ALL BLACKS JUBILANT; SOUTH AFRICANS CHANGE IDEAS

Chronicle (Levin), 11 July 1949, Page 5

ALL BLACKS JUBILANT; SOUTH AFRICANS CHANGE IDEAS

Received Monday, 9.20 a.m. CAPETOWN, July 10. Contrasting reactions are inevitable when records are shattered in rugby. So overwhelming has been the joy in the All Blacks' camp in showing something like real -forrn, and breaking the Western Province's long sequerice of victories against visiting ; international sides, that the team's- morale has jumped 100 per^ent. Converseiy," the South Africans have been compelled to reverse their ideas of the test prospects. This is even reflected in the selection of the Springbok side for the first test, in which the emphasis seems to be on solid defensive backs behind ap owerful and mobile paek. The need for stronger defence in the back line has been forced on the African selectors now that the tourists appear to have developed real teamwork. Strength of the Backs. From the outset of the tour the All Blacks have endeavoured to play an open style of rugby and, despite all the early problems they encountered, such as the scrummaging deficiency and coping with the harrassing tactics of the op- \

j posing loose forwards, their backs*. ' arways looked more resourceful and v fbneqratmg than the opposing L ncklines. •" " J Kearney's solidity in the inside five-eighths position, Allen's clever weaving and side-stepping, and Elvidge's powerful running cannot be matched if they get the ball quickly enough. This was achieved in .the first speli on Shturday. Thopgh the All Biacks' victory on points was small, the manner in which it ivas I accomplished was convincing, particulariy towards the end ■ of the first spell. j The Ail Blacks may not be unduly worried about the attackirig, 'qualities of the opposing backs for -next Saturday. Their concern will be ih holding what appears ■ to be • the very powerful and mgbile pack, which will probably have an advantage in weight. I-fc would appear Ithat the All Blacks will be c'onceding about one stone ih "overall pushing power in the scrunis.