S.A. Provincial Matches

Press, Volume CX, Issue 32321, 12 June 1970, Page 13

S.A. Provincial Matches

'By RODNEY HARTMAN, of the South African Press Association) JOHANNESBURG. The AU Blacks should have little difficulty in overcoming most provincial teams during their coming tour of South Africa and Rhodesia.

Lochore’s tourists carry far too many big guns and, barring injury, should be able to field formidable teams in all the secondary matches.

The New Zealanders are assured, at least, of a good record against Currie Cup sides, but if they are to outdo Whineray’s 1960 All Blacks’ provincial record, then the 1970 team has a decidedly big task ahead. Whineray’s

men amassed no less than 416 points in these encounters, conceding only 129. Although they lost the “rubber,” the 1960 All Blacks can boast one of the best secondary-match records of a touring side. Of the 22 matches played, they won 19, losing narrowly to Orange Free State (8-9) and Combined Services (3-8), and drawing 6-6 with Natal. Among their more notable wins were a 27-3 trouncing of Northern Transvaal and a 20-8 win against Western Province—two teams which this time should provide fiercer opposition. In fact, it is only these two teams, plus Transvaal and possibly Griqualand West and Boland, that appear to have any chance against Lochore’s men.

Eastern and Western Transvaal have shown over the last

few weeks that they are both vastly improved sides compared to last season, but still do not seem to have enough

all-round ability to conquer an AH Black team. Natal, to say the least, has disappointed so far, and seems out of the running, while the Free State, after

being routed by Transvaal last Monday, does not look the team to repeat the 1960 performance. Eastern Province is a hardworking, gallant side with a “never say die” attitude, plus two Springboks. But the might of the All Blacks should preclude any optimism on the Port Elizabeth team’s part. Apart from possibly Southern Universities and the Gazelles one cannot really foresee any serious opposition from the other teams that the tourists will meet. But there are always surprises on a long Rugby tour —and no doubt there will be a few this time.