“A SPORTING CHANCE”

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 438, 21 August 1928, Page 1

“A SPORTING CHANCE”

All Blacks and Last Test CRITICS LAUD SATURDAY’S PLAY

Best Match of South African Tour

NEW ZEALAND has a fine sporting chance of equalising matters with South Africa in the fourth and last test, says P. M. Howard, of the “Cape Times,” a Rugby critic whose opinion carries weight. He and other writers have much to say in praise of both teams in the great third test struggle of Saturday, (United P.A. — By Telegraph — Copyright) (Special to Press Association.)

Reed. 9 a.m. OUDTSHOORN, Mon. , P. M. Howard, in the “Cape Times.” says the Port Elizabeth test match ! provided easily the best game of the series so far. There was little in it between the two sides; hut what slight superiority there was lay with South Africa. The home country opened in great, style. Although there was an element, of luck about their first try, the points were well deserved on the run of the play. By half-time it had become anybodys’ game, with the odds slightly in favour of New Zealand, as the Springbok forwards appeared to he faltering just before the interval. In the end, it was the All Black forwards who were worn down, though they never gave in. The last quar-ter-hour saw South Africa definitely on top. For all that, the play never became one-sided. Indeed, the All Blacks continued to be very dangerous from breaks away and counterattacks; but in the scrums they were by then well beaten. Bennie Osier, if he was less in the limelight than at Durban, played a masterly game. All through, he nursed his forwards beautifully at critical moments. Speaking generally, the New Zealanders were clearly superior on the wings, but they were inferior in the centre. The Springbok fullback also played a sounder game than Lindsay. But it was the home forwards who once again really won the game. Three of the five tries were scored by the forwards in purely forward efforts, two for Africa and one for New Zealand. The other New Zealand try was the work of two men, Dailey and Grenside. The other African try was the only one to come from a combined passing attack by the whole back line. Even that originated from a forward picking up in the loose and throwing back a long pass. The result left New Zealand with a fine sporting chance of equalising matters at Newlands in the last test, which should again provide a great game. “A MEMORABLE GAME” Writing in the “Johannesburg Star” the critic, H. B. Keartland, discussing the test, says; “As anticipated, the All Blacks relied on “safety first” tactics and depended on their defence to keep the Springboks out, and from their opponents’ mistakes to provide chances which it was hoped would lead to victory. They underestimated the powers of the redoubtable Springbok pack, which outstayed the All Blacks’ vanguard in one of the most gruelling battles between forwards ever played in this country, which is one of. the homes of forward play. “It was a memorable game, however, in which the Springboks did not take full advantage of the chances provided by their forwards, and the All Blacks did not fully turn to account the mistakes of their opponents. But it was a thrilling game, which left regrets that only one side could win.” NEW ZEALAND BACKS FAIL H. du P. Steytler, writing in “Die Burger,” says: “The New Zealanders certainly played their best game in the third test. Their forwards especially stood up to the gruelling task of keeping the eight hard-shoving Springboks at bay. The visitors’ backs, however, apart from defence, never impressed. They lacked a guiding genius to turn their efforts

into good account, and it was really only Grenside who rose to any heights in attack. The inside players seemed impotent, and their general display lacked the necessary thrust to break the Springboks’ defence. he best forward on the field. A hard player, full of dash and spirit, he made the fullest use of every opportunity that came his way. and in every passing or dribbling advance of the All Blacks he lent a helping hand. “The game was, however, won by the forwards. The Springbok pack in the closing stages completely mastered their opponents, beating them in both scrums and lineouts. Much credit must go to Phil Mostert and his men. From start to finish they struggled in Homeric fashion, and never for one second ditl they flinch.”