Rough Rugby

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31128, 3 August 1966, Page 16

Rough Rugby

Sir, —I have heard it said that the English are noted huntsmen, and I can well believe it after the performance of Mr O’Brien and his touring team. Finding that their ineffectual play would gain them no honour in New Zealand, Mr O’Brien, like a true leader of the hunt, set off a rough-tactics hare, and, like a pack of hounds, off went the so-called New Zealanders in full cry. As a New Zealander, I agree with Mr Pearce whole - heartedly. Rugby in New Zealand is no rougher now than it has been for the last 50 years, and no touring team has complained of or used the same tactics of this present one. My two sons have been playing Rugby for 12 years and apart from an odd bruise or black eye, which can be expected in any game involving bodily Contact, they have never been injured. New Zealanders should not be misled by Mr O’Brien’s cover-up tactics. — Yours, etc., FAIR PLAY. August 2, 1966.

Sir, Subsequent events seem to have strengthened the assumption that a pattern of attrition emerged in the first minute of the first game played in New Zealand. As Mr Brittenden ably points out, it is from players, referees, and coaches up to the administration at top level where this malaise has to be resolved. Without calling into question quiescent administrative ability, mode or method of appointment, or insurance, the somewhat facetious remarks of authority in the past preclude improvement in quality of sport from the free material available suitable for patrons if not for profit. A few bright ideas up at the top are required, for once the code has achieved the right direction, it will automatically obtain the correct elevation. —Yours, etc., CROSS BAR. August 2, 1966.

Sir,—l think D. R. Hay has the right idea of the general mentality of football players and supporters: “Beef and brawn and few brains.” The tone of rudeness and childishness in many letters bears this fact out as does the behaviour at the football parks. Rugby has been exalted above a game and exaggerated, unwarranted prestige is attached to being a Rugby player, with the false idea that it proves undoubted manliness. Quite contrary to this, it takes much more than running round a football field to make a man. It takes, among other things, a sense of right and wrong, courtesy, honour, self-control, and, above all, a sense of duty to one’s country. A real man would never shame and degrade his homeland on any front.—Yours, etc., PATRICIA. August 1, 1966.