THE ALL BLACKS.

Hokitika Guardian, 22 January 1925, Page 1

THE ALL BLACKS.

MR A. GEDDES’S VIEWS. TTMA.RU, Jan. 20. “The tour lias been a wonderful success,” said Mr A. Geddes, of Invercargill, one of the New Zealand All Black selectors, in conovrsation with a reporter this morning. “We gambled on picking voting players who could stand up to the strain of a strenuous tour, and who would benefit by the experience, and they have not let us down. Asked how ho thought the team compared with the 1 905 team. Air Geddes said that he held before the tour eom-' lnenced that the team would turn out to be better till round, tfnd their performance had justified that opinion. With the 1905 team it was noticeable that in the last few matches they were getting stale and were only winning by small margins, hut the present team were just getting “mushed up” and were piling up big scores. “There is no doubt.” remarked Mr Geddes. “that Rugby has improved in England, and this fact makes the success of the tour all the more meritorious. The selectors had some doubt concerning one or two at the start, but it was not long before our fears were dispelled. They have all clone remarkable well and we are more than pleased with them. Personally. I could not see them beaten, and I am proud of their achievements. “Some of the newspapers were verv ready to pick the selectors to pieces after the Australian tour, and they could not see whv Ncpia or AliU should l>e included; both have more than justified their inclusion, hub the critics will not give the hoys their just clues. What heat Ncpia in Australia was rite fast grounds in comparison to the New Zealand grounds, hut the selectors had no doubt. Tn selecting the two halves Xlill and Dallev. we thought we had hoys who would stand the strain, and they have justified our confidence.” Referring to R. Stewart. Mr Geddes said he had had a had ran of luck, hut ho had made good, and would certainly he of value next season. Harvey, too, had been dogged by ill-luck, hut Loth would benefit by the experience gained in the matches played. “Much has been said,” continued Mr Gothics, “about Paewai, Robillinrd, and Brown, and although they may not have nlnvcd in many matches, tlicv have all benefited by the experience. T maintain that Paewai is a good nov. but it was impossible to break the combination shown by Nieltolls, McGregor, and Cooke.” . „ Touching the incident concerning i . Brownlie "in t,hc English match, Mr Geddes said he knew that Brownlie would feel it verv much. “j have seen Brownlie play for the last three seasons,” said Mr Geddes. “and I am sure Brownlie has no dirt in him. He played hard football, and T don’t think he realises the power ho Mr Geddes concluded by stating that the members of the team had earned the gratitude of the selectors, for they had done their work well. Both on and off the field they had proved themselves gentlemen. MAYOR OF TOULOUSE THANKED AVELTJNTON. Jan. 21. The Premier has sent the following reply to the Mayor of Toulouse legariling Hie All Blacks: Sincere thanks for your kind message and hospitality extended to All Blacks. New Zen hi no warmly reciprocates your fraternal salutations.” TURNING HOMEWARDS. LONDON. Jan. 20. The All Blacks have returned from France. They will leave for New Zealand on Saturday. All are enjoying their freedom from training, and they are busy sight-see-ing. Most of ill" men possess sets ol jerseys exchanged hv their rivals, ai d several treasure the footballs used in the big games. Ncpia hits become the envied possessor of the hall used in the International match against England. The sportsmen’s luncheon to Die team to-morrow promises to he n most unique function. Ihe Prince of 1\ aios. instead of the President, will, at his own request, propose the team’s health, lord Des'horongh will preside. At a meeting of the Rughv Union a resolution was passed congratulating (he All Black's team on their unbeaten record.