OTAGO RUGBY TEAM

Evening Star, Issue 23372, 15 September 1939, Page 4

OTAGO RUGBY TEAM

Northern Tour Reviewed SUCCESSFUL RECORD ACHIEVED Comment on Play and Players [By Hooker.] With a fine victory against South Canterbury at Timaru last Saturday, the Otago Rugby team completed a successful northern tour in which seven games were played, four being won, two lost, and one drawn, a record of which the 22 players (who were reinforced by two more for the South Canterbury game) have good reason to be proud. The itinerary was one of the most extensive ever undertaken by an Otago team, and while it was wisely mapped out and unnecessary travelling was always avoided, such a wide area had to be covered that it is surprising that the players stood up so well to the demands that were made upon them, and the display given by the side at Timaru, back and forward, was so full of zest that it would have done credit to a team beginning its tour rather than one that covered almost the whole of New Zealand.

FACTORS, TOWARDS SUCCESS, That such a good record was achieved may be attributed to the fact that the team as a whole comprised one of the happiest bands of footballers ever gatherea together in Otago, to the excellent captaincy of N, A. Mitchell, who proved an inspiring leader, and to capable assistance the skipper had from his vicecaptain. R. Nieper, who had the honour of leading Otago to wins against Wanganui and South Canterbury. Mitchell supervised the training operations of the team, with Nieper doing splendid work with the forwards, and the success of some of the younger and less experienced members of the party may be attributed in part to the advice and example set them by their captain and vice-captain. If the players themselves were asked to ascribe the reasons for the success and enjoyment of the tour, I feel sure there would be one universal response—the managers. Messrs A. G. Haynes and A. H. Cameron, “ Bert ” and “ Artie ” to the boys, were the right men for the job, and the writer has no hesitation in saying that, with the many sporting teams he has accompanied on tour, nevCr have their been two men who could have been more at one with the players than were Mr Haynes and Mr Cameron. They were the heads of a very happy family, and it says something for the class of player chosen to represent Otago that everywhere the team stayed the proprietor congratulated the managers on the behaviour and demeanour of the players. With one or two of the recognised stars unable to make the trip north, the team contained a good leavening of younger and less experienced players, and the managers adopted a policy which is bound to bear results in the future of giving the players as many games as possible. Thus of the 22 who comprised the touring party, no player had fewer than three games, the best record being put up by L. Hill, who played in six games and came on to replace another player in the second spell of the seventh fixture.

Even with half of the recognised “ regular ” side out, the team was still able to turn on good football, and, while it was not until the closing stages of the tour that the forwards really struck their best form, the backs at all times played football that appealed to the public, and it was unfortunate that in all the North Island games but the Taranaki match at Hawera the ground conditions should have haraBered the fast-moving and resourceful tago rear division to some extent. MATCHES SURVEYED. No Otago team in' recent years has experienced a worse ground than was encountered at Eden Park, Auckland, and even under the shocking conditions that prevailed Otago’s backs were striving their best to play attractive Rugby. The three-quarter line of D. Murray, N. A. Mitchell, and W. A. Black, which was the strongest that could be fielded, greatly impressed the critics, even as it was, and there is no doubt that had better grounds been met with the score in Otago’s favour in some instances would have been greater. The only games lost were those against Wellington and Taranaki, and both might have been won,’ for in the closing stages the tourists were striving bard to pull the game out of the fire, and with a little luck might have succeeded. ' Nevertheless, on the run of play it is only fair to say that the better team in each case carried the day. Wellington had a feast of the ball, but despite the advantage in front their backs iwere no match for Otago, for whom Mitchell was the particular presiding genius. In the Taranaki game, Otago showed much improved scrummaging ability, but faults that were noticeable ou quite a few occasions on the tour proved costly. These were failure to pack tightly in the rucks and a disinclination to follow and back up and weak tackling. This was a game which might have been won hut opportunities were thrown away, and, while Taranaki’s victory was due largely to the grand work of the forwards in the rucking and in the loose, due credit must be given to B. Killeen, the former Wellington and Auckland player, who showed admirable football brains and played a fine game at second five-eighth. The worst display of the tour was given against Wanganui, although the team managed to win by 4 points to 0. but hero the forwards were lifeless, and the scrummaging was a long way below standard, the pack being the worst balanced that was fielded on the tour. However, on the other hand, the players showed admirably that they could rise to the occasion when need he bv defeating both North Auckland and Canterbury when the odds were against them.

Hold up bv slips between Tnnmarunui and Te Kuiti and arriving at Whnngarei after 29 hours’ continuous travelling, Otago was not conceded a great chance

against North Auckland, which had earlier defeated Auckland, but backs and forwards rose to it nobly, and with Mitchell in rare form—he scored four tries in thi? game—and the youthful J. 0. Kearney turning it on splendidly against the much-fancied North Auckland candidate for All Black honours, O. Gibson, the backs thrilled the crowd with some brilliant moves, and ran out winners by 25 points to 13. Although a much depleted and travelweary team took the field against Canterbury, the forwards got down to the job in real earnest, and caused an unset by defeating the home side by 10 points to 3, Canterbury failing to reproduce the form which enabled it to run Southland so close the previous Saturday. The brightest football was provided in the last game, backs and forwards playing excellently together, and it was a field day for D. Trevathan, who, always one of the sheet anchors of the side, turned on a display which reached brilliant heights. He waltzed through the defence again and again, and besides scoring a try as the result of a brilliant solo effort, potted two fine goals and converted a try.

Such an ending to a tour indicates that the right type of player was chosen in the first place—men who could be expected to improve from their experience on tour. As mentioned, there were faults at times in the work of the forwards which are not expected of Otago players, such as failure to follow and back up and halfhearted tackling, but these were largely rectified in the later matches, and from those who toured and the one or two who did not make the trip Otago should, in the near future, be again able to develop a pack to hold its own with the best in the country. THE PLAYERS. By his showing in tho Town-Country game some time ago, \V. H. Jolly, thu young Tarras player, attracted notice, and with his first game on the tour against North Auckland lie continued no good impressions that had been formed of him, and showed a ready aptitude to pick up the finer points, until by the end of tho tour bo stood it as tho most promising member ol Otago’s pack. It was unfortunate that i bout of influenza laid him low and ho had to retire after one spell in the final game against South Canterbury, (is work on the line-outs throughout the tour was of a high order, ho proved an adept at starting passing rushes from line-outs and rucks, and was one of those usually up with the play. In the tight there is no doubt he benefited from his association with Len Hill, tho Southern lock, who was one of the cleverest packmen on the •'do. Jolly’s nomination for the All Black trials was thoroughly deserved, and there is no doubt that in the ordinary course of events he will be of great service to his province for some years to come. Jolly is a fine stamp of packman—he is 23 years of ago, stands 6ft Ifin, weighs 14.9 and has nothing to spare. He gave of his best in every game, and both he and George Gregg, another young_ Vincent player, justified the selectors in trying out promising country players. Gregg lacked the finish of Jolly, but he, too, developed on the tour, and being possessed of keenness and zest and being built on the right lines is another who should bo beard of again FINE PACK LEADER. If ever a player proved his worth in a touring side Roy Nieper, Otago’s vice-captain, did, and playing in all but the North Auckland game he was an admirable leader of the forwards,

miming high praise for his clever play. Anything this man lacks in weight is more than made up for by brains, and his all-round forward play was a highlight of the tour. His backing up and his rush-stopping were always an example to the others, and he also did some very fine dribbling. His quickness in getting across to dropped passes and tackled ball was a tremendous asset to the side, and again and again tliis quality saved Otago’s line. It is safe to say that no Otago team at the present time is complete without him, and in the games in which ho skippered the side he revealed real ability as a captain.

Nieper’s versatility has always been known, but the display he gave against Canterbury when he was taken from the scrum at the last minute to fill a breach because of the inability of the recognised half-backs, L. H. Simpson and W. Campbell, to take the field would have to be seen to be believed. Ho played a game that would have done credit to any representative halfback in the country. It is true that at times his passes were not always well-placed or well-directed, but the few mistakes ho made in this direction were quickly retrieved, and ho was always there to straighten up the attack when there seemed a likelihood of it breaking down. His service was quick and ho opened up play and varied bis game in fine stylo. As a rush-stopper he had no peer, and for that matter his work in this department in every game was first-rate. The Otago vice-captain played a big part in Otago’s win over Canterbury, and deserved all the plaudits that were showered upon him. W. UHLelland was one of the best all-round forwards and thoroughly deserved his nomination for the trails. Ho gave some fine displays on tour,

From the point of view of spectacular football, however, Mitchell reached his greatest heights at Whangarei, and despite the heavy ground he made some magnificent bursts, his penetrating runs and the openings he made for his wings bearing the stamp of high class. He notched four tries in this game and each was a gem. Mitchell was an ideal captain on and off the field, and Otago could not be served by a better, it is a great loss to New Zealand that he has decided to give up big football. The critics in the north were convinced that he was playing as well as ever, and he has the satisfaction of having led Otago on one of its most successful northern tours.

his best game being against Canterbury. M'Lelland has had two years in the Otago pack, and is now one of the most finished forwards in the province. He took part in six games on tour.

Two of tho most consistent packmen were L. Naylor and L. Hill, both players fit for any Otago team. Naylor is a forward of experience. He represented Southland in 1931 and again in 1937, and this was his first year in an Otago team. He did not turn in pne indifferent display on tour, playing particularly well against Auckland, Canterbury, and South Canterbury. In tho final game at Timaru he was the best forward on the ground. Ho always followed up well, his control of the ball was admirable, and in backing up he was second only to Nieper. In Auckland, Naylor won warm praise from experienced critics for his clever forward game. Playing in more games than any other member of the team, L. HiU stood down only for the Canterbury match, but when Treacy retired injured during the second spell Hill came on, and thus had the distinction of being the only one to take the field \n every game. Tireless in the tight, he was a very good lock, and in lineout play Hill, Naylor, and Jolly were always a useful trio. J. Barron and J. Walker were another pair who did good work-in tne tight ; though not always played in positions in tho scrum to which they were accustomed. Barron _ was the best forward on the side against Wanganui on a day in which some of the others slipped rather badly. Walker and ho have gained experience on this tour which should be beneficial in tho future.

T. Graham, C. Quaid, and P. Treacy comprised a solid front row, Graham and Quaid dividing tho position as hooker. Graham perhaps had the toughest propositions, being pitted against Lambourn and Callaghan in the Wellington and Wanganui matches respectively. Lambourn was undoubtedly the cleverest and most skilful booker encountered on the tour. Outside of booking altogether Graham showed improvement in his play, his dribbling and his backing-up serving Ins side to good purpose. Quaid is still a good hooker and a rugged typo of front-ranker, who was always at his best where play was thickest. Though a little more spasmodic in some of the games than he used to be, his following up was of advantage to tho side on many occasions. Treacy was a consistent frontranker and a solid, bard worker in the tight. STARS OF THE BACK LINE. Neville Mitchell and Dave Trevatban were the stars of Otago’s_ back line, and Mitchell showed every time that he stepped on to the field that he was the complete footballer. _ It is no exaggeration to say that he is still the cleverest and most polished three-quarter-back in the country, and he was the directing genius for some of Otago’s most brilliant moves. There was nothing stereotyped about his play, and his perfect handling, thrust, and quickness in slipping through a gap made him a source of danger to the opposition at all times. His anticipation on defence was uncanny, and tho way he broke up the opposition attacks in many games was invaluable to his side. At Wellington be nearly retrieved the situation in a thrilling last few minutes, in which twice dazzling bursts nearly found him clear of the field. Ho bad the crowd on its feet, and similarly against Taranaki he led his men in inspired fashion in the last hectic rally which came just a shade too late.

Trevathan scarcely put a foot wrong throughout the tour, and after joining the team at Auckland he played in each of the live succeeding games. The steadiness and resource of Trevathan at first five-eighth were factors that enabled Otago’s speedy three-quarter lino to show its brilliance on many occasions, and had faster grounds been encountered the worth of Trevathan’s play would have been still more enhanced. Ho was always an admirable link in attack, and his saving work was of immense value to his side. Ho did not overdo his penchant for kicking field goals, and the only game in which ho did not put ono over was in Auckland, where, with a sodden ball and shocking conditions underfoot, it was scarcely to bo expected of him. His pot won the game against Wanganui, he registered Otago’s only points similarly against Taranaki, and put over a pot and a penalty goal against Canterbury. With an excellent understanding quickly developed between him and P.

A. Ongley,, who joined the -team for the last match at Timaru, Trovathan turned on a fine display against South Canterbury, which capped off his nlav during the tour. He was the outstanding player on the field, and the following taken from the Timaru ‘ Herald ’ sums up his game:— “ The opportunity of seeing 1). Trevathau in action was welcomed by the public and he did not disappoint them. His magic foot functioned well, for he converted one try with a brilliant kick, hut even this paled in comparison with his two field goals. The first, gained before half-time, was a gem. Receiving from Ongley, Trevatliau ran straight across field but suddenly the ball dropped and flew at right angles straight for the posts. Those who watched closely claimed to have discovered “ how it was clone ” just as they unearth the tricks of the conjuror. Ju the case of Trevathan, however, no trick is involved, for he has developed the kicking of field goals to a science. His second effort was from 50yds out and equally brilliant, though this lime he was not hustled. Apart from his kicking, Trevn.than proved the spearhead of the Otago attack, opening up movements on both flanks with a facility that stamped him as a class five-eighth. The opposition was not of the strongest, but sufficient was seen of tho ex-All Black to realise that ho is playing as well as ever.” Trovathau’s splendid handling on all occasions, his accurate and snappy passes, and his steadiness in all phases of tho game were no mean factors in the team’s successful showings on the tour. He is playing as well as at any stage of his career, and no better inside back was encountered on the tour. A REAL FIND. One of tho “ finds ” of the season was undoubtedly J. C. Kearney, who played at first five-eighth against North Auckland, and in his more accustomed berth a step further out against Wanganui and Taranaki. This 19-year-nld youngster was very unfortunate, in tearing a. shoulder muscle in tho Taranaki game, hut his football is ahead of him. and if ho fulfills his present promise lie will hr one of Otago’s star hacks in the years to come. He has a splendid pair'of hands and is a grand tackier, and at North Auckland, in opposition to the North Island Minor Unions’ first five, 0, Gib-

son, ho played a very line game indeed, having the edge on his opponent all day. iXcarney is a natural lootbailer, and only requires tUe opportunity to make a name lor himseit. Li. H. bimpsou was behind the scrum in the Wellington, Auckland, ana Taranaki games, and ho played most serviceable games. Ho opened up play well on all occasions, and as a deiensivo half ho was not shaded anywhere on the tour, bimpson’s best football should bo ahead of linn, and he is another player wko seems bound to make a name lor himself in the near future. There need bo no doubts about Wilhs Perriam’s possibilities as a footballer. He disappointed in some of the games in the north, but usually managed to produce a flash or two of real brilliance, with the Canterbury game showing him at his best. His excellent cover defence was always a feature of his play, but, as pointed out during the tour, the department of the game on which he must concentrate is in effecting improvement in his passing. The famous All Black five-eighth, N. P. M'Grogor, told the writer in Christchurch that Perriam was the type of player to improve on a big tour, for there is a lot of football in him, but he added that Perriam should devote more attention to his passing. He is young, and this is a fault that can bo rectified. If it is, Perriam should yet make a big name for himself. W. Campbell was another unlucky in the matter of injury, hut at North Auckland and Wanganui he functioned well as half-back, and again showed his worth as a utility back by shaping well at second five-eighth against South Canterbury. He thoroughly justified his inclusion in the team. RESOURCEFUL WINGERS. Of the three-quarters, W. A. Black and D. Murray proved to be the stars, and it was rather a pity that neither played against Canterbury when the South Island selectors wore present, the former having returned homo and Murray standing down. Black reached the best,form of his career, and greatly impressed the northern critics, especially in Auckland, where he was the best winger on the field. With better ground conditions he would undoubtedly have added to Oatgo’s point-scor-ing record. At Whangarei he turned in an outstanding game at full-hack, his fielding, kicking, and tackling being alike first class and causing surprised comment from North Aucklanders as to why he had not been tried in the position before. Murray was a decided success on the wing, showing pace and resource. He was one of the best handlers in the team, and his ability to bring his inside men into attacking movements again was of considerable service to the team. His defence always was very sound. B. A. Taylor and A. E. Churchill, the other wings, were disappointing at times, but Churchill especially showed that the tour had benefited him by giving a fine display against South Canterbury, scoring two good tries and paving the way for a field goal by Trevathan. Churchill is very fast, and shows much dash, while he is determined on attack. His main fault, and this applies to Taylor also, is an inclination to turn too frequently infield, this causing stoppages in some of the best Otago back moves in the north. His fielding, too, should have attention. In this respect Taylor was ahead Of Churchill, but his positional play was nob always sound. Both are promising and will be heard from again. SILVER IMPRESSES. Ron. Silver enhanced his reputation as a full-hack by his play on tour, taking part in all but the N T orth Auckland game. His positional play was usually good, his kicking was of greater length than of any full-back encountered on the tour, not even excluding J. M. Taylor, and his fielding was, with few exceptions, very reliable. He had one or two lapses in the matter or rushstopping, but his play in this department and in tackling could rarely be faulted, and his coolness was usually a feature of the play of one who turned in some very impressive games on the tour.

Mention of the Otago team would be incomplete without praise being given to the masseur, Mr C. M'Queen, to whose efficient attention to the players must go tho credit for injuries taking such light toll of the team. The hospitality showered upon the players at every place visited was unbounded, and helped to lighten the burden of such extensive travelling, and it was surprising, too, to meet so many old Otago players and supporters everywhere. Socially, the players, one and all, enjoyed the tour, and in this respect they derived much pleasure from the presence of a piper in the person of Jim Barron. It is worth noting, too, that the rousing songs such as ‘ Cheer, Boys, Cheer, We Are Otago,’ ‘ Aloha,’ and others of a like kind found favour wherever the team appeared. The 1939 tour of the Otago .Rugby team has shown that the standard Of football in this province can still compare with the best, and in the ordinary course of events Otago will have many promising players to call upon in the years to come. MATCH PERFORMANCES Versus Wellington, lost 3-7. Try by N. A. Mitchell to potted goal and try by J. M. Taylor. Versus North Auckland, won 25-13. Tries by N. A. Mitchell (4), A. E. Churchill, I). Murray, and W. McClelland, and two conversions by W. I. Remain, to tries by C. Gibson and R. White, two conversions and a penalty goal by R. White. Versus Auckland, drawn, 3-3. Penalty goal by W. 1. Remain to try by W. Smith. . Versus Wanganui, won 4-0. Potted goal by D. Trevathan. Versus Taranaki, lost 4-8. Potted goal bv H. Trevathan to trios by P. Toro and C. Sullivan, and one conversion by H. Johns. Versus Canterbury, won 10-3. fry by B. A. Taylor and penalty goal and potted goal by 1). Trcyathau to penalty goal by J. J. M’Auliffe. Versus South Canterbury, won 35-6. Tries by A. E. Churchill (2), W. Campbell (2), D. Trevathan, and R. Nieper, two potted goals and one conversion by D. Trevathan, a penalty goal and two conversions by R. Silver, to a penalty goal and a try by W. Murphy. Played 7; won 4; lost 2; drawn I. Points for, 84; points against, 40. POINT-GETTERS. The point-getters were as follows: —

PLAYING RECORDS. W., Wellington; N.A., North Auckland; A., Auckland; AVang., Wanganui; T., Taranaki; C., Canterbury; S.C., South Canterbury; i, replaced injured player). L. Hill.—W M N.A., A., Wang., T., iC., S.C.—6J. R. Silver. —W., A., Wang., T., C., S.C.—6. C. Quaid. —W., N.A., A., T,, C., S.C.—6. P. Treacy.—W., N.A., A., T., C. (retired in second spell and replaced by L Hill), S.C.—6. R. Nieper.—AV., A., Wang., T., C., S.C.—6. L. Naylor.—W., N.A., A., Wang., Q g 0 0 AV.’ M'Clelland.—W., N.A., A., Wang,. T., C.—6. W. I. Perriam.—W., N.A., A., Wang., ST., C.—sh W. H. Jolly.—N.A., A., T., C., S. (retired at half-time and replaced by J. Barron). T. Graham.—W.. Wang.,. T., C., g q I). Trevathan.—A., Wang., T., C., g Q g N. A. Mitchell.—W.. N.A., A., T., Q g J. Barron.—W., Wang., T., C., JS.C.—4J. W. J. A. Black.—AY., N.A., A., T. 4. A. E. Churchill.—N.A, Wang., C., S.C.—4. D. Murray.—N.A., A., T., S.C.—4, J. Walker.—N.A., A., Wang., C.— 4. B. A. Taylor.—W 7 ., AVang., C.—3. Jj. H. Simpson.—W, t A., £.—g.

J. 0. Kearney.—N.A., Wang., T. (retired injured in first spell and renlaced by Perriam) —3. W. Campbell. —N.A., Wang., S.C. I G. Gregg.—N.A., Wang., S.C.—3. L. Werner —S.C.—l. P. A. Ongley.—S.C.—1. T, Berghan. —W.—1.

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