Springboks Surged To Victory In 1937

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30847, 4 September 1965, Page 11

Springboks Surged To Victory In 1937

TT was a grimly determined 1 Springbok team that took the field at Lancaster Park on September 4 1937. Against all pre-match predictions the All Blacks had won the first test at Wellington and placed South Africa’s proud record of not losing a test series since 1896 in jeopardy. South Africa had made two significant changes to the team that lost the first test. The captain, P. Nel, came into the side and the brilliant attacking first fiveeights, T. A. Harris, was paired with D. H. Craven. The Springbok plan of campaign became obvious from the start of the match. Harris and Craven began putting up the short punt to allow the fast Springbok forwards to get to the ball first and from the rucks the Springbok backs were then brought into play. These tactics were simple but sound. Winning most of the ball in the line-outs, scrums and rucks, the Springboks were able to exert constant pressure on New Zealand backs. But the smooth working Springbok team was held in check in the first half by some great work by the All Black pack in the loose. Stirring foot rushes by the All Blacks threatened to break down the pattern that South Africa was trying to impose and the half-time score of New Zealand 6, South Africa 0, suggested on paper that New Zealand was going to win the series. New Zealand’s tries both were scored by the Taranaki centre, J. L. Sullivan. The first came five minutes from half-time when J. G. Rankin bustled Harris, the bail went loose and Sullivan took a pass from H. Simon to score. Then three minutes later came one of the finest tries in test Rugby. South Africa was on attack in the New Zealand twenty-five. Sullivan intercepted a pass and sprinted for the line 80 yards away. Faced by Brand, he kicked ahead and then the race was on between Sullivan and the Springbok / wing, Williams. Williams imperceptibly drew up to Sullivan's shoulder and Sullivan had only inches to spare as he dived for the ball as it bounced slowly over the South African goal line. Six-nil. But it did not last long. The probing tactics of the Springbok backs had begun to take toll of the New Zealand defence. From a chain passing movement Turner cut back infield beating both Dick and Hooper

and scored behind the posts. Brand converted and New Zealand’s hard earned lead was reduced to one point. But for another 25 minutes the New Zealand defence held in the face of constant attacks. Finally a New Zealand forward infringed and Brand coolly kicked a penalty. Three minutes later South Africa went into a clear lead. Strachan made the break and kicked high for Turner’s wing. Turner took the kick, passed inside to White. He passed to Bastard who scored in a tackle. Brand

converted and the game finished South Africa 13, New Zealand 6. Each team scored two tries but there could be no doubt in the minds of the crowd of 45,000 that the Springboks were the better side. Except for the genius of Sullivan, New Zealand had no-one to match the skill of the Springbok, backs. The New Zealand forwards held their own in the loose but in the set play South Africa was far superior winning the scrums 24-15 and the line outs 19-10. Perhaps the outstanding back was the incomparable Brand at full-back for South Africa. His handling and kicking was superb and his lengthy line kicks gained between 30 and 60 yards for South Africa.

The combination between Craven and Harris was perfect. Craven sent out his long, sweeping dive passes to give Harris a perfect service and full advantage was taken. His acceleration, brilliance on the blind side and cool clever kicking upset the New Zealand defence. On attack the Springbok hacks were superior and also they had in White the best defensive back. White’s strong tackling nullified completely the attacking ability of Hooner.

The South African pack was formidable in every sphere. As a report of the match says “ . . . They were the wall on which the waves of New Zealand’s slashing loose forward rushes broke and receded . . .” The loose forward, Strachan, carried out his duties so faithfully that the remainder of the pack could stay embroiled in the tight and carry out their appointed task of subduing the New Zealand eight Strachan was described as the finest flanker seen in New Zealand for many years. He broke down New Zealand back attacks; and started movements for South Africa. The volatile Bastard was not far behind him in effectiveness.

The performance of South Africa, as it did prove, boded ill for New Zealand in the third test It was obvious that the New Zealand,

forwards were not able to match the South Africans in the tight and the backs had not the combined skill of the South Africans. The teams were: New Zealand.—J. M. Taylor; J. Dick, J. L. Sullivan, W. J. Phillips; J. A. Hooper, D. Trevathan; H. Simon; A. A. Parkhill: J. G. Rankin, R. R. King, S. T. Reid, R. M. McKenzie; D. Dalton, A. Lambourn, E. S. Jackson. South Africa.—G. Brand; D, O. Williams, L. Babrow, J. White, F. G. Turner; T. A. Harris; D. H. Craven; W. F, Bergh; W. E. Bastard, P. J. Nel, M. A. Van den Bergh, L. C. Strachan; S. C. Louw, J. Lotz, M. M. Louw.