High Standard of Play.

We then interviewed Mr. Fookes about the actual play during the tour and he told us the standard was far higher than they had first imagined. It was not the easy picnic that many thought it would be. The Japanese team trained both winter and summer and, consequently were very fit. Also they took the game very seriously, as they do any sport, specialising in one sport only and making a good job of it. Mr. Fookes considered they would beat any University College team in New Zealand. They played seven forwards and eight backs, the extra outside being, in reality, aforward but playing in the backs-a scheme our men adopted.

The greatest deect of the Japanese style of football however is the fact that the team is over-coached-thus destroying all individuality. They played the American type of game, i.e. they have some fixed system or movement to which they adhere no matter what happens.

In conclusion, despite sea and other sickness which at some time or other attacked all but a few stalwarts, it was they thought, as many others alsotold "Smad," a most delightful and interesting tour.