THE ALL BLACKS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXIX, Issue 3769, 16 July 1907, Page 3

THE ALL BLACKS.

The first match. New South Wales defeated. Sydney, July 13. The first match of the New Zealand football team’s tour was to-da> r and was won bv the visitors. The weather and the reputation of the “All Blacks’’ conspiredto bring together the greatest crowd ever seen on the Cricket Ground —51,500 people. Hundreds were unable to gain admission. FIRST SPEED. The home team won the toss and chose the northern end. The> ? forced the pace from the kick-off, getting a couple of “frees” in quick succession for off-side work and illegal interference. With a desperate rush the Australians swept clean over the “All Blacks,” and Smith got across the line amidst a scene of the wildest excitement. Messenger was entrusted with the kick at gaol but failed to increase the score. New South Wales 3 New Zealand o When the ball was in plaj r again Roberts marked in New South Wales territorjL but the local forwards, playing with great dash, once more had the New Zealanders on the detensive, and ultimately forced them down. The “ Blacks ” then took a hand in forcing the game, and carried the scene of play dangerously near the local goal line, the home team being forced. On, the kick-off a scrum formed within New South Wales twenty-five, from which Roberts gained possesssion of the leather and, whipping it across to Fryer, the latter streaked for the goal. He ended up a fine run by being collared a few yards from the line. The game was then removed to New Zealand quarters by magnificent concerted play, Waddell just going into touch at the corner.

. The New Zealanders were almost continually on the defensive, and Waddell again nearly over. From this out the “ Blacks ” were fairly up against the wall. Halftime was sounded without addition to the score. The line-kick-ing of the home team had been very effective, while the play of the visitors was very in and out and in the worst form. Of those who shone conspicuously on the home side during the first half Dix and Messenger were most prominent.

Shortly after the game resumed Messenger, from a kick obtained in the centre of the ground, sent the oval dangerously near the gaol, the ball just falling under the bar. Seeling responded with a fine return, and Wallace following up smartly, compelled the local team to force. Then the ‘ ‘ blacks ’ ’ came on with a rush something like their old style, and Roberts passed to Wallace, who got over. He took the.kick himself, but the ball flew wide. New Zealand 3 New South Wales 3 With an eqalisation of the scores the New Zealanders’ temperature rose, and they forced the game strenuous!} 7 . Roberts “on his own ’ ’ got across in an easy place and Wallace converted., New Zealand 8 New South Wales 3 The blues were now having a turn at defensive play, and from a line-out Seeling secured the ball and, forcing his way through the backs, scored a third try for the visitors. Wallace again took the kick, but failed to add to the points. New Zealand ..n New South Wales 3

Notes on Saturday’s Match.

Sydney, July 15. The Sydney Morning Herald, referring to Saturday’s match, says the New South Wales team fought magnificently, taking the honours in the first half in scoring a brilliant try. The weight of the opposing team, however, broke its defence to pieces, and, concentrating its splendid manhood, pushed the game three times across the blue champions’ goal line. They thus amply avenged the New South Wales score in the first half. This may have been due to pace of the home team or the lack of ivim of the visitors. The Daily Telegraph says that without detracting from the merit of the splendid all-round performance of the New South Wales men it cannot be claimed that on their form on Saturday that the New Zealand team is equal to some of its predecesssors. It may be there is too much All-black in-it—-the ghosts of former giants—or that they are clearly below their form, but it is certain that for the greater part of the game there was no fire in them. If Saturday’s display is their best then the New Zealanders will find themselves fighting for their lives for

the remainder of tire tour. It was their stamina above all that pulled them through, Brisbane, July 14.

The following team has been selected to represent Queensland against New Zealand: — Full back,J. Carmichael; three- quarters, Parkinson, Watson, Pearce, Corrie; halves, Ahern, J. Carmichael ; forwards, Brighton, Oxenham, Oxl ade, Caniffe, Sampson, Ricnards, Flanagan,Fihilly.