A GREAT VICTORY.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 3811, 28 June 1928, Page 1

A GREAT VICTORY.

BACKS STRIKE TRUE FORM.

IMPROVEMENT IN HANDLING.

LINDSAY’S GOAL-KICKING.

The latest report of the All Blacks’ play is the most encouraging since the opening of the torn. Though Natal was fifth m the Currie Cup competition last year it

scored more points than either Orange Free State or East Province, which finished second and third respectively. The team, therefore, must contain some fair players.

There are several very satisfying features connected with Saturday’s match. One is to learn that the backs appear to have at last reached their true form. Five of the six tries were the direct outcome of passing bouts by the hacks. In two instances Scrimshaw joined in and finished off the movements. That is one of Scrimshaw’s strongest points. His pace enables him to keep up with the play, and he is always on the alert for the infield pass.

Another pleasing phase of the game was that the forwards did their share. They gained almost as much of the ball from the serums as their opponents, and were much superior in the line-outs. Reading I lie reports of the last two or three matches it appears as though the forwards have been made to realise that their main duty is to work as a pack and not play so much among the backs. The New Zealand line was not .crossed on this occasion, which proves the hacks also did their share on defence as well as on attack. Grenside apparently was not too solid on defence. This is known to be a weakness of his play in New Zealand. Inability to tackle may spell disaster in the test match next Saturday, as the South African idea, of back play is to get the ball out to the wing-three-quarters, and let him finish off the movement-. Good defensive wings are, therefore, necessary to check these movements.

Lindsay’s goal kicking was one of the features of the match, and he was responsible for 13 of the 31 points. On this showing the Otago mail is going to be a most valuable member of the team. The All Blacks are fortunate in having a surplus of good goal kickers. In

yesterday’s team, for instance, Strang, Carleton, Grenside and McWilliams arc all fine kicks. McWilliams surprised everyone with his efforts in the final All Black trial in Wellington last year.