GAT AND THE CANARIES

NZ Truth, Issue 1185, 16 August 1928, Page 14

GAT AND THE CANARIES

All Blacks Have Second Day Out Against Border (By ' Cable.-^From "N.Z. Truth's" Special Representative touring with the '■•; ■ • ■ ■■■'•. .All Blacks.) ■ , . THE All Blacks gave another convincing display m their second match against, the Border, where, following twenty hours' rain, the field was sodden. New' Zealand won by 35 points to 3. Hitherto, all matches have been played on hard, fast grounds and the change of conditions, which were similar to those so often encountered m New Zealand, were favorable to the tourists, whereas some of the Border players were quite at sea. This; however, cannot discount the brilliant football played throughout by the 1 New Zeatanders, who, more than ever, had made it clear that they have struck the form anticipated. . Throughout, there was snap and dash m their passing movements and, despite the greasy ball, their handling left nothing to be desired. The continued success of L-ilburne, first five-eighths, coming after his fine showing the previous Saturday, established him as a contender for a place In the Test team. While he lacks the experience of Johnson, he is a more tricky f elusive runner and has an equally fearless defence. ■•:'■ If current form is a guiding- factor, it appears highly probable that Lilburne, whose play has attracted the warm praise of critics, may be given preference. " : ' : ; .. . . .. Strang again proved reliable m his new position, maintaining a welldireoted service to his backs, while' Nicholls, though not so outstanding < individually, worried the opponents by the skilful manner m which he continually varied the direction of attacks. /;"«•':.. ! BACFCS ALWAYS ON THE JOB A feature of the game was the manner m whi£h the whole of the backs supported, every attacking movement, Stewart frequently coming into line as extra man, while Grenside was on the alert to come up on the field side. • The latter gave a robust display and went vigorously for the line, but therewe're times when he was/looking for chances, to pass instead of going all out. This has been a frequent' fault with his play throughout. He sometimes fails to make the most of his fine physique and powerful fend. RushbrdoW scored one particularly fine try m which he beat two men and crashed m at the corner despite the hard, tackle of the full-back. : Stewart again gave. a most brilliant display as winger, whilst McWilliams and Finlayson were outstanding among a pack which dominated their opponents everywhere but m the scrums. / i McWilliams scored one magnificent try m which he dribbled from a loose ruck, passing several opponents to gather up near the line and d,ive over by . The Border 1 lost their captain, and scrum-half, towards the enc| of the .first half, having to take a man from a light pack. Thus, the resistance of the side was considerably affected and they were quite unable to cope with the continuous dribbling and passing rushes launched by the tourists... A further casualty suffered, is Alley, who is down with influenza, Ward taking his place as lock, but there are hopes that he may be right for the Test which the tourists are anticipating with firm confidence.