ALL BLACKS BEATEN

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 721, 22 July 1929, Page 6

ALL BLACKS BEATEN

AUSTRALIA WINS AGAIN, 17 POINTS TO 9 FINE DISPLAY OF RUGBY (United P.A. — By Telegraph, — Copyright/ BRISBANE, Sunday. Australia, by 17 points to 9, again inflicted defeat on tire All Blacks in the second test of the series, thus winning the rubber. Superior back play and brilliant combination in the second half gave Australia its victory. It was a hard game, but Australia showed superiority in the closing stages. The Sunday papers say the All Blacks were unlucky in losing their star, Oliver, who had to retire with a split forehead caused by collision with J. Ford. However, it was great football all the time, the bail travelling up and down the field. Both sides were frequently on the verge of scoring. The match began at 3.20 p.m, in the presence of about IS,OOO spectators. The teams were: AUSTRALIA Fullback. —R. Westfield. Tlireequarters.—O. K. Crossman, G. S. Sturridge, C. King, G. McGhie. Five-eighths.—T. S. Lawton (captain). Halfback.—S. J. Malcolm. Forwards. —J. W. Breckenridge, J. A. Ford, R. B. Louden, A. W. Finlay, H. Hamalainen, W. H. Cerutti, E. Bonis, E. S. Thompson. NEW ZEALAND Fullback.—S. 11. Carleton. Tlireequarters.—B. Grenside, C. R. Hook, A. C. Waterman. Five-eighths.—C. Oliver, H. Lilburne. Halfback. —.T. Tuck. Wingforward. C. G. Porter (captain). Forwards. —E. Snow, R. G. McWilliams, N. Kivell, C. Sonntag, W. Rika, A. Cottrell, B. Palmer. Porter kicked off and Australia won the first scrum at half-way. Porter dummied cleverly and kicked through. The All Black vanguard followed up smartly and Australia was compelled to save within two minutes of the start. From a scrum at half-way Oliver beat three opponents. When near the posts he passed to Lulburne, who touched down, but was ruled offside. Australia won the next scrum and Lawton relieved with a kick to halfway. The home side gradually worked forward and some exciting passages followed. A score seemed certain from a movement started by 1 Westfield in his own half, but a knock-on held up the play. GRENSIDE OPENS SCORING After 15 minutes the All Blacks held the advantage territorially, but there was nothing to choose between the teams. Superior ruck play kept the AH Blacks on the attack. From a scrum near Australia’s line Tuck passed to Grenside, who cut in smartly and scored 25 minutes after the start. Lilburne’s kick at goal was charged down. New Zealand 3 Australia 0 For offside play, New Zealand was penalised, and from the twenty-five Lawton opened Australia's account with a splendid kick. New Zealand 3 Australia 3 The Ail Blacks again took control. Their forwards dominated the rucks, and it required sound handling from the home backs to pull up their drives. From a throw-in the ball travelled along tile home back line, and McGhie was brought down within a few feet of the All Blacks’ line. OLIVER RETIRES INJURED ©liver was injured, and went off. A l rearrangement resulted in Hook playing five-eighths, Carleton centre, and Cundy fullback. The score was unaltered at half-time. The game had been hard and even, Australia being superior in back play, while New Zealand dominated the forward play. Lawton’s strategy was outstanding. Five minutes after the resumption, Lilburne gathered the ball from the ruck and passed to Porter, who scored. The kick failed. Australia retaliated amidst wild enthusiasm. McGhie picked up when the ball rolled loose, and completely beat the fullback, scoriDg under the posts. Lawton converted. Australia 8 New Zealand 6 The handling of the Australian backs was the outstanding feature of the play at this stage. This was just as well, as the New Zealanders were playing hard. Hook burst through the home defence and kicked into touch on the opposite side near the home line. Australia won the next ruck, and relieved. Crossman sustained the attack with a clever run. From two scrums New Zealand worked back toward the home twenty-five. Then Lawton showed his worth again. Just within halfway, Australia received a free kick, and Lawton raised •the flags with a splendid effort. Australia 11 New Zealand 6 ALL BLACKS LOSE STING An excellent movement followed. It commenced at the halfway line. Malcolm wriggled past the scrum, giving the ball to Hamalainen. Several players participated, Lawton sending Crossman on with the ball. Crossman touched down in the corner with a great dive. The kick fell short of the bar. Australia 14 New Zealand 6 The New Zealanders again attacked, but their play was gradually losing its sting. Porter made great efforts to get his backs going, but the Australians were now getting the better of the rucks. Cundy goaled when New Zealand was given a penalty near halfway. The New Zealanders made desper-

ate efforts to equalise. Just on time Ford scored for Australia. The kick failed, making the scores: Australia 17 New Zealand 9 SICKNESS AND INJURIES In a radio broadcast after the match the manager of the All Blacks, Mr. J. McLeod, paid a sporting tribute to the victory of the Australians. Ho also said that although he did not want it to be construed as an excuse for their defeat, something like half a dozen members of the team were suffering from injuries or some form of disability. Nepia had been left at Armidale Hospital with influenza, and the team hoped to pick him up on the way back. Mr. Slater, a member of the touring party, had stayed at Armidale to look after Nepia. During the match on Saturday, Mr. McLeod added, Oliver ha.d received a very nasty gash on his head, and had to leave the field. The injury subsequently required seven stitches. Dailey was suffering from a poisoned arm, and two or three others whom Mr. McLeod mentioned were not available to play.

EXTRA MATCH ARRANGED

(Australian and N.Z. Press Association) SYDNEY, Sunday. The All Blacks, anxious to take New South Wales’ “scalp” back with them, have agreed to play another game against the State here on July 31.

SHIELD RETAINED

WAIRARAPA DEFEATS FIRST CHALLENGERS COOKE’S WONDERFUL GAME Press Association MASTERTON, Saturday. The Wairarapa Rugby representative fifteen successfully defended the coveted Ranfurly Shield in the first challenge of the season, defeating Hawke’s Bay by 10 points to 6 in a good, fast, clean and keenly-contested game played at Master ton today under ideal conditions. The standard of Rugby proved well up to shield requirements. The Wairarapa backs were superior. The Hawke’s Bay forwards were prominent in the first spell and had Wairarapa hard pressed for the greater part, but the Wairarapa pack gave a much-improved display in the second spell, even with the sun in its eyes for most of the time. The first half ended in favour of Hawke’s Bay by six points to five, but the visitors were unable to increase their total in the second half, whereas Wairarapa added a converted try. A. B. Cooke as second five-eights, proved a tower of strength to Waivarapa, his kicking being magnificent and his uncanny anticipation gaining much territory Yvhen most needed. Roach, as fullback, gave a finished display, rising to every occasion with distinction. Wairarapa’s threequarter line, Booth, Fuller and Jury, combined well, Fuller being bright throughout. Mill was safe, but not outstanding, and Hart, behind the scrum, sent the ball out cleanly and was exceptionally sound on defence. The most prominent of the forwards were Harvey, Irvine and M. Willoughby. For Hawke’s Bay Ruru gava a brilliant display on the wing, time and again nearly crossing the line. South and Setford were prominent throughout among the backs on attack, and Beckett and Botherway proved sound on defence. Yates, as fullback, was overshadowed by Roach. The Gemmell brothers, Campbell and Wilson were the pick of the visitors’ forwards, S. Gemmell, in particular being in the picture. McKay, the wingforward, was well held by the more experienced J. Donald.

THREE POINT DRAW

HAMILTON AND MT. ALBERT IN SPIRITED CLASH Clean, fast, interesting football characterised the Mount Albert and Hamilton secondary school contest at the Showgrounds on Saturday afternoon. There was not a dull moment at any part of the game, both teams

showing a very sound knowledge of Rugby tactics. Despite the fact that the rain which fell at intervals throughout the game made the leather difficult to handle and foothold insecure, play was largely of an open nature, allowing scope for much good work among the backs. This factor was much in the visiting team’s favour, as its players were on the light side. At the start of the match it appeared as if Mount Albert’s superior weight would allow it to have things very much its own way, but Hamilton had a very sound fullback in Cann, whose smart play saved what appeared to be a dangerous position time after time. Tombs, in five-eighths, was prominent in initiating attempts and in this he was well supported by the whole of the back line, Reid, Westwater, Chitty and Snodgrass. Although the visiting forwards did not possess the weight of the Mount Albert pack, they were quick and worked well together in getting the leather out of the ruck. Duxfield played an outstanding game, while Whittaker, as rover, was seen to advantage in many very creditable movements. The slippery ground to a certain extent proved a handicap to the Mount Albert players, and they were not able to use their weight to best advantage. In this team also the fullback proved invaluable. Fletcher, in this position, played a very sure game, his deadly tackling and sure kicking relieving many an anxious position for the home team. Undoubtedly one of the outstanding players of the day, however, was Vivian as half. Time after time he helped his side out ol difficulties and proved a very heady player, displaying a fine burst of speed. ; The forward line, in which Schultz, Mills and Pearee were prominent, proved an effective combination, but J most of the spectacular work was left to the backs, in which Guildford, Finlayson and Spence especially were seen to advantage time after time. In keeping with the best traditions of secondary school Rugby, the enthusiasm of many youthful spectators was at fever-heat. Mount Albert Grammar boys were there in force, and more than a few of the Waikato stalwarts had travelled to town for the game. The colours of both schools were flaunting from the stand, and irregular showers of rain did not in any way diminish the spirits of the barrackers.

At the conclusion of the game the secondary school boys rushed out to the gate to welcome the incoming players, but abandoned the practice of carrying them in shoulder-high, probably on account of the thick mud with which all were coated. Mr. M. Kronfeld was referee.

FOOTING IT IN THE FORWARDS

UNIVERSITY AT HOME IN THE WET In a. dismal setting of grey skies and rain-soaked playing field, quickly threshed into mud by the trampling forwards, University defeated Marist in a match that soon resolved itself into a struggle between two dour and earnest packs, with the backs condemned to a negative part. The University forwards had control for the greater part of the game. To their speed, mobility and fitness they allied cleaner scrum-work, so that the backs had occasional opportunities, only rarely turned to profit. Even in the drab and almost prohibitive conditions, with heavy showers at times sweeping over the field, the crowd’s appetite for the open game was keen. There was applause whenever Jenkin, at the base of the Varsity scrum, swung his supports into action: and this was inevitably followed by expressions of disapproval when Stotter, possibly playing to instructions, stab-kicked instead of handing the ball on to his fast threequarter line. Outpaced and outgeneralled, the Marist forwards yet clung valiantly to their task. In the early part of the first half, and again at intervals in the second, their fighting spirit carried them dangerously near the University line. But they obviously distrusted their backs, among whom there was no sort of understanding, and when they attempted to force home the attacks themselves, the clean ground fielding of Bush or Carter, and their own incapacity for a grouped drive in the open, invariably foiled their efforts. Bush covered himself with glory—and mud. His skill at gathering a rolling ball is worthy of the best fullback traditions, and his aptitude for linking up with his threequarters would have been dangerous on a dry day. His goal-kicking, too, was good. Of five difficult angle shots he profited by one, and only just missed the others, all from difficult distances and angles. It was no day for goal-kicking. In the first fury of the Maqst attack,

Stewart had a chance from a penalty j well out in front of the posts, but that I usually sound marksman could make nothing of it. The opening score to i Varsity followed a mistake by Stoupe, ! who failed to gather a rolling ball, a | mass of University forwards. with i Keene and Linton in the van, chargi ing through to take the ball to the { Marist line, where an infringement by | a defending forward gave Bush his | chance. The fullback duly goaled. | University 3, Marist 0. KEENE CAPSIZES | Twice the University forwards heeled. Though the ball was sodden and elusive, the inside backs handled cleanly. But Stotter elected to kick, and Molloy held up the attack each time. Again the blue backs swung into line, and Stoupe intercepted smartly, to knock on with the open field ahead. Marists at this stage were rarely dangerous. Linton. Anderson and Keene, keystones of the University pack, were harrying the Marist backs, and more than holding their forwards in the scrummages. From one of these Keene, playing superlative wet-day Rugby in a roving role, burst through, ball at toe, gathered nicely with the defence pierced, and then capsized ignominiously in trying to side-step Molloy. On the run of play, University j should have been more than three points up when the teams changed over after the first quarter. Penalties yielded by the over-eager Varsity huntsmen helped Marist, and continued to help it. Two in succession gave relief when the Marist pack, its back to the wall, was in dire trouble on its own line. But if the wave of blue forwards was thus repulsed, it was never for long. From half-way a hammering forward rush had the Marist backs at sixes and sevens. Expounding the lost art of dribbling, Keene and Linton kept the ball at their feet until at the Marist 25 line Linton tapped the ball in to Carter, ten yards infield, who completed a clever movement by diving on the ball for a try. University 6. Marist 0. Hadley, All Black hooker, was toiling like a galley-slave at the head of the Marist forwards. His play throughout, even in the desperate conditions, showed evidence of the polish acquired on the South African tour. But too many of his colleagues spent their energy in wild scrambling. A deep fly-kick sent the ball to Bush, who fielded in his stride, and sailed in among the threequarters to initiate what almost looked a scoring movement. Stoupe came away on his own, to save nicely for Marist, but crisp passing among the University backs, Jenkin, Carter, Stotter, Minns, served to renew the attack, Minns going out at the flag after a spirited dash. The stern attack continued, and from a scrum near the line University heeled to Jenkin, who slipped round cleverly on the blind side without a hand being laid on him. Bush failed to goal, but Varsity was nine points up. The second spell opened in heavy rain, and with Brooker out in place of Linton in the University pack. Plugging through the mire, Marist instituted a sustained attack. Molloy had come up to wing-forward, and soon afterward Coburn retired hurt, a fresh man coming on at halfback. Stoupe was playing excellent football at second five-eighth, and held up a University onslaught gallantly, though he lost his jersey in the process. The respite was temporary, Minns fielding at half-way to sprint all the way across the field before passing to Goodwin, who chimed in with Jenkin and Carter to score a good try at the flag. t University 12, Marist 0. The final quarter saw the Marist pack at its best. Hadley and Molloy in a concerted rush lost a rare chance through overeagerness. Back swept the forwards, in creditable hand-to-hand passing, and this time Carroll lost the chance. Inspired by the escapes, Varsity again took a hand, Brooker showing up in a solo dribbling effort. The final score came when McKay, at half-way, kicked high and followed fast, to dive over for a try after the ball had eluded the scattered Marist backs. University 15, Marist 0. Without racing movements, with little combined play, the Rugby exhibited had necessarily, on such a clogged field, lacked inspiration and sparkle. But for a wet-day game it had been good value, with the margin of superiority always clearly with University. Mr. M. Kronfeld was referee.

MAORI TROPHY MATCH

PRINCE OF WALES CUP The following team has been selected to represent Tai-Tokerau district (holders) against Tai-Hauauru (challengers) in the match for the Prince of Wales’ Rugby Cup. to be played at Eden Park on Wednesday. July 31:—Fullback. Weo Wetere (King Country); threequarters. M. Howell (Bay of Plenty), T. R. Turei (Auckland), W. Jones (King Country) ; five-eighths, P. Keretene (North Auckland), T. Morrison (Bay of Plenty); halfback, Bryers (Auckland); rover, T. Jones (King Country): forwards, J. Rika (North Auckland). H. Keepa (North Auckland), Kahu (Auckland),

Kingl Wetere Country) v TVanoa (Auckland). M. Rika "(IRwts Auckland), I. Kereopa (Bay of Plintvi Reserves. —Backs: P. Howell (Bay Plenty). M. Graham (Waikato). Kino Whare (King Country); forwards T Whiteley (Bay of Plenty), I. Taneit , (Bay of Plenty). D. Kaa (AuckliSd)

TWO GOOD FORWARDS

Linton and Hadhy led the Varsity and Marist packs respectively in Saturday’s Rugby clash until Linton w«»nt off at half-time suffering from the effects of pleurisy. Hadley was everywhere and his only mistake was a wild pass when near the Varsity line.

WAIKATO BEATEN

BAY OF PLENTY GETS BIG WIN (From Oicr Ouk Correspondent) WHAKATANE, Today. The Rugby match between Waikato and the Bay of Plenty was played on Saturday in beautiful weather before a large crowd of spectators. The game was ragged at the start, and the Bay overran its opponents. At half-time the scores stood: Bay 16, Waikato 0. In the second half the game livened up considerably, and a good exhibition of football was given by the Baj’, who added five points to its score.” Toward the end, Waikato scored a try which was converted, and just before the final whistle, it scored a penalty goal. The game ended: Bay 21, Waikato 8. Waikato showed staleness after its tour. It was also a man short and the vacancy was filled by Harriman, a local player. Among the Bay backs. Harawera, Xiku and Farmer were prominent, while Kelly, C. Black and E. Parkinson were the best of the forwards. Among the visiting backs Vosper played a sterling game, but the others did not give a good display. W. Bourke and Chapn.an were the most prominent of the visiting forwards.