ALL BLACKS

Hokitika Guardian, 26 May 1928, Page 2

ALL BLACKS

PROSPECTS IN SOUTH AFRICA. (Some encouraging views of the AH Blacks tour are expressed by an exNew Zealander who is now resident in Johannesburg. Writing to a friend in Now Zealand he states that “it is quite a mistake to say that all our grounds are terribly hard. That is not so. There are turf grounds in Capetown, Port Elizabeth, East London, Durban, Bloemfontein, Johannesburg, and Pretoria —in fact the ground of the Wanderers is probably as fine as you will find anywhere in the world. The German East kikuyu grass was planted there with very great success. It is like a big green cushion.”

The writer of tho foregoing note regarding South African grounds is far from optimistic regarding the prospects of the South African teams. Ho says: “I predict that we are going to be hen ton through the centre by the opportunism of your fast forwards. Please note this and see whether my words do not* come true. Of tho 1921 team two members Aldstcrt ail'd Kruger,, still remain our two host forwards. Then we have Dr Van Druten, of tho Harlequins, and Fretorious, of the Diggers. After that there is a big drop. I cannot see any of tho provinces outside tho Western province and the Transvaal, providing a single Test player. Our halves (principally the fly-halves) will he mainly kicking, with poor defence. Our centres are weak and our wings fair. Our forwards, except those I have mentioned, are on the slow side.”

(Special to Press Association.)

(Received this dav at 8.30 a.m.)

DURBAN, Alav 25.

The Enripedes will he delayed at Durban till Sunday and will not arrive at Capetown at the earliest till the day of tlio first match. The All Blacks leave by train to-niglit via JohannesImrg and arrive at the Cape on Alonday. The manager refused an offer of a special train owing to the expense. Tlic papers laud the sporting decision.