RUGBY FOOTBALL.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 3800, 2 June 1928, Page 4

RUGBY FOOTBALL.

ALL BLACKS TOUR. FIRST MATCH WON. BY MARGIN OF 8 POINTS. Capetown, May 30. A crowd of 20,000 watched the All Blacks beat the Western Province Country Clubs’ team to-day by 11 points to 3. The ground was in excellent condition, and the weather perfect. The form shown by the New Zealanders was good, the forward/s playing a .'great gained. The backs were a little uncertain in handling, their movements lacking finish. After a few minutes of ragged play, Nicholls, from a line-out, made a clever opening, the ball being handled by Finlayson, Lucas, and Robilliard,. The last-named swerved his way down the line to score behind the posts. Nicholls converted. New Zealand s—Countrys—Country Clubs 0. The New Zealand backs carved their way through the defence, but bad handling at the critical moment spoilt three likely chances. A series of scrums followed, the New Zealanders being beaten for the ball on most occasions. Attacking movements by the opposing backs were easily broken. After several attempts at penalty goals, Nicholls increased the score with a fine kick. New Zealand B—Countryß—Country Clubs 0. The home team started the second spell with lightning attacks, and from a brilliant passing bout, in which seven men handled the ball, Van der Merwe flew across at the corner. New Zealand 8 Country Clubs 3. The All Black forwards, led by Finlayson and C. Brownlie, started a succession of telling thrusts, and the defence almost wilted under terrific pressure. Brownlie forced his way over, but a try was not allowed.

Again, the New Zealanders stormed the line. Robilliard picked up from the ruck and raced across the field to send Finlayson away. The local defence was caught at sixes and sevens. Taking a pass from Finlayson, Swain sealed the issud by scoring near the corner. NiclnolJls failed j.o .convert. The game ended: —New Zealand 11 Western Province C.C. 3.