ALL BLACKS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVI, Issue 2828, 30 December 1924, Page 2

ALL BLACKS.

DEFEAT LONDON COUNTIES BY 28 TO 3. London, December 27. The All Blacks defeated London Counties in a second match, which was played at Blackheath.223, the margin being the same as in the first game against the Londoners on November 11, when the score was 31 to 6. The London team underwent many changes, only seven of the original selection taking the field. Practically all the internationals for the All England match on Saturday next, including B, L. Raymond (the ex-New South Welshman) were withdrawn. Ten thousand spectators braved most atrocious weather. Heavy continuous rain fell, the ground was water-log-ged in places and the Londoner’s spotless white uniforms soon took their opponent’s colour. It is understood that the New Zealand football team to play against Enghind will be identical with that of yesterday except that White will replace Cupples. Cooke is suffering from slight synovitis of the knee, but it is expected that he will lie thoroughly fit in a few days. . Colonel Trevor, in commenting in the “Daily Telegraph” on yesterday’s match, says: “The New Zealanders gave a wonderful performance in forward play. I do not remember ever, seeing such an exhibiI ion. They were not only good with their feet, but they were superlatively good with their hands. Their short passing was amazingly accurate.”

Air Dean, manager of the All Blacks, in replying for the team at the London Rugby Union’s dinner, expressed the hope .that the British team visiting New Zealand in 1920 would include Scottish players. He dissociated himself from the suggestion of friction between Scotland and New Zealand.