1965 SPRINGBOKS GOOD TOURISTS

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30811, 24 July 1965, Page 11

1965 SPRINGBOKS GOOD TOURISTS

TF the South African x Rugby team had been here on a good-will mission instead of coming to play New Zealand at Rugby they could not have done a better job to put across an Image of South Africa. This side is certainly the friendliest and most pleasant Rugby team to have toured New Zealand in recent years. In every city they have been to, they have shown unfailing good humour and mixed well. When New Zealanders are present the speaking of Afrikaners, something which earned the 1956 team severe criticism, has been stopped. It could be said, of course, that the Springboks, aware of the piece of South Africa in world polrticis, are making a special effort to be pleasant. But that is too sweeping. This team just happens to be a naturally friendly one and its social inclinations have been guided adroitly by the manager. Mr J. F. Louw, who could well finish this tour by being regarded as the best manager to have toured New Zealand since the war.

A former AH Black captain who has met the Springboks on tour said that they were a grand team off the field but he wondered whether or not they were carrying this friendliness too far and transporting it to the Rugby field. And he could be right for the Springboks have shown an amazing tolerance of illegal tactics so far—the Taranaki game excepted when the pot battled over. That game should not be