’BOKS SPURRED ON

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30724, 13 April 1965, Page 19

’BOKS SPURRED ON

(N Z. Press Association)

WELLINGTON. April 12. Any complacency South Africa might have felt about its Rugby strength was certainly dispelled in Ireland’s victory at Dublin on Saturday and the Springboks would be spurred on to greater efforts when they arrived in New Zealand, the chairman of the N.Z.R.F.U., Mr T. C. Morrison, said today.

Asked to.comment on the Springbok’s dismal record in Ireland to date, Mr Morrison said he was far from being misled regarding the early defeats.

“In fact. 1 see something in the defeats that will kill any complacency by South Africa, if there is any, and such set-backs will certainly spur them on to greater efforts when they get here.” The Springboks were at a

.disadvantage in playing tough ! J games so early. ; ] “They strike Irish Rugby at the height of its teamwork and peak of physical fitness after a full season. And. after ! all, when one looks at the I scores of international teams : against Ireland over recent ■ years, one can understand 1 just how tough Irish teams can be.” said Mr Morrison. I He felt sure no-one in New I

Zealand would be lulled into a feeling that South African Rugby was below standard because of the Irish defeats. “We will witness a very high standard from the Springboks, just as high a standard as in past teams, when they eventually get here,” said Mr Morrison. He declined to comment on the advisability of the short tour of Ireland and Scotland.