FOOTBALL.

Hokitika Guardian, 13 June 1928, Page 4

FOOTBALL.

MR COATES SENDS MESSAGE, WELLINGTON, June 11. The Prime Minister (Mr Coates) has sent the following message to Mr W. F. Hornig, manager of the All Black team, at Johannesburg “Although. we are disappointed at the Transvaal result, wo hope the. reverso will stimulate combination and effort. New Zealanders are keenly following your games, and our good wishes are with the team. Tf our South African friends prove superior, may the true sporting spirit prevail. Kia Ora.--J. G. Coates.”

SCRUM TACTICS. MR HARRIS FAVOURS N.Z. FORMATION. DUNEDIN, June 11. "I think it is a great pity the New Zealand team has changed its scrum tactics. If we stick to the 2-3-2 formation I am sure we will get our share of the ball,” said Mr H. Harris when asked for his views on the results of the games in South Africa. He was still satisfied that if the New Zealanders played the 2-3-2 formation properly they Would do well and win a majority of, the. Test games. Mr Harris’s experience with the Maori team in England and. France in 192 G confirmed his opinion that tho New Zealand scrum formation was all right. On that tour the Maoris secured about a 60-CO share of the ball. That was their experience in most of the games, though in France they found themselves up against a clever hooker who beat them mostly for the ball. Ho was a small man who swung on the two outside men. Mr Harris claimed that the 2-3-2 formation should get the ball as often as the 3-2-3 scrum. If the hookers knew their job and the men behind put m their, weight the 2-3-2 scrum would get the ball. He admitted, however, that the hookers of the present team were, in his opinion, weak. It seemed absurd for the team to change its formation, particularly to a 4-3-1 pack. “We have our style of pint’,” continued Mr Harris, “and they have a 'style of their own. Lot us stick to our style, and if they beat us, let us go down with colours flying,” It was a had rule which permitted men to lift their feet before the ball went into tho scrum and lie would rather sec the game played under the old rule which made the hookers keep their feet down till the ball went in the scrum.

“The new kick-into-toueli rule in New Zealand possibly does not conduce to produce good scrummaging forwards.” said Mr Harris. At tho same time ho was in favour- of our rule because; lie thought it improved our own football. It was football at home we wanted to improve after all.

ORIENTAL ROUTED. A WELLINGTON SURPRISE. WELLINGTON, June 11. Tho rout of the hitherto unbeaten Oriental team by University created almost as much interest in Wellington as tlic All Black defeat. After a decisive victory over Old Boys, last year’s champions, on June 4th, it was expected that University would give tho leaders a hard fight, but as a set-off against this expectation was the fact that the capping ball had been held on Friday night, and. capping celebrations the same day. However, the students brought the festivities to an unexpected climax. In the first spell' there was little difference between the teams, and University led by thirteen points to three. In the second spell they seemed to be inspired, arid eight tries crime their way, making eleven for the match. Tho improvement worked by Frank Glasgow, tho 1906 All Black, in their scrum was most noticeable, and the backs and forwards combined in penetrating passing rushes that swept Oriental off their feet. It was wonderful football played with speed and precision. If the students can maintain form they will be irresistible. Sometimes the ball was handled by ten men before a try was scored, and passing rushes swung down the field at an amazing price; Not since University defeated the unbeaten Petrine team by twenty-five tb three about five years ago lias there been .such a sensation in local club football.