Springboks Open Tour Today Against Waikato

Press, Volume XCIII, Issue 27990, 9 June 1956, Page 10

Springboks Open Tour Today Against Waikato

RUGBY FOOTBALL

(New Zealand Press Association)

HAMILTON. June 8. Interest in the opening match of the Springboks’ tour, against Waikato at Hamilton tomorrow, is so intense in the Waikato area that several thousand persons will probably be unable to gain admission.

It has been decided in the interests of safety that the attendance will be limited to 25.000. The biggest crowd ever accommodated in Rugby Park. Hamilton, comprised 24.000 spectators, who watched Waikato defend the Ranlurly Shield against Bay of Plentv. Black-market prices for seats today rose to £5. but even then purchasers found it almost impossible to find sellers.

The surface of Rugby Park will be Heavy, and should provide both teams with a stiff test. The only similar ground on which the visitors have Played on their present tour was at Tam worth. when they beat New South Wales Country. 15-8. Their manager (Dr. Danie Craven) said today that it was a pity that the opening match of the New Zealand tour should be played on such a heavy surface, but that his players would nave to learn to master such conditions, and also to become used to the four-panel ball when it became greasy. home - South Africans use an eight-panelled ball. They did so also on the Australian section of the tour Discussions between the Springbok « ai R. management and representatives of the New Zealand Referees’ Association showed that generally interpretations m New Zealand are comparable with those in South Africa. Little difficulty is expected by the Springboks m having to adapt their play to rulings. If any differences arise later, further discussions will be held On what could have been the most contentious of problems—the laws on scrums and line-outs— there was com-

plete agreement between the visitors and the New Zealand representatives. Today was a day of rest for all the players engaged in tomorrow’s match. Some played golf; others visited cinemas.

The Waikato coach (Mr A. R. Everest) said he was confident his team would make a good showing against the visitors. “If we are good enough, then we will beat them,’’ he said.

After a light run this morning, the Waikato players were taken for a bus ride in the country, and given their final team talks by their coach. The South Africans and many New Zealanders visiting Hamilton are still bewildered by the way “Rugby fever’’ has swept the city. The Springboks say they have never known such a welcome as Hamilton’s.

Si nce the Springboks arrived on Wednesday afternoon, crowds of spectators have waited outside their hotel door to seek autographs. The only change in the teams is the replacement of the Waikato captain (D. J. McKenzie) by J. H. Mauger as lock with D. E. Grant. McKenzie was confined to bed tonight with a high temperature. The half-back, A. R. Reid, will now captain the Waikato side.

Unless there are last-minute changes the teams will be:— South Africa.—S. S. Viviers; J. du Preez, J J Nel. K. T. van Vollenhoven: W. Rosenberg, B. F. Howe- T. A. Gentles: G. P. Lochner; D. F. Retief. y \J? laasen - J - A - J- Pickard. C. J. de Wilzem: P. du Toit, A. van der Merwe. H. N. Walker.

Waikato.—D. B. Clarke: G. J. CarB. A. Cowley. M. J. McDonald ’’ G : R- Brunskill, J. R. Bullick; A. m , eid: A - B. Pickering; G. P. Nola. J H. Mauger. D. F. Grant. A. Graham C arke ' R - C ' Hemi ’ J - T -