RUMORED DISSENSION DENIED

NZ Truth, Issue 1181, 19 July 1928, Page 14

RUMORED DISSENSION DENIED

(By Cable.—From "N.Z. Truth's" Special Representative touring with the All Blacks.) THE All Blacks gave a bright exhibition,of open football against Rhodesia, when their backs took full advantage of the weaknesses m the homesters' defence and ran out With a splendid margin of 44 points to 8. Cunningham and/Gardiner, the fly-half and centre of the homesters' team are Irish internationals of wide experience, but, with advanced years, they have .lost the determination so necessary for sound defence. The tourists, therefore, launched attacks from all angles, bearing on the weak points revealed to their keen football discernment. Dalley and Johnson both played delightfully, taking full advantage of possession when their forwards won the ball, Dalley frequently breaking round the scrum and initiating two tries m this fashion. The home forwards had a slight advantage m the tight, scrums and lineouts, but could not turn it to account against a most determined, and resolute defence. The All Blacks' forwards were superbly thrustful m the loose, Brownlie giving a glimpse of his very best form, effecting breaks away with the ball, and sweeping through the defence with his powerful fends; reminiscent of his magnificent play m 1924. He was admirably supported m passing rushes by Finlayson, Hazlett and Scrimshaw. Lilburne made a highly creditable debut at the inside position, handling and passing well and also showing himself as a nippy, elusive runner. Lucas, who was clever at centre, fed his wings well, but the thrusts down the centre which were launched by Dalley and Johnson were more successful. Lindsay again showed superb kicking, converting seven of twelve attempts, together with sound defence and, an ability to support the backs m attack. He, himself, nearly scored, after initiating a passing movement from midfield and undoubtedly stamps himself as worthy of the best traditions of the All Blacks m this position. The success of the tourists, particularly the inside backs and Brownlie, should, have an inspiring effect on the team m view of the second Test. It is quite apparent that the side is making a general improvement, butthe lack of success by the hookers against rugged and unpolished opponents is somewhat baffling and is only accountable by some of the more brilliant, exponents of loose play not pushing and using their weight; thus preserving themselves for the more spectacular open efforts. This has been the weakness" of the forwards to date and must be improved by next Saturday to give the All Blacks reasonable chances. . s The whole question of the team's prospects .depends upon this aspect of play—whether the forwards will get down and push successfully on the big occasion when they have failed to do so m minor games. We shall see.