AUST; TALKS ON LAWS

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

AUST; TALKS ON LAWS

Support For Se Africa (Special Crspdt. N.Z.P.A.) DURBAN. June 30. The South African Rugby Board confirmed that its president Dr. Danie Craven, left by air yesterday for Australia. It is expected that Dr. Craven will have “secret” talks with Australian Rugby Union officials on new experimental rules. His sudden departure surprised Rugby Union circles. He was expected In Durban on Saturday to see Australia play its fifth match of the tour against Natal. ’

It is reliably known here that Dr. Craven will try to seek Australian and New Zealand support to call an urgent meeting of the International Board over proposed new laws designed to open up the game. On June 15 the South African Board decided to defy the International Board by continuing with experimental rules which the board had given South Africa permission to use until June 17. When Dr. Craven, at a dinner for the Wallabies at Springs that night, announced that South Africa would continue with the experimental laws, the Australian manager, Mr W. McLaughlin replied that Australia was sure to support South Africa's stand. , * . There is urgency in the latest move because South Africa, within a few weeks, is due to send a five-man delegation to London to discuss the situation with the International Board. Dr. Craven is due In Australia on Monday He is on the same plane as the South African Rugby League team.

Coast Has To Struggle

(N Z. Press Association) HOKITIKA. June 30. After leading 8-3 at half-time. West Coast was hard pressed to beat Buller. 8-8. in a representative Rugby match at Hokitika on Saturday. , Buller secured a monopoly of the ball from scrums and lineout* but indecisive play among its inside backs nullified this advantage. Coast’s points came from a try by M. Bellis, which A. King converted. King also kicked a penalty. For Buller L. Halsall kicked two penalties.

Forward Command.—A heavy Bay of Plenty pack dictated the terms at Tucitiki on Saturday, when the Bav side defeated East Coast. 26-16 tn a good open Rugby game. Both sets of back? were eager to attack but Bay of Plenty had more pace and more finish and had the East Coast defence under fairly constant pressure.—(P. A )