NEW ZEALAND'S FOOTBALL TEAM.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVII, Issue 8051, 15 February 1906, Page 3

NEW ZEALAND'S FOOTBALL TEAM.

MATCH WITH FRANCE. London, January 5. New Year's Day was a great day for football in France—perhaps the greatest day ever known, for France scored eight points against New Zealand, and 'n the circumstances the New Zealandcrs' 38 points are relatively nothing to t'le French goal and try. The French people were delighted with their achievement against the wonderful New Zeilanders; it was a redletter day for French football, and the New Zealanders' cues of "Bravo, France!" "Well played, France!" with which they encouraged the French, men at the close of the game, will long ring in the ears and hearts of the home team. The fact that the Frenchmen were able to emulate the feat of Cardiff by twice crossing the New Zealand line was generally regarded with the liveliest satisfaction. Unfavourable weather marred the attendance, and only about 10,000 spectators assembled at tlic Veledrome du Pare des Princess (near Auteuil) to witness the match.

According to the special account seat to London by lite Paris correspondent of the " Daily Telegraph" : " l'lay had not been started two minutes before the Blacks were right tip to the French line scoring a try, which was not converted ; one minute later came another try, and the goal this time was kicked by Wallace. The Whites now came up again pliickily, and kept the war in the enemy's camp for some minutes. Quick passing brought the Blacks across the border again, and nearly gained them a try. A good kick gate France a line opening for an attack, which they failed to use, and the Black s were on them again. A minute later France had another fair attack, and keeping it up longer tlii.i time, two scrummages took place in New Zealand ground. The Blacks then wurked up well, and were perilously near to Iho French line, but Jerome made a line catch, and the Frenchmen, for once backing each other up, the ball reached ! Ces*inux, who by this time was right ] across the Ijeld, and he grounded it in ' the coveted ground behind the New: Zealand line. Then l was a cheering then, with war whoops and war dances ; among the French spectators, and (he I Englishmen, who were present in thousands, cheered enthusiastically too.' The goal was mi*sed, but that wasi nothing. France liad scored a try against New Zealand; il was more: than any Frenchman had hoped, "The 1 Whites,' exhilarated, played up, and after this this were in their "opponents' camp for some minutes. Then came a magic piece of ijuick-change passing, a lightning rush, and before the Frenchman knew where they were the visiting forwards, playing beautifully, had the ball across their opponents' line. Wallace kicked the goal, bringing his side's score up to 13 points. More rushes and more passing and feinting, which completely nonplussed the Frenchmen, secured one more try, made by Harper, Wallace kicking another goal. However the 'White.' managed to prevent fur.her scoring before the whistle/ ■

"At half-time, New Zealand was leading by 18 points to 3. But what of tint? France knew her record by hear!, aud was well content with her one try against the redoubtable and all but unbeaten invaders.

"When play was resumed, the Frenchmen started finely," savs the Telegraph correspondent. " and in a good rush secured a second try, made, I think, by Lacassagne. This was far more than any Frenchmen had ever dreamed of,, and the caecrs jyere good to hear. When the try was converted, there was a burst of enthusiasm in which we all joined, for the Frenchmen deserved it. ' Cardiff's score,' excited hoys told each Qlher and one liked to hear tlient. They are learning the good old football spirit at jast.

"After this, however, (lie 'Whiles appeared to think it time to rest, where us Ihe ' Blacks' were as cool as pos silde. Not a spurt by the Frenchmen li?d the slightest effect tipm them. Time after lime they turned a French attack into au advantage for themselves, merely hy a little dodging play, which looked, and was, wonderfully neat. Gallahar secured a try, which was not converted, and two more tries followed, after some splendid passing, which (he whole crowd cheered, hut Ihe goal was missed cm each occasion. The Frenchmen mmajed a few counter attacks, which were soon repelled, whereas they utterly failed to resist anv of the swift rushes of their adversaries, who were cheered over and over agaiu. One more try, hy Cunningham, T think, brought up Ihe score to lit) points. Scrummages followed one another iu French ground, (he • Whiles' resisting well in them, hut beinc hopelessly mauonivred once the ball came out. Again the Frenchmen managed a good run-up, but, as usual, failed to support each other, and in a flash were turned by their opponents. One of these turning movements secured yet another try for them, which was not converted Crichtoii, tho French back, afterwards made two line dashes, and. thanks to him, the home side found themselves in the All Blacks' camp, | where a series of scrummages worked them up to near the enemy's goal. Gallalier at this moment left the field, his face bleeding from a scratch, due to a fall, but the injury was insignificant. Just as the French men had been com-, fortably scrummaging close up lo Ihe New Zealand line, the lallcr suddenly turned them, and were across tho field logclhcr in a Hash, and Abbott walked over Ihe line Willi ihe ball. Not a Frenchman was on thai side ol tin 1 ground at all, and whivl had become of the fullback one could not tell. The try was converted, bringing the New Zealand score up to 38 points, and a few moments later M. Dedet, Chairman of the .Rugby Committee of Ihe Stade Francais. who made an excellent referee, blew his whistle. The crowd on Ihe cheaper seats opposite the stands instantly leapt the barriers, and the •All Black' and the 'Whiles,' after cheering each other, were surrounded by a rapturous mass of people, through which thev !nd to fight their wav. Tlin two lean:- dined together, and spent the cvcinig convivially. after this great day of football in France."