ARMY RUGBY.

Taihape Daily Times, 23 April 1918, Page 3

ARMY RUGBY.

FRANCE'S ONLY DEFEAT, Paris, Feb. 17. The New Zealand Rugby team which to-day defeated a team representing the French armies by five to three came straight from the trenches, and had played together only once before, when they defeated last week a strong team from the Welsh division. The New Zealand team, which included some famous "All Blacks," entered the ground at three o'clock, and, standing on the touch line, performed their traditional dance, which was loudly' applauded. From the kick-off the French attacked and pressed their opponents ,to the great surprise of the spectators. There was fine passing between the French forwards, who followed hard on the ball. The All Blacks defended well but could not develop their play, and when the whistle was blown neither side had scored. On resuming the New Zealanders: attacked, but the French defended energetically, and after a fine breakaway succeeded in scoring a try, amid great enthusiasm. As the game approached its end, the French still lea by three points to nil, the enthusiasm of the public was tremendous. Three minutes before time the New Zealanders obtained possession of the ball, and, eluding the French backs, scored a try, which they converted'. The French returned to the" attack, but did not succeed in penetrating theiropponents' defence.