ALL BLACKS’ TOUR

Hokitika Guardian, 3 July 1928, Page 2

ALL BLACKS’ TOUR

THE TEST MATCH

PRESS COMMENT.

(Special to Press Association)

DURBAN, July 2.

The newspapers throughout the country devote columns of comment and leading articles to the test match; The Natal Mercury in n lender headed, “Triumph of Tactics,” said : “There is one serious question which must inevitably he raised after a game of the type seen at Kingsmead on Saturday. That is the effect of the tactics adopted by the Springboks on the popularity of the game, which must after all be a large consideration with those in authority. To counteract the brilliance of the New Zealanders in the open, South Africa had to close up the game and keep it close throughout. This was done, and wonderfully well done. There are many who witnessed the game, who asked the question; Is this Rugby? Ts it the best South Africa, having built a reputation by brilliant back play, can do? The Springboks in ]9OG were capable of playing Wales at her ov-ii game, and beating her. Should not the Springboks in 1928 be able to beat New Zealand also at her own game. The tactics adopted formed a tacit admission of inferiority in that respect, so wo had a game glorious in matching force with force, a remarkable demonstration of physical fitness of the two teams, but not beautiful to watch. There was none of that captivating back play which lias been in past South Africa’s peculiar pride ; none of that passing to speedy wing men, followed by an exhilirating burst for the line. The battle of styles is for the moment over. South Africa lias gained the first round, and that so decisively that the tactics followed appear to be more than abundantly justified, but the general public demands a spectacular game to-day, and if they do not get it, that support is liable to fall away. For South African Rugby to prosper, the play must count almost as much as the result.” HOWAIID'S COMMK'NT.

Mr F.-M. Howard says: “South Africa won one of the greatest triunips ol her Rugby - history uh.m the New Zealanders were beaten by 17 to nil in a match which must go down in the records as productive ol some of tlio. finest forward play ever seen. The South African pack. acknowledged to bo a Tine one, played extraordinary Rugby from the start, and gained such a strangle hold on the All Blacks that they were never able to get away in tlielr speciality fine combined attacks, with the ball slung about with glorious freedom. Never for a moment did the Springboks relax tlieir grip on the game. The All Blacks were pinned down to a dour defence for the greater part HUMOURED DISSENSION AMONG ALL BLACKS. Croat exception is taken by tin- N-'w Zealand team to the following paragraph which appeared in the Natal Mercury

“It is common talk, based on concrete fact, that everything lias not been well, nor run as smoothly as it might do. for some time in the All Black camp. Where the fault lies, it is not our business to say. but any dissension or lack of pulling togotliei must reflect equally upon every member of the party. They should be held together ns one man, as though they are above all oilier minor considerations chosen representatives of a. country charged with upholding the honour of the common Homeland in another part of the globe.’ Hofh the manager and captain of the Learn .strongly deny any suggestion of dissension. The reporter responsible bis been asked by the All Blacks to substantiate the statement, but could not do so. lie promised to publish an apol-