Inspired Border Team Wins 9—0

Chronicle (Levin), 16 June 1949, Page 5

Inspired Border Team Wins 9—0

New Zealanders Show Sluggish Form Received Thursday,. 9.45 a.m. EAST LONDON, June 15. The spectre of defeat which has been hovering over ihe 'All Blacks since their tour began struck today, when an inspired Border team recorded its first victory over any visrting international side- by winning by nine points (a try ahd two penalty goals) to nil. • The sluggish form of the All Blacks, who had the advantage of the wind in a scoreless first spell, was ari early pointer to the final result. r

Apa'rt from. McHugh, the forwards lacked drive and were rarely in support of the backs. The latter handled uncertaimy, even Kearney, who is usualiy an immaculate handler, fumbling more than usual. Goddard was also out of form with his kicks at goal, though his line-kicking was splendid. The major points in the Border's success, however, were a superiority in scrummaging, while they also held their own in the lineouts. Their backs were inclined to kick a great deal. They were most resolute in defence, however, and had grand support from the back row and flank forwards, who throughout the match never failed to race to the critical positions and stop any likely breaches. Kenyon, who is a possible Spring-' ficent cover defending game as No. bok test captain, played a magni8 forward, and he and his team received a tremendous reception from the highly excited crowd of 14,000 at the final whistle. Theg racious manner in which the All Blacks rushed to congratulate their opponents also elicited apnlause. The All Blacks had two lastminute changes in their team, Dalton replacing Frazer, who had a cold, and Harvey replacing Wiliocks, who strained a leg muscle, Which is still worrying him. While the Border definitely playqd above themselves, the match for the All Blacks was a jumble of

uninspired efforts. They badly needed some incident to give the side an uplift, but it was never forthcoming. *