ALL BLACKS HAVE FINE WIN

Chronicle (Levin), 23 June 1949, Page 5

ALL BLACKS HAVE FINE WIN

Signs Of Approach To N.Z. Form Grand Game By Allen Was Feature - Received Thursday, 9.1-0 a.m. II* • POTCHEFSTRQOM, June 22. ^ • The first signs of something approa.e'hing real New Zealaiid form were revealed today when the All Blacks beganfhe Traaasvaal section of their tour with a -tradesmanlike win over Western Transvaal by 19 points (five tri.es., two of which were converted) to three ,(.a pena'lty goal) . The A'll jBl-a.cks. led 5 — 3 at hal'f-time, but finished with real steam rol'ler tact'ics in the forwards and, with ithe backline handling cr'isply, the issue was soon put beyond doubt. A gr.aad game by Allen, who is now at the top of his form, was one of the features. He made the opening try with a pass in full stride to score near great burst up mjdfield and then the posts, Goddard converting. ran Henderson into position, the . A few moments later Kearney winger simply flying past the op- went through a, gap and .crassposition. « ' ' kicked to Meates, who dribbled the '

In the seeond spell Allen, from half-way, ran elean through his opponents to seore under the posts. Savage agaiai gave fine service from the scrum despite the fac.t that he was under a great deal of pressure' all day. Wegtem Transvaal .are not rated as a particularly jstrong side, but their robust forwards gave a sample of the rugged play which the All Blacks win encounter in this area, where the forward play is of a high standard. The fact, therefore, that the All Blacks were able to finiah the match more strongly, as well as drive through from the lineouts, was a most reassuring feature. Overall the All Blacks had a slight advantage in possession. There was only a difference of one in the scrums in favour of the home side. Wilson got better support and the weight seemedto be going in at the right moment. The All Blacks had the better of the lineouts, but their tactics now are to ruek,after gaining possession. Fifteen minutes after the start Allen received an dn-pass, cut past the defender and veered upfield towards Henderson 's wing. The Wanganui flyer took an excellent

ball ahead, but the referee ruled a knock-on. Just on half-time New Zealand were penalised in a lineout and Malan kicked a goal for the home side. I Ten minutes after the start of |the seeond spell, Savage got the ball from a ruck to Kearney, who cross-kicked and Henderson again took the ball in full stride to score an unconverted try. The *A11 Blacks' next points came when McHugh, Crowley and Simpson broke through a ruck for Simpson to score at the corner. Goddard could not convert. Then came Allen's brilliant try/ A ruck followed a lineout. Savage' sent the ball to Kearney to Allen, who beat his opponent. He v.eered: towards Elvidge and then did one of his famous side-stepping, twisting runs~infleld to beat the opposition and score under the posts. Goddardjtonverted. The All* Blacks now had the upper hand* and just before full time Savage passed to Meates, who scored at the corner. The kick missed 'and the game ended 19—3 after the All Blacks' best performance. o' ia