STATEMENT BY VIVIERS

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 29001, 16 September 1959, Page 16

STATEMENT BY VIVIERS

“No Wish To Stir Up Feelings” tNJL Press Association —Copynghti JOHANNESBURG, Sept. 15. S. S. Viviers, the Springbok Rugby captain in New Zealand in 1956, said in a statemen) today that it was not his intention to stir up feelings between the two countries which took such a great interest in Rugby. Viviers was replying to criticism caused by his recent statement on a radio programme that the Springboks were penalised in the third test in 1956 for infringements which they could not understand, and that the All Black forward Kevin Skinner continually hit opponents. Viviers, said today: **l feel obliged to point out that, without any hard feelings, I tried to present the facts as I saw them. I will ignore personal attacks made on me because I feel that by replying to these attacks I will not succeed in my aim of creating better relations between our two countries.”

Referring to the spirit of New Zealand Rugby, Viviers said: “Although it is not easy to forget, I am sure that the 1959 Lions would like us to forgive the All Blacks for everything. “I personally think that the All Blacks think differently from how they sometimes act.” Viviers warned against the dangers of having too strong a will to win, saying this attitude should be excluded from the game. The All Blacks would have a pleasant South African tour next year, he said. “I hope with all my heart that our referees will act in the spirit of the game and will referee in such a manner that everyone will understand why the whistle has been blown,” he said.