A FEW REFLECTIONS.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume XLIX, Issue 12644, 3 November 1905, Page 7

A FEW REFLECTIONS.

" When one comes to look back upon the game," reflects the same writer, " the difficulty is to know what to admire most in the New Zealanders' play. It should be said that though there were one or two knock-outs the game was played in the true sporting epirdt by the visitors. While they made no mistake afbout tackling low and bard— and in this respect set an example to their opponents, there was no suspicion of foul play. Forward they had tfhe advantage in weight, and the whole eight were clever in the loose and the line outs. Perhaps the point which stood out most clearly about the forwards was their ability at passing and backing up •tihe three-quarters. The damage to Bristol was accomplished by the brilliant work of the whole back division, and oif the nine tries scored only one fell to a forward, and that was the easiest of tihe lot. Th& dash by Wallace, their big Tying; the swerves and pace of Smith, the centre; and the sprinting abilities of Thompson, their light, but fast, outside left, all played havoc with the Bristol defence. These players had splendid openings made for them through the perfect, understanding which existed among the half and five-eighths, the latter really for the most part corresponding to our centre three-quarter when an attacking movement was being developed. It was the uncertainty as to which side the attack was to be pressed home which made the Bristol defence look so foolish at times.

As to the future, on their present form the Ney Zealanders will have to wait some time for defeat, and even the optimistic Welshmen who came over to see the match think that their clubs will go under, and only look to their notional fifteen for a possible victory. The gate was a record one."