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Hokitika Guardian, 12 June 1928, Page 2

Have the mighty fallen? Tho All Blacks, world-famous beeauso of their prowess in. the football arena, had come to be considered invincible. Rugby football lias I seen made essentially the outdoor game for Xew Zealand, just as Australia lias excelled at cricket. But it has remained for South Africa to check the victorious career of the All Blacks. Of the four matches played two have been won and two lost. It might be thought that honors were even, but hitherto there was nothing half and half about the All Blacks record, and reading the story of the matches it wotdd appear "that the team abroad lias been more than defeated, it has been rattled. An occasional defeat need not create any alarm, for even a Limerick must have his day off and be caught napping. The All Blacks however, had to face foemen worthy their repute, and when victory could not be secured by tlic ordinary style of play, in despair tliey altered their tactics. The result was worse than before, and then in frantic effort to retrieve the posiion, tho old formation was reverted to. It was surprising to read that the style of play should thus be chopped about, and the fact that it was suggests that the team had lost faith in itself and its ability to play tho game along lines upon which there was no doubt about superiority. Tbe team lias 'become pupils instead of teachers—which is confirmation of the old saying “to live and learn.’’ The best has something to learn always and the All Blacks are having that experience. ■ It is regrettable that the last match was marred by ail incident, not at all creditable to the game. One tiling essential about any game and Rugby in particular, is the need to control tempers. It is no excuse to

say that Imilli sides were to blame, for two wrongs do not make a ri-lit. Tile experience is regrettable, and it is boned that happening thus early it will have its effect on the remainder of the tour. A six point defeat is not a disgrace—the All Blacks, despite their shortcomings were not run over. They have but to rally and play true to form and they can retrieve and wipe out the two losses satisfactorily. Tbe fact that they have lost but testifies to the good teams to be met, and makes it all the more essential to rally and rise to the (occasion. There is yet ample time to redeem their reputation and return with Rugby honours thick upon, them.