All Blacks Have Travelled Thousands Of Miles

Chronicle (Levin), 20 September 1949, Page 6

All Blacks Have Travelled Thousands Of Miles

(From G. L. King, N.Z.P.A. Speciai Correspondent). POET ELIZABETH, Sept. 18. The pfesent tour was much more arduous than that undertaken by the 1928 All Blacks, said Mr J. H. Parker, manager of the New Zealaxid Rugby team,.in an interview after the fourth Test yesterday, which South Africa won 11 8. Though the itinerary had been worked out with the utmost consideration toi the tourists, it had nevertheless involved some tremeudous travelling — approximately 5000 miles more than for the 1928 side. Further, whereas in 192S there were five or six strong jinions and several weak ones, today it could be said that at least 12 unions had powerful sides. (Jertainly there were no picnic matches.

Moreover, between the first and 'seeond Tests, travelling had been so strenuous as to have warranted more time betWeen matches, said the managef. For instance, the visit to Rhodesia had involved travel of more than 20UU aules and eight nignts in the train, bul the itinerary had provided for Wednesday and Saturday games. Total Of 13,000 Miles For the whole tour in South Africa the team had travelled 13,000 miles, which meant an average of 500 miles per match. He felt that future tours should be limited to 20 games and only three Tests. Mr Parker eongratulated Soutli Africa on their Test achievement. There may not have been a great dift'erence between the sides, and the Ai. Blacks miaht have won two Tests wita

better kicking, but the facts were that the South Africans took all the oppor tunities that came their way, and th.au was what counted. His only disappointment with th > game in this country, said Mr Parker, was the fetish for the loose or wingforward game, which was mere destructive than anything he had knowu during his experience as a wing-for-ward. Apart from that, he felt that the Rugby was of a really good standard. ' Phenomenal Takings Publie support for the game had also been amazing. Even though the Test rubber had been decided, the ground was pdcked for the final game. He understood that the takings for the tour exceeded those of the 1919 New Zealand Ariny side, the 1928 All Blacks, and the 1933 Wallabies lumped together. On Top Of The World Mr Parker drew attention to South Africa 's wonderful record in international Rugby. The 1921 and 1937 sides had lost only three matches in New Zealand. The 1928 All Blacks had lost five matches in South Africa. That alone placed South African Rugby weil on top, and the preseni tour confirmed South Africa as world champions. We wish to make no excuses, but probably it would be conceded that a Rugby tour of this country was the most strenuous assignment that could be "given to any sporting body. English Observer. A keenly-interested spectator at the fourth Test was -Sir Wavell Wake-

field, senior vice-president of the Rugby Union, England, and a former Engand Test captain. He was asked by his union to watcn the style of play of both teams in view of the British team's tour of New Zealand next year, and the visit by the Springboks to Britain in 1951. There i.s a possibility that he may visit New Zealand next year. "I enjoyed this game immensely," he said, "The All Blacks' forwards were grand. It is not often one sees i Springbok pack beaten for the ball in the scrums and line-outs as appened in this game. ' ' We saw some fine back movements, with the Springboks moving off witii just that extra pace which means so

much. But what impressed me greatiy was '"he magnificent defence of bot.i sides, which ioade try scoring very difiicult. ' ' Sir Wavell also expressed the hope that too much stress would not be placed on the importance of international Rugby matches, which were tending to become gladiatorial cou\6StS. "Let us not forget that Rugby is one of the few remaining truly amateur sports," he said. "Let us strike a happy medium and not forget : that 'one of the main objects of Rugby tours is to promofe good will. Cerbainly strive to play Rugby with the genuifie spirit ot adventure that will . make this giand : game a joy for the players and publie • alikei"