"GOOD ALL-ROUND SIDE"

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Issue 161, 26 July 1937, Page 3

"GOOD ALL-ROUND SIDE"

Press Association.)

Auckland Captain Impressed

(By Telegraph—

AUCKLAND, Last Night. "The Springboks impressed me as being a very good all-round side, ' ' commented B. A. Killeen, the Auckland captain, "and I am strongly of opinion that they are probably a far better team than they appeared to-day. The outstanding feature of their game was the splendid team work, particularly in backing up and in clever in-passing among the backs. Taken as a whole, however, I think that they are more solid than brilliant. The game for the most part was exceptionally clean although there we^e a nuinber of hard rallies among the forwards. ' 1 Individually I consider that the Auckland players held the visitors well and the difference between the teams on the day's play was that of combination. The Springboks have developed a fine team understanding as t/he result of their Australian tour, while the Auckland side had not previonsly played together. "Unlike typical Springboks sides they surprised me by their policy of 'feeding their backline at almost every opportunity, particuTarly their very capable and pacy wingers. If they , continue to play this type of football in New Zealand they should be one of the most popular teams yet to have visited the Dominion." Killeen was greatly impressed by the play of Babrow, one of the centres, whom he considered would prove one of the stars of the side. Commenting on the individual performances 'of the Auckland players Killeen was enthusiastic about the fine . display given by Hull, the lock forward, whom he selectcd as the best all-round member of the pack. Pepper and Pearce also played with great 'devil,' while Hadley considering the lack of weight behind him had hooked splendidly. Frankham gave a typically sound and solid display behind the scrum, while Byerley and Dick on the wings played great games. ' Asked his opinion of.the prospects of the All BlaClcs against the visitors, Killeen considered that New Zealand could field players every bit the equal of the Springboks. The All Black paclc would certainly be able to hold its-owu. "New Zealand has backs just as fast and brilliant as the Springboks and 1 expect them to test the visitors soveroly." He said although the Springboks dispiayed undoubted attaeking ability tlhere was not tho brilliant constructive ability among the insidtbacks which the New Zealand team is likely to display.