Wallabies Falter, Natal Wins, 14-13

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30171, 1 July 1963, Page 14

Wallabies Falter, Natal Wins, 14-13

(N Z. Press Association—Copyright) DURBAN, June 30. Faltering back play cost Australia dearly as Natal beat the Wallabies, 14-13, in a spirited second-half revival before more than 30,000 people at King’s Park Stadium yesterday.

In 32 minutes in the second half Nadal went from 0-8 down ait half-time to lead 14-8 on Australian mistakes. It was only in the final minute, with a 25-yaird burst from the side of a ruck by the half-back, K. McMullen for a try which P. Ryan converted, that Australia drew close.

The Wallabies’ backs moved orabwise across the field and nearly always were smothered quickly. Only J Boyce on the right wing and the outside centre, R. Marks, in defence did not blot their copybooks. Ryan, who made the first try of the match for B. Ellwood in the eighteenth minute and kicked two goals and

a penalty goal from five attempts. showed he is not infallible. Ryan’s Mistakes Under pressure he was often unsure, ana ail though in the first instance a bad pass by McMullen was a contributing factor, Ryan made two mistakes which cost Wallabies points from tries.

Altihcugh Ryan may hold his place for the first test in a fortnight. J. Lenehan’s replacement, T. Casey, must be given a chance in Rhodesia next week. Natal’s first try in the eleventh minuite of the second half came when McMullen threw a wild high pass over Ryan’s shoulder with Natal attacking inside Australia’s 25. Ryan fumbled, and a Natal forward, T. Bedford, toed the ball over the line and fell on it. In the thirty-second miniate, with Na’.tal grimly leading. 9-8, the Springbok five-eighths and Natal vicecaptain. K. Oxlee, sent his test wing. O. Taylor, through a gap. Ryan missed him as the winger swerved away for a try by the posts.