THE ALL BLACKS.

Hokitika Guardian, 18 November 1924, Page 1

THE ALL BLACKS.

BRIGHT ACCOUNT OF SWANSEA MATCH.

Swansea, the first of the purely club sides to meet the New Zealanders, came up against it with a rare bump at the St Helen’s ground to-day (states the “Sunday Express'” of Scptemlier 28). The All Blacks had won their previous four matches against West Country county fifteens in England, with perhaps not too limcli to spare, and high hopes had Loon engendered that the All AYliites would be the first to lower the colours of the tourists. The All Blacks however, found their best form, and on their doings to-day they must he held in the greatest respect. They scored no fewer than nine tries a feat seldom approached by visiting teams at St Helens—and in the end romped home winners liy four placed goals, a dropped kick and five tries to a penalty goal. So the New Zealanders can still claim that their line lias not yet heen crossed, and. after to-day’s debacle, it looks as though it will need an international fifteen to put them through their paces. Swansea’s special preparation went fur nothing. Once the All Blacks had found their form they swept through a bewildered defence in the most dazzling fashion. They paid Swansea the compliment of placing practically their best—if they have a host—fifteen in the field. Have we underrated these brilliant exponents of the reverse pass P It looks as though some of the critics will have to cat their words now that the pride of West Wales has been humbled ill such a startling manner. Of what avail was the special training against the virile attacks of a body of men imbued with all the braciness of Skegness and the youthful spirits of Uncle Krtischcn. Fifty thousand ijpople saw this great display, and went away marvelling that Swansea, could he so overwhelmed as to he made to look like no-

Steel. Brown and Lucas, the All Blacks’ three-quarters, ran and handled magnificently, after Nicholls and Cooke bad cut the way by elusive and bamboozling tactics worthy of Welshmen nt their host. It took- a little time for both sides to settle down, and the early stages of the game saw the Welsh forwards flattering by sonic great rushes. Then Nepia came into the picture with a gorgeous run when most people expected him to kick to touch. AYe are told he was unorthodox before he came. He showed it to-dav, and with no small success, either. Soon New Zealand were attacking. Lucas nearly got over, and the Swansea hacks had to work hard to clear their linos.

At length the New Zealand hack machine got moving. There was some dazzling handling, and Nicholls found himself with a golden opportunity. He took it and dropped a beautiful goal. This was giving the Welshmen a taste of their own medicine. Swansea bad their share of play for a time, but were hustled and fumbled the ball in their anxiety, and for the mistake they had to pay the price in Hie shape of two tries by Lucas and Trvine. So New Zealand led at half-time by a dropped goal and two tries to nothing.

They bad tasted blood, and on changing over they went all out for the “grand slam.” Swansea were swamped, battered, bamboozled and beaten to the ground. Quite early came the onslaught, and before long a “deep depression” swept over the ground and the atmosphere was electrical with Rugby sparks and flashes. Nicholls kicked a goal from a try by Drown, ami after Parker had landed a penalty goal for Swansea. Hie “floods” came. Steel. Brown. M. Brownlie rapidly went over with tries. Nicholls kicking two more goals, and before the end flirt her tries were put on by Steel and Cooke while Nicholls placed another goal. That was the end “And a very good end. Inn.*’ said the Ail Blacks.

FLIGHT OVER LONDON

[Reuters Tei,scrams.]

LONDON. November 17. Tbo All Blacks on Sunday made an aeroplane flight over Loudon. They went in three aeroplanes, one of these accommodating fourteen, and another eight. These two machines ordinarily would carry twenty-two passengers, and a quantity of luggage easily, but 22 of the AM Blacks proved to he so heavy without any luggage, that a third aeroplane bad to be requisitioned

The New Zealanders were so satisfied with the flight that they intend to fly to France.