MORE ENCOURAGING

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 389, 25 June 1928, Page 11

MORE ENCOURAGING

BACKS STRIKE FORM LINDSAY KICKING WELL Although Natal is probably the weakest team the All Blacks have met on the present tour, the cabled report of the match is the most encouraging yet received. , , . The play of the New Zealand backs, particularly in the second half, indicates* that the team is now getting into its stride, and that mote all-round efficiency is being obtained. Dropped passes, so frequently mentioned in former reports, are not so prevalent, and if this improved combination is maintained against the better teams, the scoring table must show a marked improvement. Another very satisfactory feature of the match is the excellent kicking form displayed by Lindsay. The Otago man was successful in converting every try but one, and also in kicking a “great” goal from 10 yards inside half-way. With the poor kicking shown in the earlier matches, Lindsay’s form is encouraging. In the test matches every point will be needed. Although the team contains good goal-kickers in Strang, Grenside, C ar leton and McWilliams, Lindsay, on present form, must be given most of the opportunities. Carleton has also appeared to strike

his old form, and if he maintains it, and. to those who have followed his play last season, there is no reason why he should not, the centre three-quarter problem should be disposed of. Although Grenside must have played a good attacking game, a certain weakness on defence and inability to take a difficult pass might result in him losing his test place in favour of Lucas, who. up to this stage, does not appear to have been given a great deal of opportunity. It is somewhat surprising to note

that on defence Strang was “erratic” and “for the most part only a good connecting link.” Playing for South Canterbury during the past two or three seasons, Strang has never yet failed on defence; also, in the account of the game, Strang is reported as having “sold the dummy beautifully” and “sending Carleton away in fine style.” From both movements converted tries followed. It is more than likely that he was playing to instruction, and with the team well equipped in regard to wings, Strang will perform invaluable service by continuing “a good connecting link.” The following are the results so far? v. Combined Western Province country teams, won 11—3. v. Combined Capetown Clubs, lost 3—7. v. Griqualand West, won 19—10. v. Transvaal, lost o—6. v. Orange Free State (country), won 20—0. v. Transvaal, won s—o. v. Western Transvaal, won 19—8. v. Natal, won 31 —3. Played, 8; won 6, lost 2; ponts for, 3 08, against, 37.