Springboks Win Third Test

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31731, 15 July 1968, Page 5

Springboks Win Third Test

(N.Z.P.A.-Reuter—Copyright) CAPE TOWN. South Africa clinched the test series against the Lions with the power play of its forwards.

The Springboks, employing the hardtackling, straightforward tactics that are their hallmark, beat the Lions, 11-6, in a thrilling third test on Saturday. A capacity crowd of 55.000 saw the Lions’ backs produce sparkling elaborate moves but they were seldom able to beat the Springboks’ sturdy defence and finally ran out of steam. The Springboks scored a converted try and two penalties to the Lions’ two penalties, both kicked by T. Kiernan. T. Lourens’ vital try at the start of the second half came as a direct result of poor handling by the Lions, M. Gibson, G. Davies and R. Young, who each fumbled to allow the Springbok flanker to batter his way across the line. Possession Not Used The Lions had as much of the ball as they needed to win but instead of running hard and bursting through they too often indulged in ineffective delicacies against a determined side intent on victory. In the first half the Lions’ nimble tactics looked like paying off. Kiernan equalised after P. Visagie had put South Africa ahead with a penalty, and the visitors’ Intricate attacks made the Springboks look clumsy. Immediately after the interval the massive Springbok

forwards took the offensive and contained the Lions’ forwards and backs. Lourens’ try, converted by Visagie, put them up 8-3 and after 28 minutes of the half T. Naude landed a long penalty from just inside the Lions’ half. Kiernan trimmed the score to 114 with a penalty in the fortieth minute but it was too late to spark a rally. Several of the Lions went down before the Springboks’ fierce tackling, but only the prop, M. Coulman, was badly hurt. He tore the ligaments in his left ankle and was carried off in the first half.