FOOTBALL.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2097, 25 January 1908, Page 2 (Supplement)

FOOTBALL.

Air Smith Stuart, who was such a caustic critic of the Amateur All Blacks, writes thus of the Professional's: “Folk whom I meet are ever asking whether I consider the. New Zealanders equals of the All Blacks who made history in 1905. As I have not yet seeii the new brigade, tlio only answer is a nihil novit in causa. Good judges who have seen the present tourists are, however, unanimously of opinion that the original New Zealanders were a greatly superior side in all departments, but most of all in defence. A friend in whoso judgment I can rely tells me that only Messenger and Todd of the backs can be compared with the best of the 1905 lot. Both these men are really great players, and have amply confirmed their reputation. It must be remembered, however, that the professional tourists, who are only professionals-in-law according to themselves, have been called upon tq play a weirdly mongrel and macerated form of‘Rugby football, which they cannot possibly have mastered. Then their weakness in defence may be more apparent than real, especially when judged from the point of view of ltugby proper. One is apt. to forget that the Northern Union game is played by only thirteen men*, that halves are hampered in spoiling owing to the rigid rule that the half cannot follow the ball, and must be behind the last of liis forwards, and that punting into touch is a defence act forbidden by the rules.”