S.A. Writers Blame Referee

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30818, 2 August 1965, Page 3

S.A. Writers Blame Referee

(N.Z.P.A. Reuter—Copyright) JOHANNESBURG, August 1. The South African Afrikaans sports writer, Gert Kotze, yesterday blamed the New Zealand referee, Mr J. P. Murphy, for the Springboks 6-3 defeat.

In a front page story in “Die Vaderland.” Kotze said that Mr Murphy had made two “blatant” mistakes in his refereeing.

“In the first case Wilson dotted the ball down after it rolled over the dead-ball line, but instead of allowing the Springboks a 25-yard line kick, the referee ordered a five-yard scrum. “The All Blacks won the scrum and their wing, Birtwistle scored,” he said. “Their second try also should not have been awarded. Their scrum-half, Laidlaw, broke around the scrum and the ball fell forward. Tremain picked it up and scored—and the try was allowed.” “Heart-Breaking”

Paul Irwin, writing in the Johannesburg “Sunday Times,” said: “It is a heartbreaking story for the Springboks of the refereeing blunder that cost them three precious points. “If they had been disallowed, as they most certainly should have been, then De Villiers and his men would have gained a richly deserved draw.” The N.Z.P.A., reporting from Wanganui, today said that the South African team

had “never considered” lodging any official protest about the second try. Unconfirmed reports had stated that after viewing a television film of Tremain’s try the Springboks were considering a protest. “This match is something of the past," said Mr J. F. Louw, the team manager. “We are now looking to the future." He said he had no comment to make on the refereeing in the test. Congratulated In Cape Town, Dr. Dame Craven, president of the South African Rugby Board, congratulated the All Blacks. Dr. Craven said the close result indicated that "three more exciting internationals could be expected and that the series could go either way.”