SPRINGBOKS’ N.Z. RECORD

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

SPRINGBOKS’ N.Z. RECORD

“Unfair Criticism” Of Dr. Craven COMMENT IN SOUTH AFRICA (N.Z Press Association—Copyright! <Rec, 7 p.m.) WELKOM (Orange Free State), mu Aug. 25. those persons who are so freelv criticising the Springbok Rugby team and Dr. Danie Craven are unwittingly committing “sabotage,” said Mr J- van Huyssteen, the man who taught Dr. Craven his Rugby at Lindley, Orange Free State, Dr. Craven’s home town. Mr van Huyssteen. for nine years principal at the school where Dr. Craven passed his matriculation examination, said: “All remarks such as ’They sent the wrong men’ or ‘They are being trained the wrong way’ inevitably reach the Springboks through azrrespondence from home. Stories like that are bound to cause disruption and uncertainty. “In my opinion. South African Rugby has passed its zenith, but people are still living in the era when the Springboks never or seldom lost a match. They cannot become used to the idea of defeat.” “I am proud of Dr. Craven,” Mr van Huyssteen said. "He was a brilliant player and a great tactician. He should not be blamed for the downward trend in our Rugby. He is doing his best. “After all. it is not Dr. Craven who is playing. When a man goes on to the Rugby field he has to rely on his own brain. He cannot be directed from the grandstand. “Another factor which has to be borne in mind is that Rugby has undergone a change. An international match is no longer played in the same spirit as in the past. Judging from past test matches, they look rather like international battles “But I honour and respect Dr. Craven. Nobody is free from criti-

cism, but Dr. Craven is being unfairly criticised. He is no Rugby god, but merely a human being who has done much for South African Rugby,” Mr van Huyssteen said. SOUTH AFRICANS AT ROTORUA (New Zealand Press Association) ROTORUA. August 26. The Springboks, with only two games left to play to complete their 1956 tour of New Zealand, arrived in Rotorua this afternoon. They were welcomed by the Mayor (Mr M. Linton). Dr. D. H. Craven, the manager of the team, and one of the players, J. U. Buehler, preached at services in Rotorua churches this evening. Later the Springboks attended a Maori concert. Entertainment for the team tomorrow include a trip to the thermal area at Whakarewarewa. The players will be guests at a cocktail party tomorrow evenings So far the Springbok team for Tuesday’s match against the combined CountiesThames Valley-Bay of Plenty side has yet to be decided. Dr. Craven said this evening the team would probably be announced after training in the morning.