Wet Or Dry, All Blacks Should Triumph Again

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30847, 4 September 1965, Page 13

Wet Or Dry, All Blacks Should Triumph Again

[By 1. J. D. HALL, Rugby Reporter of “The Press.”] Throughout their tour the Springboks have claimed that a dry ground would be the panacea for all the Rugby ills that have beset them in New Zealand.

Unless conditions deteriorate rapidly —yesterday’s rain should only have softened the ground and made it ideal for a running game—they should be satisfied with Lancaster Park.

But for all that, it is felt that a dry ground will only increase the winning margin of the All Blacks.

On wet and dry grounds the Springboks have still displayed too many basic weaknesses in fundamental skills.

Also, on a dry ground the explosive power that can be generated by the New Zealand pack must make it an even more formidable unit. These forwards must be the key to the game today, as they have been in the two previous tests.

13-0 Flattered Against the strong southerly at Wellington they quelled the Springbok forwards, in the mud at Carisbrook they were so superior that the margin of 13-0 distinctly flattered the Springboks. Even with the inclusion of Hopwood, the Springboks have little to offer against the All Black forwards. There is Whineray, a great forward and a notable captain; the strength of the Meads brothers; the dash of Tremain: and Lochore and Conway in the loose. As individuals the All Black forwards are formidable. As a unit they must be one of the finest packs ever fielded by New Zealand. Lacking Strength They are so efficient that for the first time automation seems to have entered international Rugby. Against them is matched

the scrummaging ability of the Springboks front row— Van Zyl, Walton and MacDonald: the finesse of Hopwood, at No. 8; Ellis, an enthusiastic chaser of the ball: and Du Preez, a magnificent jumper in the line-outs. But over-all, the Springboks just seem to lack the strength

that one expects from an international pack. There is no doubt the Springboks will be pinning their faith on their backs. The selection of Barnard must give an impetus to the line and the centres, Gainsford and

Roux, can be a potent attack ing pair.

But one wonders just how good this Springbok back-line is. In Wednesday games, when the behemoth Springbok forwards have subdued the opposition, the backs have looked very good. But in the harder Saturday matches very rarely has there been the sparkle that can be expected from an international back line.

Suspect Half-Back Obviously the Springboks have some good backs, but there is one vital link missing in the chain—neither halfback . has shown ability to give a good service under pressure. And no matter how well the Springbok forwards play today the half-back, De Villiers, will be harrassed and bothered by the New Zealand forwards and the opposing halfback, Laidlaw.'

Also, the New Zealand backs, although often deni-

grated by the New Zealand public, have a great attacking potential. Laidlaw has a swift, long pass; Murdoch, given his head, is the perfect link at first five-eighths: and in Moreton and Rangi, New Zealand has the ideal complement—Moreton. skilful and thoughtful; Rangi. the hard running centre. Effective Wings Birtwistle and Dick are a more effective pair than their Springbok opposites. Dick could be a vital man in the back-line. Obviously his strength and determination must be utilised, and it would cause no surprise if he was used extensively from the blind side wing to run into little Barnard and commit him, the best attacking back of the Springboks, to the ruck. Th'; all adds up to a superiority for the All Blacks, both in the forwards and the backs. But test matches can be odd affairs, and there is no doubt that today South Africa will regard this game as its chance for survival in the ruthless world of international Rugby.

Grim Test Record Seven successive test losses presents a grim record. Perhaps today will be the turning point, but it is hard to see it. All that the Springboks can rely on is the summoning up of a greater dedication.

The appearance of Dr. Danie Craven on the test scene may help them. If there is one person whose presence can inspire a Springbok team it is the doctor. But the skill, strength and purpose of the All Blacks should carry the day. Dr. Craven Recalls Lancaster Park yesterday morning brought back many memories to Dr. Danie Craven, president of the South African Rugby Board. He walked on to the field to show the exact spot where the Springbok full-back, G. Brand, kicked the penalty to give South Africa an 8-6 lead in the second test in 1937. “It was the only .time I ever saw Gerry nervous. He was shaking as he prepared for the kick,” Dr. Craven recalled. He watched with interest as the All Blacks went through their drills. But his most pertinent comment came when the All Black forwards drove from a line-out: nicked and Murdoch went on the blind side. “They haven't changed much since 1956,” he said.