British Isles Team

Press, Volume LXXXVI, Issue 26126, 31 May 1950, Page 6

British Isles Team

The British Isles Rugby football team, which will play the first of its four matches in the Canterbury province against South Canterbury at Timaru to-day, would have been warmly welcomed in any case; but, after its memorable display in the first test match at Dunedin last Saturday, there is good reason for greater interest and enthusiasm. In spite of the discouraging effect of defeats by Otago and Southland and the handicap .of many injuries, the British players showed the ability and grit to turn sympathy to admiration at Dunedin. They! thoroughly deserve the congratulations they have received on making an experienced New Zealand team struggle for a draw. The visitors’ football is not as grim as that often seen in New Zealand, which will increase the pleasure of Canterbury players and spectators in meeting and watching a fine set of sportsmen. Next Saturday the British Isles team will play Canterbury at Lancaster Park, and,' although the first hope of spectators will be for a good game, they will also hope that a series of lean seasons has ended and that the home team will rise to the occasion, as Canterbury did against the Anglo-Welsh team of 1908 and the British team of 1930. Next Tuesday will be a big day for Ashburton, because it will be the first time a real international side has played there. The following Saturday the British Isles team will be back at Lancaster Park for the second test match. If this is as good a game as the Dunedin test everyone should be well satisfied. Winning or losing, on the field and off it, the British Isles team has shown the good sportsmanship that is too often lacking in international events. It should be welcomed in the same spirit; and then the success of the Canterbury section of the tour will be assured, whatever the results may be.