BRIGHT, OPEN DISPLAY

NZ Truth, Issue 1184, 9 August 1928, Page 14

BRIGHT, OPEN DISPLAY

New Zealanders Dominate Fight For Possession

(By Cable.-T-From "N.Z. Truth's" Special Representative touring with the •■■... . ' , All Blacks.) . • • ■■■••. TTHE North-Eastern Districts, drawn from the widely-scattered farming country of the Cape border, proved weak opponents for the All Blacks 1 . at Burghersdorp yesterday. T ne N e w Zealanders triumphed 27 — 0. The tourists gave a bright, open display on a hard, picturesque ground .under the shadow of a saddle-backed mountain. ' North-Eastern Districts failed to take full advantage of a rugged pack, playing a loose, forward game, with the result that there was a weakening m their scrummaging power, and the All Blacks dominated m the fight for possession, keeping the backs continually attacking with a series of spectacular back movements . . Owing. to the unexpected strength encountered m some matches, the tourists were consequently unable to take chances of resting- too many Test players. . .•;..' Dalley was given a spell, however, guarding against injury m view •# important matches, including the Tests. Strang, deputizing, gave. a. creditable display, making some magnificent breaks, leading to several tries. His service from the scrum suffered a "comparison with the work of the other All Black scrum workers and the defence was frequently able to smother movements near the scrum. Burrows, who has been on the injured list since the second match of the tour, made a welcome re- appearance, proving successful as hooker and playing a most useful game m the loose, his break from a line-out leading to Brownlie's try. . , Nichqlls suffered as a result of several hard tackles m the early stages. He did not impress as much as at Pretoria, but kept his outside men continually moving, despite the smothering of the opposition, and effected a couple of brilliant breaks through. ; ' ■■."'.. : Lucas again proved his worth as an attacking centre, deftly handling his passes and .crowning a fine" display with an excellent try made from an opening by Nicholls, m which he cleverly beat the opposing wings, scoring under the posts. ,' . ■ • . Robilliard scored two excellent tries, utilizing a baffling swerve and rare dash, while Rushbrook's speed .enabled- him to' turn to , account a fine opening made by Strang. ■.;,. , Lilburne was the only player, on whom any severe demands were made m defence, and he did all required of him like the sturdy little workman he is. He frequently ran and gathered up high punts, and, beating, several opponents, put his backs on attack. .; . Finlaysoh, Stewart, Brownlie and T Snow all distinguished themselves m a forward battle, frequently joining their backs m rousing passing movements. 1 Altogether, the form of the tourists was most impressive and should : further assist : the side towards developing attack, which has been the least impressive feature of their play to date m the more important matches. There was one unpleasant incident m the match, when the referee spoke to Stewart and, pointing his hand to the touch-line, was apparently ordering him. off the field. It was subsequently, divulged that Brownlie and Nicholls interceded and the matter passed over. The referee had been protesting against talking, among the players, and It is understood that action against Stewart was occasioned by a lack of discipline. ■ ■•; ' Hadley has returned to Capetown, where he will train, and is hopeful of being available m the final .matches. Nicholls, Carleton and Cyril Brownlie are suffering from minor injuries. s Kilby, who is detained m Kimberley Hospital, and Sheen, will not play again during the tour. * .^