SPRINGBOK TEAM

Press, Volume XCIV, Issue 28047, 15 August 1956, Page 16

SPRINGBOK TEAM

18 Players Named For Test FINAL SELECTION ON FRIDAY Tb<» Sou*h African sel-rtion roniwltf*" nawl 18 pDverj for thn third test on RMw. day The finnl selection will be made on Fridav. Three of tho»e who took part <n the second t*st have been onvHed. Th«*v p. G. Johnston*. ♦*** I** r t win* threeouarters. I. Kirkp»*ri-k. who w-t centre. a”d J. A. J. Pickard. wb«» was number forward in that irame. The nositinns left in doubt by the inci”sion of the three ext»*a names are full-back, v here the choice is between tho captain, S. S. Viviers. and R. G. Drvburgh: a centre position, between B F. Howe and W. Rosenberg. and a flank forward place, be. hvp<»n D. S. P. Ackermann and J. Starke. The team, as announced yesterday, was:— Fnll-hack: S. S. Viviers or R. Q, Dryburgh. Wine K. T. van Vollenhoven and T. Briers. Centres- J. J. Nel and B. F. Howe or W. Rosenberg. e Fly-half: C. A. Ulyate. Scrum-half: T. A. Gentles. Number eight: D. F. Retief. Flankers: G. P. Lochner and D. 8. P. Ackermann or J. Starke. T/Of-ks: J. A. du Rand and J. I Claassen. ,

Props:. H. P. J. Bekker and A. C. Koch.

Hooker: A. J. van der Merwe. Although the Christchurch Rugby public will be no less anxious than the rest of New Zealand for an All Black victory, they will welcome the chance of seeing van Vollenhoven in action. Before the team began its tour, he was regarded as the outstanding attacking back, and at times he has shown glimnses of greatness, as well as speed. For him. however, the tour has been marred to some extent by injury. His certain inclusion in the side argues complete fitness and he should add something to the South Africans’ chances of success. Dryburgh was injured in the match again Hanan Shield Districts a month ago. and did not play again until August 8. against Wanganui-Kih| Country. At practice this week, however, he has shown great soeed, and if his goal-kicking is less reliable than that of iVviers, he may still win the place. It seems likely that Howe will be preferred to Rosenberg. although Rosenberg enjoys a tremendous reputation in his own country. Because of injury, he has plaved only three games in New Zealand—against Waikato. against Wairarapa-Bush, and against Wanganui-King Country. He may not be considered sufficiently match hardened to be included, but at his best he, too, would strengthen the South Africans’ hand. Howe is full of tricks, is extraordinarily agile, and has played few poor games on this tour. Ackermann will probably go fn ahead of Starke, if he is properly fit. He is an exceptionally fast and talented forward. He was injured in the first test and had to miss six successive games, but he has played In the last two of the SpringboKs* games.