FAULTING THE SPRINGBOKS

Press, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22111, 5 June 1937, Page 19

FAULTING THE SPRINGBOKS

VIEWS OF MELBOURNE CRITIC WHERE TOURISTS MAY FAIL Rugby critics in Australia have lately been much more optimistic concerning the chances of Commonwealth teams against the Springboks than was the case a few months ago. The Rugby writer of a Melbourne newspaper claims to have good grounds for this optimism in reports received recently from South Africa. In the union, he says, competent critics are not now quite as confident as they were during the selection trials, when the players were judged mainly on their individual qualities without much consideration of the adaptability to the playing methods of their team-mates. In the forwards the selectors have obviously gone out for weight, and there is a feeling now that a sprinkling of lighter men with speed, initiative, and ability to use hands and feet, might not have come amiss. The Melbourne writer gives some interesting details of the players who will be seen here shortly. White is the only centre three-quarters in the team with international experience, and Hofmyr, though having a deceptive change of pace nd direction and an eye for a gap, is inclined to lose position, making combination difficult and leaving gaps on defence. Babrow has a natural instinct for a gap and can take a pass, but he is said not to be an accurate passer himself. Only One Hooker Of the wings, Lyster is described as powerful and a good tackier, though occasionally he has a bad day and lacks decision. He and Williams are both fast, and the latter is noted for the support he his full-back. On attack, though he works well for position, he is inclined to drop the ball at the crucial moment. Lawton and Broodryk, left wingers, are not quite as fast, but they are strong, and are expected to be invaluable in wet weather. Fears are entertained over the inclusion of only one hooker, continues the Melbourne writer, who says that if Lotz is injured or ill there is no knowing what will happen. He is unable to fault the team in other directions, but, as he says, this is enough to show that the Springboks are not supermen; that they are very human footballers who can, and will, make errors. He adds that the scrumhalves, De Villiers and Craven, are a brilliant pair, and the five-eighths, Van Der Vyver and Harris, while not the best South Africa has had, are very good, particularly in defence. The South African full-backs, moreover, have always been the despair of their opponents, and Brand is as good as any the country has produced Turner is said to be an excellent und rstudy. He is fast, tackles magnificently, handles surely, and kicks with either foo 4