THE ANGLO-WELSH TOUR.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXI, Issue 3055, 27 November 1908, Page 3

THE ANGLO-WELSH TOUR.

MANAGER HARNET TALKS. Twenty-three out of the twentynine players who left England last April to play Rugby football in New Zealand and Austrliaa returned to England by the "Campania" from New York last Saturday, writes a London correspondent under date October 16th. Sad to relate, the deeds of the Anglo-Welsh team during their tour attracted very little attention here; indeed, even amongst Rugby players, there seemed to be a total lack of real interest in the doings of the tourists, and the Home newspapers, with the exception of the "Sportsman," seldom mentioned the team beyond publishing the bald cable reports of the matches. The team's return and the results of the tour were announced in ten lines in the "Times," and few papers gave any greater prominence to the homecoming of Mr Harnett's "boys." There was no rush to interview the members of the team on arrival at Liverpool; indeed, no one seemed to have taken any notice of them. Last Tuesday, however, a "Sportsman" interviewer ran Mr Harnett to earth in his chambers in the Temple, and extracted from him some views and opinions, which may be of interest to your readers. Mr Harnett was most enthusiastic concerning the trip. It had, he said, given him a wider outlook of life; he was able to sympathise with the aims and ambitions of the Colonial, and the change of air had greatly improved his health. ■% Regarding the reception of his team, Mr Harnett said:--• "1 mu3t say we were splendidly received. Every class in the Dominion united to do us honour, and even the Government went out of their way to proide u» with special trains for our long journeys. What has been said of New Zealand will also apply to Australia. We found whereer the Rugby Union game was played we were welcome as good fellows and sportsmen." As to the results in New Zealand, he remarked: — "We were undoubtedly handicapped by the recurring injuries 1o some of our best players, and also by the fact that the referees do not interpret the laws as we do over here. Speaking as a referee,- I think the New Zealand officials are far too fond of the strict letter of the law; they do not enter sufficiently into the spirit oi the game. Both in New Zealand and New South Wales referees are looking forward to some amendments, and, if there should be a revision, are anxious that the rules shall be so explicit that they can't be mistaken wherver the game is played. New Zealand has already proposed certain alterations, which will doubtless come befor i the Rugby Union. There is also a proposal for a general conference to be held in London next year, at which the whole subject will be discussed." Asked whether the tour had helped the cause of amateurism in the Colonies, Mr Harnett expressed the opinion that it did, adding, "Northern Union football has made a start, but it""must encounter immense difficulties. At present I cannot see how it can be made successful. You see, all the best grounds are managed by the district unions, under the jurisdiction uf the New Zealand Rugby Union. Then, again, the important towns are far removed from one another. Considerable financial support must be necessary for a paid team to succeed. The travelling expenses alone would be very heavy. Please remember also, the amateurs are thoroughly organised. The district unions keep a tight grip on football affairs, the conduct of players and offdals. The public schools are keen supporters of our code, and the people—well, I have never seen such perfervid enthusiasm. It is almost a religion with many of them." "And what would you say as to the strength of New Zealand at present?" was the next query. Mr Harnett replied—"ln my opinion the best team of 'All Blacks' would beat any team in the world unless a very exceptional side was turned out in opposition. its best, New Zealand football is wonderfully attractive; they have perfected their system, and, if anything, their back-play is superior to their forward play. But backs and forwards can be admirable as we have already seen in England. There are, however, some objectionable features which should be eliminated. • First the wing forward should be abolished at all costs. Our team suffered heavily from his offside and obstructive methods. 'Pointing' ougth also to done away with. 'Pointing' I should define is clever obstruction.