ALL BLACKS FAVOURED

Chronicle (Levin), 14 July 1949, Page 11

ALL BLACKS FAVOURED

C.

King,

N.Z.P.A.

South African Papers Review Test Prospects

(From

Correspondent with the All Blacks). lieceived Wednesday, 7 p.m. CAPETOWN, July 12. The hrst Test forecast by a South African newspaper has been made by the Gape Argus which. predicts victory for the All Blacks. The writer is Syd. Nicholls, a former New Zealander, now a resident of Australia, and a member of the famous Petone Nicholls Rugby family, who has been speeially engaged by a group of African papers for tour roports. Mr. Nicholls also toured South Al'rica as a newspaper writer during the visit by the 1928 All Blacks. "I think there is more penetration in the New Zealand baclc division than there is in the South African, ' ' lie says. Now that the Ail Blacks have struck proper form, he cites as an additional point in their favour their greater Test match experience. ' ' The Springboks will be playing together for the first time and while they know oue another, they are without the seasoning that Test football provides. Further, the •-.hoice of backs to represeut South Africa does uot inspire confldence. " Though the selection oi' the team for the Test oceasioned no surprise or undue heartburnings among the All Blacks, those who appear to have been unlueky include Crowley, McHugh aua Black. Crowley appeared a certainty at oue stage but neither Graut nor McNab could be left out. Graut was tried out in the baek row for which position lie was originally chosen but he is not au ideal No. 8 in the scrum. Further, he is essential in the iniddle of the lineout and this left the side without an effeetive loose forward. Thornton 's sudden return to top form solved this position but virtually meant the elimination of Crowley. McHugh played sonie very fuie games. I prefer his style of football under South African conditions, to either Harvey or Willocks. Here the ball is iuvariablv hooked quiclcly from either scrum, hence a quick breaking forward such as McHugh can be a great asset. He was also oue of the best forwards in the side in breaking through the lineouts. Black sliowed improved form with each match. He has more pace than Kearney and liandles as well but lacks Ivearnev's great ability to extricate his side from some awkward positiOns, as well as his skiil in snap potting goals. Dalton and Frazer seem certaiu to force tlieir \vay into later Test sides once they strike real form but top litjioss will be the deciding factor. Had he not niet with an injury 1 think M. P. Goddard wond have been in the Test side on the left wing. He has been in steadv training and expects to have full use of his injured wrist shortly and mav not be long in reaching his peak when he resumes match play. Gudsell ,-was unfortunate in being injured and ajso catching,influenza right 011 top of giving oue really impressive dis])lay. Natnrallv he would have difficulty in ousting Allcn lrat Gudsel! may well prove, along with Black, one of the most improved playors of the tour. This pair should be to the fore in New Zealand Rugby iu coming seasons.