THE ALL BLACKS.

Hokitika Guardian, 5 December 1924, Page 1

THE ALL BLACKS.

A COMPARISON WITH THE 1905 TEAAL

(Daily Alail. Oct. 17)

The All Blacks, who return to ike Midlands in a. few weeks’ time for their matches with AYarwicksliire and the 'East Alidlands, have now completed a third of their engagements, and the question is being asked everywhere: Which is the hotter of the two New Zealand teams—the pioneers of 1905-0 or the present one? It is very difficult to form a true estimate of their relative values, as our game lias changed so considerably, and the present opposition provided hv the specially selected county XVs. is much stronger titan the club sides which were so easily overcome by Gallagher's men. as witness the splendid fights made by Devon, Somerset, Gloucestershire, and Cheshire. The first All Backs revolutionised the game, and thanks to the lesson learnt from their visit, we are in a far better position to anticipate and combat the attack of a combination of star players win, engage in a more open and faster game in New Zealand than we do in tin’s country.

These of us who followed closely the fortunes of the first touring team think they were the finest lioily of Rugby players that ever took tile field. Our present visitors, however, are unquestionably a magnificent team, possessing pace, weight and cleverness, but in liiv opinion they are not quite so good as their predecssors.

The pack are powerful and clever in the loose hut do not excel in the serummage work. Neither have they a P. Hunter, the finest half or five-eighths of till time, though A. F. Cooke is supposed to he li is replica. The present hack division do not appear to run as straight as did P. Roberts, G. AY. Smith, and F. A\ T . Stead, hut in G. Nepia they possess a. full-back who will compare with the best yet rapped by any country. But it will take a powerful team to lower their colours.

iUITBAIiIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION. ENGLISH CAPTAIN’S A*TEM'S. LONDON, December 3. The “ Daily Mail ” interviewed AH AYakelield, tho captain of the English team to play the All Blacks oil January 3. Ho predicted a splendidly even game, if the English team played equal to the sides that had been put into the field during the past five years. The New Zealanders were wonderful opportunists, and woo betide the opponents who made any mistakes. The secret of tho All Blacks’ success was their sparkling individual support. AA’heiievor a pass was bungled, others were always there. The New Zealanders had not shown superiority in th<‘ serums. Nevertheless they had scored heavily, proving that they are a hotter side than the All Blacks of 1905. Ill* added: “If the All Blacks get a fail* share of the ball from the serums, they will also keep command in the liiieonts, where they arc brilliant and will severely test their opponents.” DETERMINED NOT TO LOSE.

LONDON, December 3. The All Blacks are determined to maintain their unbeaten record. They are taking no risks. The British Olympic Association intended entertaining the visitors at a banquet at winch Mr Baldwin (Prime Minister) would preside over a gathering of the lead ing English spoilsmen. The New Zealanders, in view of their strenuous fixtures ahead, have regretfully declined this and many similar invitations.

The Association is now contenting itself with writing a letter to the All Blacks, expressing appreciation ol their wonderful record.

LEAGUE OFFERS TO ALL BLACKS. LONDON, December 3. Several of the All Blacks have refused substantial offers from Northern Union Clubs, preferring to remain amateurs.