Salient. An Organ of Student Opinion at Victoria College, Wellington, N.Z. Vol. 15, No. 11. June 26, 1952
Marist Tactics Defeat Varsity — Osborne on Top Form
Marist Tactics Defeat Varsity
Osborne on Top Form
In a calm, unusual to Wellington, and before a large crowd, Marist proved too good for Varsity. Marist played a game planned to neutralise the scoring potential of the Varsity backline. And on this, as the result showed, they succeeded. Their heavy forwards, showing remarkable agility in the loose, and their backs giving a magnificent tackling display proved too stiff a hurdle for the Varsity team to surmount. For their well-earned, and rather dearly-bought victory, Marist deserve the heartiest congratulations.
The Varsity team as a whole did not give of their best. The forwards, faced with the stiffest opposition so far encountered this season, performed creditably. They were not as prominent in the loose as they usually are—much of their energy being needed to match the Marist forwards in the tight.
Hutcinson and Smith did their usual good Job in the lineouts but they were not given the support re quired for the quick heeling of the ball. The covering up of the forwards and their general backing up of the backs was not the high standard they had set against Wellington and Petone.
The new hooker McHallich obtained a greater share of the ball than was expected against such formidable opposition as Shannon. Whether his all round play will be up to Eastwoods standard is still to be shown.
The return of Savage did not give the added boost to the inside backs that was expected. But with a few-more games I think his presence will be greatly appreciated. It is regret-table that Parker should have to Join the emergency list. Against Wellington his play was up to the standard of any half-back so far seen in Wellington this season.
Henley at five-eighths had a torrid time. Faced with an O'Callaghan who tacked very hard and a loose forward who never got closer than arms length to ruck, Henley had little opportunity to show his attacking capabilities. Why the short kick was not made greater use of is still a mystery. The deficiencies noticed in Henley's play, especially under pressure resurrects the question of the advisability of playing an outside back in the specialist position of first five-eighths. Henley does not seem to have the experience necessary to adapt his play to counter the opposing team's tactics.
Fitzgeraid and Fitzpatrick were also closely marked, in many cases overmarked. An over eagerress to hang on to the ball marred both these player's game.
The close marking the inside backs met with was dwarf-like compared with that meted out to Jarden. During the Wellington game his opposite number would far too frequently be seen standing off-side while a scrum or a lineout was in progress. This was not so noticeable against Marist. But even here shepherding and general obstructive tactics were far too common. Close marking of an International like Jarden is expected.
But tactics against not only the spirit but also the rules or the game are to be condemned. This abortive practice has been accentuated by the excessive leniency of the referees.
Jarden's lapses on defence, especially the time when he failed to take the ball in the face of a fast moving Hourigan could be placed in the main to the head injury he sustained against Wellington.
At full back Osborne gave his best display this season. His safe handling, his coolness under pressure, his solid tackling were from Varsity's point of view the only pleasing feature of the game. Osborne's line kicking which lacked distance against Wellington, also showed a marked improvement.
The tenacity with which the Varsity team fought back was praise-worthy. The vigour and determination which marked the closing stages or the game brought into bold relief the lassitude which characterised their play in the first half.
To the six players selected for the Wellington touring team we extend our congratulations.
— Sports Editor.