RUGBY UNION TEST MATCH

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 2206, 20 July 1914, Page 6

RUGBY UNION TEST MATCH

FORWARD GAME PLAYED IN RAIN AND MUD. By Telezraph—Press Association—CoDjrielit (Rec. July 19, 5.5 p.m..) Sydney, July 18. The first Rugby TJniou Test, New Zealand v. .Australia, was played on tho Sports Ground to-day in the presence of the Governor-General, Sir Ronald Munro-Fcrguson, the State Governor, Sjr Gerald Strickland, and a crowd of nine thousand people, Recent rain made the ground heavy and slippery, and constant showers during the afternoon did not improve conditions. A strong, choppy, cross wind was blowing ; The game opened with' fast forward play, the New Zealanders attacking. By forward footwork, the Australians took play to the New Zealanders' lino, but were repulsed- through consistent play by.the Maoriland backs. Fierce attacking on the.part of-the New Zealanders followed. . Play eventually went to the centre 'for some time, after which the Blues took , the aggressive. Heavy play-in tho Now Zealand twentyfive ensued, following which ineffectual forward play became the order of the day, varied by a little kicking on the part of the backs when play was loose. With play at centre, tho Blues rushed tho ball into New Zealand's country, and Thomson took ..the ball over the lino, but the Blacks forced, and saved. The Blues continuing the attack, tho Maorilanders were forced to act on the defensive., From a scrum five yards out, the New Zealanders cleared by a fine kick, and again took the aggressive. Australia was penalised. for offside and the Blacks found touch in the Blues' country., From the lineout, Ryan got the-ball, and passed to Black, who sent on to Lynch, who failed to take the pass.- The New Zealanders continued to attack until the ball wont into touch-in-goal, and tho pressure was relieved. The Australians forced play to the centre, where"they were granted a free-kick. Forward work, took the ball to tho New Zealanders' twonty-fivo. but the visitors, relieving, play returned to centre. The Blue forwards' were still attacking when, from loose play at. tho centre, the' Blue backs got away, Flymi making a fast run. The Now Zealandors, however, pulled him down, and cleared, play returning to tho centre. From a scrum, Graham broke aw.iv, and booted the ; bail down the field. Dwyer cleared, finding touch. The Now Zealanders madc\i short dash on the Australian citadel, but 0 s<-nre did not eventuate. 'They were still attackin a when the whistle sounded half-time, without score. - . On resuming, the New.Zealanders Rain.

Ed the advantage of the wind, which had veered since tho first half. Tho Blues opened the attack, the New Zealanders forcing. With play at the centre, n forward rush took tho ball into the Blue country. Ryan, picking up, kicked over, the line, the Blues touching down. Play centred in Australian quarters for' some time, when a freekick gave the Blues an advantage, the centre of activity shifting to tho New Zealanders' country. ; s The New Zealanders temporarily relieved the pressure, but the Blue forwards, playing a fine game, continued acting aggressively. An interchange of long kicks between two opposing backs resulted in O'Brien finding touch with a fine kick, and relieving the New Zealanders. Tho Australians returned undaunted to the attack, forcing play to the Maorilanders' line, which was saved by a touchdown. The New Zealanders were again hard pressed, when Wogan fumbled, giving them a reprieve. With an irresistible rush the New Zealand forwards took the ball into Australian ground, and fine work by' Francis enabled M'Neece to score. Graham converted; - Play lemained in Australian ground for some time, till determined action removed it to half-way. Tho New Zealanders, ! picking up from .1 line-out, E. Roberts passed to Lynch, and, butting inside, took Lynch's pass. Roberts was brought down near the Australian line. The looals, rallying, cleared. Concerted action on the part of the Blues shifted play into the Maorilanders' twenty-five. From a kick by Lynch, the Blue three-quarter line got moving, a fine run being stopned by R. Roberts 'and Taylor. A. brilliant, unsupported run by Ryan took the ball into the Australians' twenty-five, where he was grassed. The New Zealanders, gathering round, attacked hard, and the Australians had difficulty in repulsing them. Making a final effort, the Blues returned to the attack. .E. Roberts relieved a dangerous situation. Play hung at half-way, and the Blues were still acting on ' the aggressive when the Blacks' forward work took the ball into the' Australian tweSity-five. The Maorilanders wore still attacking when the final whistle went, with the score: New Zealand, 5; Australia, nil. Throuffhout the game the forwards on either side had all the. play. Tho backs were.unable to get moving, owing to the slippery, ground and ball. The New Zealand pack proved superior in scrum and foot-work. '■'-..