WITH THE ALL BLACKS

Chronicle (Levin), 29 July 1949, Page 5

WITH THE ALL BLACKS

(N.Z.P.A.-

-Reuter.

Pressmen Seek Reasons For Inconsistencies

Copyright) 4

Received Friday, 9.35 a.m. BULAWAYO, July 28. After the All Blacks' defeat on Wednesday by Rhodesia, a party of pressmen who have seen all the team's matchs sought to find an cxplanation for the surprising inconsistencies of the touring side. Their task .proved interesting, but mconclusive. VWhen I saw this team in training shortly after its arrival, I formed the opmion that it m'ight develop into one of the best to tour this country," said the veteran South African rugby writer, Mr. H. B. Keartland. "The outstanding impression one gathered was the rernarkably even quality of playing talent - and their training programme was a most serious one. However, the early games suggested that the players were bound hand and foot to a rigid plan which did not allow them to exploi.t their f-oot-ball instincts. Natural Aptitude Wanted. "La,ter this gave way to more natural football and easy relaxation, and I thought all their troubles were over, but the Rhodesian match suggested a reversion to doing things by numbers. That is all right in drilling, but rugger is a dashing game which calls for a natural aptitude, not evolution b^7 numbers."

Another writer offered a comparison with the 1928 All Blacks. "This side is faster in the threequarters and may be better all round, but it lacks guiding genius in the backs/such as Mark Nicholls, or really outstanding forwards such as McWilliams, Stewart, Brownlie and Hazlett. Forwards such as these were real rugby giants, capable of smashing their way through any opposition." "The manner in which they rose to the occasion in the last test in 1928, coupled with a brilliant tactical game by Nicholls, is still remembered in this country." _ A further view was that Simpson was the only forward who measured up to the best of the 1928 team. Fumbling Loses Tries. The failure of the .side to. score tries freely, was attributed to some blunders at critical moments after some grand passing rushes, and to the particularly fine defence of all the South African teams. ' Wi'th their loose forwards harassing the opposing inside backs, the South African inside backs are able to reinforce their defence further out. The New Zetilanders have been much more thrustful and resourcefui in attack. But whatever the South African teams lack on attack they have few weaknesses in defence. But for fumblins at critical moments the All Blacks might have had anpther ten tries or more to their credit.