FOOTBALL.

Putaruru Press, Volume II, Issue 55, 6 November 1924, Page 3

FOOTBALL.

ALL BLACKS’ TOUR. First International Match. A Narrow Win. All Blacks . . 6 Ireland . . . . . . 0 The first Test match of the All Blacks’ tour has been played and won. At the first announcement of the bare score there was a partial feeling of disappointment, but the reports of the game dispel this. Played under conditions that prevailed—rain and wind—and the luck of the elements following the home team, New Zealand appears to have played a great game, and to have had considerably the best of the match. It was a try out of the defensive capabilities of the team, and it is very pleasant reading to learn that their tackling was sound. Ireland has always been noted for good forwards, and Jimmy Hunter always reckoned that the toughest time the All Blacks of 1905 ever had was the first half of the game ag'ainst Ireland. If the Irish forwards of to-day are anything like those of 1905 the All Blacks’ inside backs must have had their defence severely tested. Of the team the threequarter line came as a surprise. It was hardly thought that Hart would gain a place over Steel, but the Taranaki player may have improved considerably. Whether Lucas’ inclusion at centre was a deliberate choice or whether it was partially forced upon the selectors through other backs being not fit, mail news will show. .