CAN CANADA?

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 103, 22 July 1927, Page 11

CAN CANADA?

THOSE SOCCER ASHES CAN NEW ZEALAND CAN CANADA? CAN Canada get arway with the "Ashes” of New Zealand Soccer in the final and deciding test match at Carlaw Park to-morrow afternoon? If the weather is fine there should be anything up to 20,000 odd spectators present to see this question answered and the issue must be considered very open. Mr. James Adam, the genial manager who also piloted the last Canadian team in their triumphant Australian tour, says he thinks his boys can. By Perseus.

Mr. Colin Reid, the hard-boiled trainer-coach, who also trained and coached the Chinese team, and has all sorts of inside and X-ray information about his Canadian charges, is sure it will be the Silver Ferns which are incinerated and not the autumntinted Maple Leaves. Captain Crawley, who leads the gallant band of clever Kanucks. is confident that the “All Blues” will put it all over the "all Blacks” before the final whistle goes. But Mr. Phil Neesham says his All Blacks can win. STERN STRUGGLE CERTAIN After seeing the Canadians in action at Hamilton, “Perseus” is inclined to the “Blue” opinion, and, while keen and anxious to see our All Blacks put paid to the Canadians’ account, is of the candid opinion that, barring flukes, and on their merits, the sons of “Our Lady of the Snows” should carry the ash-pan to Canada. In speaking of our visitors as sons of our sister Dominion, the writer considers that quite a few of them are adopted sons from North of the Tweed, and listening to them playing from the Press box at Hamilton, one could close his eyes and imagine it was a Thistle team in action —until he opened them again. Not that our visitors are a talkative team. On the contrary, they conserve their breath for a hard 90-minutes’ play. But there was a frequent command from the captain, or a call from a comrade, as a strategical signal, which often had a burr about it that was not acquired in Canada. And it is a splendid type of Scotch Soccer as its best that the Canadians dispjlay. Backs, halves and forwards have a perfect understanding with each other, and a cohesive combination which carries the ball front their own goal to the opponents’ with lightning speed and almost irresisible impetus. There is the swift dash past the defence, th swinging centre right on the target, varied with a neat tn-pass, a quick reverse, or a disconcerting back-pass which leaves the opposition bewildered.

WILL TEAM WORK WIN?

It is because of the perfect combination that the Canadians have cultivated in their association through the mur, that the writer expects their team work to carry them to victory against tho eleven All Blacks who have been collected from Otago to Auckland, and have had no time to develop that understanding and interplay with one another which is essential for perfect team work. Man for man, the All Blacks are equally good, it not superior, as individual players: but a team of even moderate exponents will often triumph over eleven brilliant individuals; and partners who have played together for two months on end should prove tgo good for players who have only .lifelen together for two days. The Canadians can play a hard, determined game, which removes for ever any idea that Britain’s national game is anything of a “Cissie-boy” sport? They use their weight in a clean and discriminating manner which never fails to impress an opponent—and sometimes the turf; but they rely more on brains than brawn to win their games, and their elusive manoeuvres are.hard to anticipate. “ALL BLACKS’” DEFENCE

New Zealand has a solid defence which so far has stood up splendidly gainst the forceful Canadian thrust amd rarely been penetrated. Mc°?usall. in goal has been a veritable) wizard in the handling department of the game, while in front of him are a snowy-headed pair of fullbacks in Anderson and McGirr, who are a staunch and solid last-line of defence which never lets up. The half-line is also an accomplished w of tr iers which is equally good n breaking up the attack or starting Pan offensive. Cooper on the right

is a powerful player who is strong in defence, and Campbell at centre is regarded as a regular “find” who has been elevated from Wellington “B” football to fill the big gap left by the burly Kissock’s depar ture. Dan Jones,

i, . on the left wing, tamuiar to followers of the game as

one of the cleverest players who ever donned an All Black jersey. WHAT OF THE FORWARDS? If there is a weakness in the All Black combination, it is probablv in the forward line, and Southern critics of the first three Tests agreed that lack of cohesion here was very marked. At outside right Bob Innes has long been a popular idol with the Auckland public, but he misses his old partner, Ces Dacre, with whom he had that perfect understanding which many a time carried our Soccer All Blacks to victory by its effective unexpectedness. But Newman comes from the far West Coast with a great reputation as an inside right, and the Canadians regard him as one or the most dangerous of our attackers. Hooper, who will probably be found at centre forward, was a notable figure in the code here when lie played for Philomel, and was a haunting terror of opposing goal-keepers. He is a hustler who harasses the defence unceasingly, and an opportunist of the first water who is ever on the qui vive for an opening in the defence or a snappy first-timer. He has not the finish of Spencer, nor the same knack of holding his line together, but as a hardy individualist Hooper’s selection is likely. McCormack is a lively insideleft who should be an effective partner for Ballard, the veteran of the eleven, who retains all his old dash and skill and will probably captain the All Blacks. The Canadians have discarded the navy blue uniform in which we saw them exercising when they first landed here, and have adopted a “Northcote blue’ jersey with the familiar Maple

Leaf blazoned on tlie breast. Tait, the eelongated goalie, with the jockey’s cap of a baseball player, appears in a flaming tangerine sweater which seems to act as a magnet to the ball, and he is a hard man to pass. Since Nose worthy was knocked out Tait has been the

sole custodian, but is now known as “One goal Tait” from the habit he has acquired of alloivjng the opponents to nave “just one”—and no more.

Crawley and Edmunds are a very fine pair of fullbacks, and both gave ail impressive display at Hamilton, but the opposing attack was not particularly strong. Brolly, at centre half, is an outstanding figure in the team with his commanding height and his wonderful control of the ball. He is a strong tackier who breaks up th opposing attack in a determined style, and feeds his own line with uncanny accuracy and judgment. Brolly is not averse to having a bang when an opening offers, and his shots have plenty of power behind them.

THE CANADIAN ATTACK

The Canadian forward line has developed a machine-like precision which is fine to watch, and when it gets in motion the crowd enjoy a spectacular display of trapping, dribbling and ball control. Archibald is a fine centre-forward and the inside men feed their wings and anticipate returns in a perfect fashion. The outside men are splendid sprinters who can streak down the line with the ball as quickly as most players could run without it, and their lightning dashes are generally topped off with a long centre to the goal-mouth which brings the goal-keeper’s heart to his mouth, and gives the opposing backs that “sinking feeling.” To-morrow's game should be a memorable one in the history of Soccer in New Zealand, and the wish of every true sport is that the better team may win. For the benefit of the many spectators who are not familiar with the round ball it may be explained that only the goalkeeper is allowed to handle the ball, and the use of the hands or arms by any other player is an offence. Charging must be done with the shoulder and unnecessary violence is barred. A player is not off-side if he has two opponents in front of him, or if the ball comes oif a opponent. Tripping or use of the feet to stop an opponent is illegal, as is pushing or holding, but “obstruction” or “shepherding” is permissible, and a player obstructing may be charged aside. Charging in the back is forbidden unless an opponent is facing his own goal. Remembering those simple points it i not difficult for the oval ball enthusiasts to follow the round ball play with interest and understanding. ALL BLACK REPS. McDOUGALL (“JIMMY), a Scottish custodian, who has a •‘lengthy” experience between the sticks. He is a sixfooter, with many winters' seasoning, and comes to us via Canterbury. ANDERSON (GEORGE), full back, and, like Harry Lauder s tooth, of Scottish extraction, who plays for Seaclilte in Otago, and is another seasoned player whose motto is “Safety First.” McGIRR (“SNOWY”), is a full-brother and business partner of ‘‘Herb McGirr, who is doing his bit with the All \\hitt New Zealanders on the playing fields of Kngland. “Snowy” is colonial-born and a fine exponent of the fullback game. JONES (DAN), left half, il» a Tynesider bv birth, and as an old naval man hns kicked the round ball all round the Has finally settled in Auckland, where he skippers the Shore colts. Is an artist in football and scraw kicking. CAMPBELL ("JOCK”) is reported to he a Scotsman whom Mr. Salmon landed it Petone. He made himself very uncomfortable to the to the last Test and is regarded as tlm best centre half discovered in New Zealand long while. COOPER (“WATTY”) is six feet and more of soHd S rla^a mate ft Anderson and Hooper, with Seaclilfe, the tamous Ota„o club. 'NNES (BOB) is pharma)" his "soccer IrHeyotiport before crossing the water to I

captain Ponsonby. Is still young, but an j "All Black” of many seasons' standing. HOOPER (“BILL”), an ex Navy man, ' who was familiar to Auckland when he , led the Philomel van. He, too, is a SeaclifEe player, and a prolific goal scorer. McCORMAC (OTAGO), also hails from ■ the nursery of the code north of the Tweed, and plays a clever game at insideleft. BALLARD (WELLINGTON), is one of the veterans of the team \v*lio has worn the All Black jersey ever since the postwar revival of the game. He is a flying winger, who will probably lead the “All Blacks" to-morrow, and, he is confident, to victory. SPENCER (TRAMWAYS) and REID (THISTLE) are both familiar figures to Aucklanders, but they may have to enjoy a view of the game from the “reserve” stand. MEN OF THE MAPLE LEAF Stanley Tait (Goalkeeper), Nanaimo, F.C. Born Nanaimo, age 21. Height, sft fin. Weight, lOst. 101 b. Is recognised as the finest custodian in British Columbia, and one of the best in Canada. Ernie Edmunds (Full-back), Nanaimo F.C. Age 25. Weight list. 111 b. Height, sft. Sin. Was developed and coached by Jimmy Watson, the Sunderland and Scottish international full-back.

F. Crawley (Full-back), Bell Telephone F.C., Toronto. Age 27. Played in England with Accrington Stanley,Blackburn Rovers, and Lincoln City; the type of player who will steady the defence. R. L\ Williams (Half-back), St. Andrew’s F.C., Vancouver. Born Beaumaris, North Wales Height, sft. Sin. Weight, list. 111 b. Is a valuable member of the team, being at home in any position. Malcolm Moon (Half-back), Lachine F.C., Montreal. Played with Burnbank Athletic, Scotland; a first-class junior club. Last season he represented Canada against United States at New York. Built on sturdy lines, he is equally at home as a full-back. Jack Monaghan (Half-back), Woodfibre F.C., British Columbia. Born Liverpool. Age 27. Height, sft. lOin. Weight, 12st. 21b. Was congratulated by the English touring team last season for his play against their crack wings, Joe Smith and Tunstell. W. Brolly (Half-back), Winnipeg Irish F.C. Has few equals as a centre-half in Canada, and has had many tempting offers to go to America. Was top scorer for his club last season. D. Turner (Forward), Ulster United F.C., Toronto. Is considered the cleverest inside forward in liis province; has played in America. Is a student at Alberta University. D. Archibald (Forward), North Vancouver ex-High School F.C. Born in Vancouver. Age 20. Height, 6ft. Weight, 12st. 71b. A typical centre-forward, and has been a prolific goal-scorer during the past two seasons. H. Pogson (Forward), Hamilton City F.C., Winnipeg. Has represented Ontario and Hamilton on several occasions. He is clever at either inside or outside-left. W. (“Bill”) Gibson (Forward), National F.C., Winnipeg. One of the youngest members of the team. Has declined many offers to go to the United States, one offer being from the champion club. J. Davidson (Forward), Caledonian F-C., Edmondson, Winnipeg. Is an inside left or left-half, and was strongly recommended for the New Zealand tour by his province. P. Francis (Forward), Caledonian F.C., Calgary, Winnipeg. Is an outside-left, and the fact that he scored three goals against the English team, makes him out to be a forward above the average. W. Milligan (Forward), Post F.C., Regina. A clever all-i'ound player, who can adapt himself to any position on the field, which should prove of great assistance to the team during the tour. HOCKEY TAURANGA COMPETITION WOMEN'S ROSE BOWL Two games _ were played in the Women’s Rose Bowl competition yesterday, and resulted: —Eretas 8, Hinemoas 1: Triers 3, School 1. The positions of the teams are: Eretas, 13; Triers, 11; Hinemoas, 5? School, 3. In the men’s Innes Cup contest the results are:—True Blues 5, Kiwis 2; Uniteds 3, Rovers 1. Uniteds are leading in the competitions.

Tauranga and Whakatane men’s representative teams will play a match at Whakatane in about a fortnight’s