HEARTENING WIN FOR TOURISTS

Press, Volume XCIV, Issue 28057, 27 August 1956, Page 8

HEARTENING WIN FOR TOURISTS

Convincing Pre-Test Victory

SOUTH AFRICAN RUGBY WRITER’S COMMENT \From MAXWELL PRICE RugOy writer for the “Cane Tinies.” Cape Townl The Maori side which barnstormed its way successfully about New Zealand in rehearsals for the Springbok game received a rude shock at Eden Park on Saturday from the South Africans, who in a great and heartening pre-test display trounced their opposition, 37-0. This Springbok triumph changes completely the visitors’ prospects for the vital international game. Their chances were at low ebb after the test match defeat in Christchurch and the defeat by ‘the New Zealand Universities side. The basis of Saturday’s Springbok triumph was the effective work of the tight core of forwards in the front row. The locks—du Rand and Claassen—were magnificent. This is likely to be the test' quintet. Claassen and du Rand, who played in the Christchurch test, in spite of recent injuries, seem to be back to form. On Saturday, the Maoris were on the defensive for most of the match, and the speed of the South African inside backs was too much for them. Howe, at fiy-half, had a particularly good game, and was prominent in many of the scoring moves. Strydom was a much better player than at Wellington during the week. The pair of them now rival Ulyate and Gentles as the halfback combination for the final test Briers, who scored three tries, gave a glimpse of his true worth, and Viviers. with 16 points from the boot, made secure his position as test full-back. Potae and Hohaia were the best of the Maon forwards, but the test forward Hill seemed somewhat subdued Gray and Walsh in the centre were eclipsed by Nel and Kirkpatrick.