THE ALL BLACKS.

Hokitika Guardian, 1 December 1924, Page 1

THE ALL BLACKS.

WALKS B Eat EX. SCORED 19 POINTS TO 0., [Reuters Telegrams.] LONDON, Xovmber 29 Before an enormous crowd, the All Blacks to-day avenged the defeat of their predccssors of 1905 hy soundly beating Wales in a game in which they never gave their opponents a chance from the beginning to the end. The New Zealanders kept up relentless pressure, under which the Welsh defence crumbled, and, though, once or twice, the local men raised, the hopes of the onlookers at the bell they had to leave the Jield beaten, hy nineteen points to nil, and not even a solitary score to offset the New Zealanders’ fine total. The weather, at the start, was bright after heavy rain, and the ground was on the soft sitle.

The visitors had greatly benefited hy their week’s stay at Tenby Mill, where they had been diligently practising scrum work in order to eradicate some of their weaknesses. The memorable scent's that were witnessed in the historic oneoiinler a 1 Cardiff in 1905 were re-enacted at Swansea to-day.

The greatest crowd that ever packed the St. Helen’s ground sang with intensely patriotic fervour "Land of My Fathers’ and “The March of the Men of Harlech,’' in a manner of which only the Welsh football enthusiast is capable. No visiting team could remain altogether insensitive to the influence of the peculiar atmosphere invariably associated with an international match on a Welsh ground. Callnhor’s men experienced their full share ol this intense Celtic emotionalism and it is generally recognised that it affected, in some measure their play on that day. Nevertheless this now team from New Zealand entered the field with unshaken determination to avenge that defeat, anil the rigid preparation llial they had undergone, met with its toward and it enabled them to achieve the greatest ambition of their tour. The gates had to he closed long before the start and the attendance is estimated at 50.000 people. The AAelsli team aroused immediate enthusiasm, hy answering the All Blacks war try with an improvised one of their own. There was some delay before the game began owing to dispute over the ball, but finally Wales, having lost the toss, kicked oil against a slight breeze. The Welsh forwards took up an aggressive attitude for a moment, anti they resolutely dribbed into the New Zealand territory, but- it- was only a Hash in the pan. for some fine kicking by Cooke gained ground up the touch lino, and transferred the- play to the Welsh line. Here, the impetuosity of the local forwards got them into trouble for ofl'-s-idc play. Several penalties were given against them, and from one, Nicltolls had an easy chance at goal, and he sent the ball across the bar "to the dismay of the vast crowd. New /calami 5 Wales 0 The A. 11 Blacks had scored within fifteen minutes of the kicking oil. I'h All Blacks maintained continuous pressure, and they drove their hardest at the Wales line.

Xieliolls was playing brilliantly, ami ho was nearly across once, lml the Welshmen were putting up a desperate defence, ami lie was cellared in time. Du tlie All Macks came again. N'u la eat hi a:; time ue . alluued. As la t as iiMe ilasli failed. another was slarleil; mu- cuiild tin* ilel'emlers, strive as tlicv might. clear llicir f|Uarlers. From this sustained Xew Zealand pressure there was mi respite and til least it found a gap fifteen yards from the.anal line, Al. Brownlie secured the hall, and, u>in" his strength, the lnirly llawkes’ jjay forward slink oil' every npponeut, ami he forced his way through ami crossed the line. Xieliolls converted, and with ‘Jo minutes "one New Zetland was leading by Xew Zealand S AVales 0 At this stage. AVetter. tin* Wales captain temporarily retired hurt, and most unfortunately rain came on again. Tito wet. hall, however, did not seek to affect the All Blacks so adversely as it had done in their previous matches, ft was evident they were keyed up to a pitch that nothin" could damp. Iho Xew Zealand forwards, nhnul whose capability to stand up to the Welsh moil doubts had been expressed hy various critics were playing with such sustained dash and determination that they dominated the "time. Once more thev drove up to the AVelsli line. There was a holler skelter scramble with the slippery hull jumping here and there among the players feet, and then Trvine. from the welter of mingled jerseys was seen forging with it in his arms. Finally Irvine fell across to land the second try for Xew Zealand. Xieliolls only just failed to land the goal from this try. and the first half ended : Xew Zealand H AVales 0

Thus far the All Blacks had completely outpaced their opponents. They carried most of flu* serums. J hoy got much more of the hall from the line outs, and they had maintained a continuous pressure which never slackened. The hard name had the cfloot of trvin" the tempers of severe,l of the men on Imtli shies, and the referee considered it necessary to administer some mild warnings.

After the interval. Captain AVetter reappeared, hut he was still limping hadlv. Upon resuming play, the AVelsli forwards.-'who had had time to regain their breath in the interval, began well, as in the first half. They raised the hopes of their supporters, who now were very crestfallen indeed, hy rushing the l,ali up to an attack on the Xew Zealand line, which lasted for quite a time. The defence was strongly tried, hut it was equal to the occasion, and remained unbroken. Xepia with some magnificent l:icks into touch, repeatedly drove the invaders hack, and presently they had shot their bolt. Cooke. Steel and Barker then joined in a magnificent rush which ended in the first-named crossing the line hut the try was disallowed. Both of the full hacks. Xepia and Johnson, here came into the limelight with some splendid fielding and kicking, which aroused the enthusiasm of the spectators. Once more the AA’elshmen succeeded in pushing their opponents back and the game was going in the Xew Zealander’s quarters. Spoiling tactics on both sides prevented much open play until Steel gathered in the centre and started on one of his powerful runs. He was on the verge of storing, but he was pushed into touch when a try lookel certain. This was the prelude to a glorious passing rush hv the AH Blacks which brought about a serum in the corner. Here Mill cleverly worked the blind side. He passed with judgment to Svenson and the latter got over. Xieholl’s kick at goal faded. New Zealand AV ales 0 Both sides were now playing at a

high speed, the pace at times being tremendous, Wales showing much improved combination among the hacks. Rowe lianling got one chance, and he ran through everyone, till he reached Nopm, hut the Maori was equal to the occasion, and he grassed his man with certainty. Tlio light was now beginning to fail and the final stages of the game were fought out in a gathering gloom. Just on the call of time, Irvine got the ball at his feet, and after a brilliant piece of dribbling he scored again, with a try under the posts. Nieholls had no difficulty in converting anil the game ended:

New Zealand 19 Wales 0 FURTHER PARTICULARS. (Received this day at 9 n.m.) LONDON, November 29. One paramount factor in the All Blacks’ success was their pronounced superiority in speed. Harding alone among the Welsh hacks, was comparable with them. The game, critically viewed, was of a surprisingly scraggy nature, neither side exhibiting the combination equal to the best they have shown in other games. Both packs indulged liberally in much unnecessary mauling, playing the man. The game was extremely hard to control. and the referee was rather indiligent as regards roughness and illegalities combined with a stringent allowance of marks for rebounds.

'The game altogether lacked the sparkling, regular and methodical display oT tlie previous match at Swansea. The Welsh offside propensities were n continual feature. Wales was penalised nine times and the All Blacks five. 'l’hc game was the poorest reflex of the previous match in Gallnhor’s time. Although possessing its rugged ness, it was not an inspiring spectacle, generally consisting largely of spoiling tactics by both sides. The best feature was the Welshmen's determined tackling. The contest undoubtedly proves the Welsh deterioration is most marked in the poverty of tactical variety of attack among the rearguard, while the Welsh forwards failed utterly to equal local expectations. The All Blacks’ methods throughout were excellent, denoting confidence and

resource. Brownlie, Richardson, Irvine and Guppies were prominent among the visiting forwards, while Nieholls, Nepia, Cooke and Mill shone among tlm hacks. AY a! es gained possession from the scrums. The result came ns a great shock to Welsh Rugby prestige, lit all departments the Welshmen were (onipletely outclassed, most markedly so in the hack division.

BEFORE THE -MATCH. LONDON, November 2S. Colonel I’hilip Trevor, writing in the “ Daily Telegraph” says: “ If there is anv real meaning in the term “established form.,” I certainly do not think the New Zealanders are likely In he beaten by Wales to-morrow. The Welsh, hopes are high. This is more because of the New Zealanders’ sins of omission against Newport and Cardill' Ilian owing to Wales's strength. The Welsh selectors make no secret of it that they have found themselves short of material. . Colonel Trevor criticises the Welsh decision to play two standoff halves, lie says that experience lias shown the host way to worry the New Zealanders is to confront them with a solid pack „f scrummages instead of trying dnuUInl experiments. 11,, ex|iiC'.-cd the opinion Ihnl liner w cat her would better the elm of Ihe New Zenlsinders, who are from til) io 70 per cent less effective in the mud (hail on the dry toil. Most of the other critics express the opinion that the New Zealanders will

COMMENT ON MATCH A AY EM. BEATEN SIDE

(Received this day at 10 a.m.) I-OX BOX, November "OThere was an amazing scene at Swansea before the match, the whole coilcoiirxe singing national airs ami hymns, |,ut the spirit this fervour was expelled to put into the play ol their countrymen was singularly lacking, AVales was completely beaten by a side faster, cleverer and infinitely more resourceful in everything they did. Ibe whole storv of the match is summed is that the New Zealanders played like a team, while AVales never gave the impression r.f having any settled policy. Xot even the injury to the AAelsli halfhack. AVetter. causing his retirement half way through the first half and keeping him lame all through the second period, could he urged as an excuse. The AVelsli forwards were not heavy enough or fast enough, but it was liehind the serum where the great difference was most perceptible. The All Ithu-ks executed fine handling movements with the greasy ball, but AVales brought oil' scarcely one that looked like materialising in a score. There was a terrific battle between the forwards and the referee spoke to the players on both sides more than once, when their tempers were lost. Neither side could not he blamed more than the other.

INJURED ABB BLACKS. AVKBBINCTON, November 29. The Xew Zealand Rughv Union received a cable from Air Doan (manager „r the All Blacks) statin" that Harvey underwent a slight operation on Sunday last, and is progressing favourably. Stewart is suffering from a slighL attack of pleurisy. Alamo has knee trouble, while AA'hite has torn a ligament ill his shoulder. All are doin* well, and at the time of cabling were confident regarding the game with AVales. HOAV THE 1905 TEAM AVF.XT UNDER.

'H,o meeting between the New Zealand team and AA ales at Oardifl on December IG. 1905. was without question the most remarkable match in the history of the Rugby game. More ink has been spilt over this clash lietwecn mighty Rugby forces in the intervening vears than has been used in describing all the internationals which have boon played since. <-Th all-conquering AH Blacks at in.st tasted the bitterness of defeat.” wrote Afr .T. A. Buttery in the ‘‘Daily Alail” in a graphic account, of the epic struggle. '“After twenty-seven consecutive victories —nearly all of them of the most electrifying character—over the pick of English', Irish and Scottish Rugby football. they were beaten by AVales at Cardiff, by a try to nothing, amid a scene of indescribable Celtic excitement It was a victory fair and square, and had nothing of the nature of n fluke about it. Indeed, it is not too much to say that on the afternoon s plav the Welshmen were more than three points the better team. They deserved to win through their superior excellence in even- department of the game; and those steadfast Cymric hearts which quailed not through a t the long run of unbroken AU Black

successes, disdaining the possibility of AVelsli defeat, must now be glowing with rare pride and satisfaction. “The scene on the ground, was an unparalleled one, even for a AVelsli football match. As early as nine o’clock excited youths and men—some of whom had travelled all night from the remoter colliery districts—clamoured for admission at the gates. These were opened soon after ten, and by noon there was scarcely standing room left. A vast sea of eager exeited faces, packed tier upon tier sonic fifty or sixty deep, fringed tlio ground. From it there arose a continuous crackle of ardent Celtic chatter, broken every now and again hy the deep, harmonious resonance of some patriotic refrain, which started hy a small knot here and there, was caught up on cither side until the whole ground became envelo]>ed in a noble volume of sound, pcifect in rhythm and feeling, as from -10,000 trained choristers, led by some invisible master baton. An entirely different crowd from the crowds that witnessed the defeat of England and Scotland and Ireland. Full of fire and enthusiasm with only one thought—the thought of victory. There was a semireligious, almost fanatical invocation in the fervour with which tlio vast assembly took up the strain:

‘The land of my fathers! ‘The land of the free!’ “The All Blacks listened spellbound to the weirdly beautiful incantation, and they never seemed quite able to shake o(f its effects while the game .lasted. It was a hard, scrambling game for the most part—-both sides wrought to the highest pitch of excitement—relieved by some bright flashes of AVelsli passing, which, although not making much ground nevertheless throw into hold relief the i.nc-ipaci tv of ttliqir opponents in a department in which, although expected to shine, they failed most signally. There was scarcely a glimpse of the beautiful precision among the hacks that had spread devastation throughout England, Ireland, and Scotland.

“Gallaher, who was early in trouble with the referee, received no mercy ether from his opponents or the spectators. Indeed, the latter wore most unfair to him. Throughout the game he was subjected to a pitiless fusiladc of epithets, which must have been disconcerting to a degree. But though Gnllalicr kept cool under provoking circumstances. many others of the team wore visibly upset, and an air of nervousness seemed to pervade the ranks. Not only Mynott, hut Hunter and Deans, usually so safe, failed to take or give passes time after time, and that with no opponent near them. AVhilo as for Gillott. the full-hack, lie appeared most unnerved, a.s if the greatness of the occasion wore too much for him. And the more hesitating and anxious the All Blacks grew, the more confident and daring became the attacks of the AA’clshmen, urged on 1 v the frantic cries of the crowd. Of a truth, the Cymric incantation was work ing well.

‘Tilings ■were in tins stale wlion Owen ..at possession in ilie New Zealand twenty-live, mid drawing the defence to the right- li.v a superb feint, threw a long high pass hack to Cliff Pritehaid, who passed to Claim, who in turn transferred to -Morgan for that speedy winger to race down the loft touch-line ami evading Gillctt’.s tackle, ground the hall just over the goal-line. Wales had scored a try as it turned out. the only wore of the nialoli and for a lew minutes it seemed a-s il every throat' in the I'rim ipaltly, ftnm Onue's Head to Milford Haven, was eelehrating tlm event. Every one. of the -10,000 felts gave full rein to his passionate ternjiornmont. looking moil scioninod tliomsclvos lioarso in incoherent ere?taev, while the more excitahle preened and ' spluttered themselves purple in inarticulate .spasms of frenzied delight. Wales lmd scored a fry! Wales was winning! ! Wales would win! ! I “Time after time in the second spell the All Black hosts surged right up to the Welsh line, hut never quite over, though time after time Welsh hearts leapt to their throats in agonised fear that they would. It was now that Wallace, (haling under the prolonged inaction which the colonial three-quarter line had endured, rushed with the desperation horn of despair into the thick of the fray. Gathering the hall Irani an opponent's toe, lie tore his way through every obstacle, and in a tin ice was speeding down the field. "ith Beans on his Hank, and only two opponents to pass. It looked an absolutely certain trv. Winfield went for W alia, e a dozen yards from the line, but ere lie could reach him the hall had been passed out to Beans racing down the tomh-line. lie, too, was collared. l Ml t „ot before he had grounded across the Welsh line, though the referee whose decision is hound to be accepted in such matters—declared that he had been held up. and ordered a serum. The New Zealand team in this memorable match was constituted as follows; —G-illott: McGregor. Beans, Wallace: Mynot-l. Hunter: Huberts: Gallahcr: O’Sullivan. Tyler. Casey, Newton. Glasgow. McDonald and Seeling. A correspondent writes: —“Alter the defeat of the New Zealanders by Wales in if)0o, Gallaher, their famous captain was standing on the steps of the hotel. . ~v An urchin passed, crying, | • Zealand mourning cards! New Zealand mourning cards! Buy a card. Sir? revs he to Gallaher. “No.” sa.i<l Gallaher. “I don t need one. I was present at the funeral. ’

RESULTS TO DATE. Following arc Die results to date (with scores of 1005 team for purposes of comparison) and matches to lie played l.v the All Blacks: 1921. 1900. v. Devon 11-0 v. Cornwall ... 29-0 41-0 v. Somerset ... o—o 23—0 v. (lloiu-ester ... o—o 44 v. Swansea ... 39—3 4 v. Newport ... 13—10 C—3 v. Leicester ••• 2.—0 28— v. North Midlands 40—3 21 —o v. Cheshire 13—0 31—0 v. Durham 43—7 10—3 v. Yorkshire ... 42—4 40—0 v. Lancashire ... 23—0 •v. Cumberland ... —41—0 ‘ v. Ireland ••• o—o lo—v. Ulster ••• 28—6 —— v Northumberland 27—4 31—o r. Cambridge Unv. o—o 11—0 v London Counties 31—6_ —— v Oxford University 33-15 4.—0 v. Cardiff - 10-8 10-8

COMING MATCHES. December 2.-v. Llanelly. -q-, c , f; v, East- Midland at Northampton. Doc . 10.—v. Warwickshire, at Coventry. . _ - entrv (second match). Dee. 13 —v. Combined Services nt Twickenliam. _ ~ •j} ec 17—v. Hantpslnre at Portsmouth. _ . , H ec 27—v. London Counties (second match). Jan. 3—ENGLAND (15-0-.