FOOTBALL.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVI, Issue 265, 7 April 1914, Page 3

FOOTBALL.

KNCJLISII I.WTTATION. THE NEW ZEALAND KU;BY TEAM. Christchurch, April 4. The report that an invitation may be forthcoming from the English IRugbv Union for a team of All-Blacks to visit England this year is received with Hie greatest satisfaction in Christchurch, where the most immediate effect will probably be to put a good lot of keenness into this year's competitions in view of the international side, says the Christchurch correspondent of theAuck-. land Star.

"If the report is correct." said Mr. ft. 11. Mason, (president of the New Zea. land Rugby Union), "it shows that the objection in the part of Scotland ■ and Ireland must have been overcome as regards the visit of a \*ew Zealand team. They have been so much against it for years past that the impression was gaining ground that New Zealand teams were not wanted at Home. England and Wales have been willing enough whenever a visit was mooted, and this news is very welcome."

"The report may also be taken as strong evidence of the big revival of Kugby in England," Mr Mason continued. "This will give a great impetus also to the game locally, and will probably assist very materially in our efforts to gain, more recognition from the English Union, in the matter of proposed alterations and improvements in the game." "No," said Mr. Mason, "I do not think it likely that any New Zealand team will put up the record of the 1905 All Blacks in the Old Country. They will find very much stronger combinations to meet."

"Do you think (hat the California)! All Blacks were in the same class as the 1005 team?" Mr. Mason was asked.

"It is a much discussed question," ho said, "and it is a, very difficult one to answer. lam of the opinion that at the present time there was not much difference between the teams, but the team that went to England in 1905 had much more favorable opportunities of improving their play. No team can improve if it is playing against weaker opponents, as was the case in America; but in England the New Zealanders' met teams, every now and then at any rate, that gave them all they wanted, and kept them in good fettle, and the men had to improve to hold their own. Tn California there was not the same incentive to (raining and constant practice, although many of the men worked out improvements- in their play, and showed constant initiative."

"Did the last All Blacks learn any thing from their tour?"

"They learned nothing from their opponents, but their play improved considerably, and they studied out points for their own combination." "A New Zealand team to-day," Mr. Mason said, "would hardlv be as clever among the backs as the 'All Blacks of 1905, although lam not prepared to say so; but I think our forwards should he good enough for any team they are likely to meet."