RUGBY FOOTBALL

Hokitika Guardian, 16 April 1929, Page 7

RUGBY FOOTBALL

WALES BEAT FRANCE

WELSH HACKS KEPT IN CHECK

(Ly R. T. GAJJE, The Famous Welsh

International.) bpis. FRANCE 3. There was a time when 1 thought that temperamentally the French were not fitted to give expression to the best conception of Rugby foot«nll, but I must now admit that my view lias been changed. Their all-round display, and especially their work in the tight, on Saturday was a revelation and was immeasurably superior to anything they nave shown before.

They even seemed to revel in the hottest melees, and they often did some daring things. It was quite unexpected for instance, that they would give long [lasses from the line-out, but they did so often with henelicial results in defence.

Although France lost on the score, territorially they had as much of the game as Wales. Frankly, the form of the Welsh backs was disappointing. They started as if the ball was red-hot, for as soon a.s each individual received it lie parted with it', with the result that no headway could possibly be made.

Frank Williams was the first to attempt to beat his. man and endeavour to give a semblance of the form we had been led to expect. Bowcott later followed suit, but Gu.v Morgan was only a shadow of himself: in defence, however, he was soundness itself.

The wing three-quarters, John Roberts and .J. C. Morley, consequently did not get the opportunities they would have liked, and which by their seeming adaptability, they could have utilised to the best advantage.

It must l>e conceded that the fleetfooted French three-quarters, ably supported by Magiianou, were a difficult lot to elude. Their tackling and their general defence were never faulty. Whether the presence of Dai Parker and Jenkins made a big difference or not I don’t know, hut the display of the Welsh forwards was certainly coloured with more life and “ginger” than they showed against Scotland. The way Tom Arthur barged over the line from a range of ten yards was an object-lesson in determination and a demonstration of what the term irresistible means. Two Frenchmen who attempted to impede his progress were tempirarily laid out. The Welsh forwards struggle for suppremacy, convincing as their defence, although in this respect even they showed more resource and enterprise' Limn the Welshmen. Gerald and Dulnurens wore the most expert.

Mango I was safety personified both in fielding the heavy hall—the ground by the way, had made wonderful recovery in the last few days—and in repelling me onslaughts of the Welsh forwards. Jlis kicking, too. was splendid, and was often unlucky in positioning himself. The latter made ample amends, howover. for his somewhat indifferent display by running along the touehliue in the last minute of the game and kicking across, thus enabling R. Harrell to score a try.

Wales must play more convincingly against Ireland if they hope to win. The Packs have shown that they can do fetter. and T do not believe that it would he good policy t~ make any changes.