THE ALL-BLACK "PROS."

Taranaki Daily News, Volume L, Issue 61, 19 November 1907, Page 3

THE ALL-BLACK "PROS."

THE MATCH AGAINST HUDDERSFIELD. DETAILED ACCOUNT. Received Nov. 18, G:l p.m. Sydney, November 18. The following fiootbaU Press comments on the Huddersfield match are to hand by the mail:— The Chronicle says: "Those who predicted an easy triumph for the New Zealanders were sadly disconcerted, as it was only in the final ten minutes that the visitors took the lead and were able to pile tip a score that oil the face indicates a decisive deTeat. The New Zoalanders can yet lie said to lie experimenting, They tried a new set of forwards, .lohnston lieing the only man who appeared against Hrmnley. In consequence of their inability to cope 'villi the more experienced men of liuddersfield, the visitors were repeatedly beaten for possession of the bail, and their backs could not be set in motion. Fighting as they were against a strong wind in the llrst bull', they were invariably on the defensive. HudderstieM pressed the advantage keenly, and were the lir.»t to score after twenty-live minute*' play. Five minutes later, Todd, who was in the New Zealand team in place of Alacgregor, dashed over the line, but Messenger failed with the kick at goal. At the interval lludderstield was leading by 8 points to 3.

"In the second half, Messenger tried repeatedly to place goals, without success, and many movements were opened and spoiled by faulty passing and poor combination. Wright at length gave a ro.sv tint to the oiierations by scoring a try, which Wrigley failed to convert, Mattel* were looking ominous for the visitors, until Rowe at length rushed over, and Wrigley kicked a goal. In the few remaining minutes Byrne and Todd gained tries, and Wrigley placed a grand goal from Turtill's mark, making the filial scores two goals and five tries (11) points) to one goal one try (sic). ''No doubt the reduced number of forwards and the new formation were stumbling-blocks in the operations* of the New Zoalanders. With their backs more occupied in defence than attack, thrilling runs and skilful manipulation of the ball were not in evidence, and whenever the men did have a chance to become aggressive, too muPh anxiety, coupled with some resolute tackling and effective marking, prevented scores. Todd was by far the best player on the New Zealand side, and, besides giving his colleagues many chances, scored two tries in positively brilliant style."

The Telegraph says:—"As the game was played, the New Zealanders were a little fortunate to win by such a large margin. Huddersfield, without their best half-back, played surprisingly well, and had the beet of matters quite threefourths of a fast game, but they went to pieces somewhat in the closing stages. Had Hudderafield been more precise in the finish of their attacks they would have iieen in a much stronger position at the interval, but they blundered badly. Wright, on the line, two or three times went over, the New Zealanders having some fortunate escapes. After changing ends, Huddersfield for a long time lieid up wonderfully well against the wind, their forwards maintaining their previous superiority, lmt eventually the New Zealandere gained the upper hand."