RUGBY SURPRISES FOR KIWIS

Chronicle (Levin), 2 July 1946, Page 8

RUGBY SURPRISES FOR KIWIS

-Press Association

INTERPRETATION OF RULES

By Telegraph-

WELLINGTON, July 1. The first surprise the Kiwi Rugby teaiu reeeived oii its tour of Britain was to see out and out Aving forwards opposed to them. This was stated by the lnanager of the team, Lt. Gol. A. H. Andrews, in his report to the exeeutive of the New Zealand Rugby Union today. This, in niany matches, he added, developed into two wing forwards — flank men in the 3 — 2 — 3 serum. "After insistence by the Rugby Union on the abolition of the wing forward from Kew Zealand Rugby, the tiagrant disregard of a similar observance in the United Ivingdom rather astonished us. It did not perturb us unduly, however, and certaiuly did not deter us from always adliering to our poJicy of keeing eight forwards in the serum, ' ' added Lt.-Col. Andrews. Explaining the method of English teams, he said two forwards would detach themseives entirely from the lineouts and post themseives opposite the five-eighths. Due to the laxity of the referees in interpreting the oft'side rule, the team had to discard the first plan of tight rucking and tlien quick heel to the half, as the latter invariahly found two opposing forwards had arrived bei'ore the ball was hooked. In set scrums it was nothing unusual to see these forwards brush the half aside while the ball was still in the Kiwi's serum, then attach themseives to the rear of the Bcrum and prevent the ball from being heeled. In one match after Saxton had been bowled over by the forwards, the opposing half slipped round the scrrnn, secured the ball as it was heeled, and set his own backs going. "Believe it or not that was the fact," said Lt.-Col. Andrews. The report added that the International Kules Committee was coneerned about eertain phases of the game, partieularly ofi'side play and the new serum rule. ILe said the team eonsidered the new hooking rule required further iimendment bei'ore it could be really oi'fective. After Lt.-Col. Andrews had ben thanked for his report, the committee deeided to meet again tomorrow to give further eonsideration to the itinerary for the tive matehes to be played by the Kiwis in New Zealand. "If a French Rugby team of the calihre the Kiwis met were to come to New "Zealand, it would prove as hig an attraction as the 1937 Springboks," said Lt.-Col. Andrews. "We were astonished at the calibre of the French teams in the two tests," he said. "We beat them but I would support them against Scotland and England. . They had aiready heaten Ireland and defeated Wales in a return.game. Their backs were fast, forwards big and they handlcd well. They also played the game in a true sporting spirit. The two tests were among the fastest games of the tour and were thrilling to watch. ' ' Conveving the congratulations of the New Zealand Rugby Union to Lt.-Col. Andrews, Mr. 8. 8. Dean said the tour's remarkal.'le iinancial sueeess was an indieation of the tremendous interest takeh in it. The sum of £36,01)0 liad aecrned i'or cluirities — a phenumenal result. I Lt.-Col. Andrews said the general objective had been to trv to assist Rugby j in the llome counties to get baek to its jtrewar stairdard and to attraet tho : publie. He felt tliat had been aceom- | plished. "It mav sound egotistical to sav British Rugby had little to nothing ! to teaeh us but it is our eonsidered ; ophiion that, other than emphasising the value of speeialist hookers and at times illustrating very effeetively the art of dribbling, Rugby in the United Kingdom can learu a lot from our play, ' ' he said. 1 1 We are more than ever eonvineed of the superiority of our serum and baek formations. Before we left the United Ivingdom some teams, notably in Wales, had adopted our 3 — 4 — 1 formation while otliers were playing our five eigliths formation. ' '