, and the New Zealanders' combination was better. "The victory was just what might be expected of a team that has been playing continuously for nine months, against a team together for tho first time." NOT ALL BLACK. SATURDAY'S ONLY A HARD GAME. (Stdset "Sun" Sertice.\ LONDON, November 17. Tho "Star" says the All Blacks are not as black as their jerseys. They suffered more wholehearted tackling than tho Londoners. Critics, eager for a sensational Sunday story, forgot tho exhilaration of full-blooded, youthful Rugbvjtes. Mr Lloyd, the Irish ex-half-back, refereed excellently, and pulled up the All Blacks whenever necessary, except for a few forward passes which he could not be expected to see, owing to the All Blacks' speed, unless provided with a motor-scooter. ■ GREATEST OF ALL. FORM IN LONDON MATCH. (AUSTRALIAN AKD N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION) LONDON, November 17, The All Blacks are probably in better condition at present than at any other stages of the tour. Harvey's throat is better, and Porter and Robilliard have recovered from leg injuries. AH three are included in the team to meet Oxford University on Thursday. Mr S. S. Dean, manager, is negotiating for a match at St. John, New Brunswick, and two in Victoria, British Columbia. The "Athletic News" says that n great many Kugbyites are of opinion that no more brilliant form has been shown in the United Kingdom by any team than was rovealed by the New Zealanders in the second half of the match against London Counties.

MATCHES IN WALES. APPOINTMENT OF REFEREES, (AUSTBALIAN AKD K.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION) LONDON, November 17. A difficulty, at present amounting almost to a deadlock, has arisen between the All Blacks and the "Welsh Eugby Union over the choice of referees for games with the tourists in Wales. The All Blacks, requested, in accordance with the terms of their agreement with the English Eugby Union, that the Welsh Union, before all Welsh matches with the tourists, should submit the names of three referees so that the All Blacka can make a choice. The Welsh Union states that it has empowered the Keferces' Committee to select the referees for all matches in Wales in which clubs affiliated to the Welsh Union are engagod. The Welsh Union is holding a special meeting at Cardiff this evening to decide what ia regarded as an important question of policy. x

NEW ZEALANDERS' WISHES TO BE MET.

(AUSMULIAK AHD Jf.Z. OABUJ ABBOCUTIOS.) (Received November 18th, 8.10 p.m.) LONDON, November 18. The "Daily Express" says it is understood the result of the Welsh Rugby Union's meeting is that the Union will meet the wishes of the New Zealanders regarding the appointment of referees.