Rough Rugby

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32639, 22 June 1971, Page 16

Rough Rugby

Sir,—lt would seem that, in one direction at least we have reached an impasse socially as well as sportwise. The young offender is often told to play sport; it is implied that such athletic stimulation and release will improve his social behaviour. Now the Mayor has criticised Canterbury for fighting against the Lions. What can youth now be told to do? Or perhaps it is time we realised that, under extreme duress, the human mind cannot be computerised and behave "well.” What we saw at Lancaster Park is surely a pale reflection of the world wide aggression

that man is so famed for. This thrust makes forwards find impossible gaps. It has flung man to the moon. And drivers are killed motor-rac-ing. Let’s be honest The stoush is what we Hke most —to the detriment of Rugby, and the confusion of youth. —Yours, etc., June 21, 1971. N. L. GRESSON. Sir, —For the first time in my life I am ashamed of being a New Zealander. What is wrong with our Rugby? Is it quite impossible for a New Zealand team to lose to a better one from overseas without losing their tempers as well? Could the test teams—please!—show that we are sportsmen, win or lose?—Yours, etc, B. E. SMITH. June 21, 1971.

Sir, —There are certain players in the Canterbury Rugby team who, in view of the loyalty of its patrons and the measure of enthusiasm so evident on Saturday, should never be given the opportunity to represent the province again.— Yours, etc, HAWA. June 21, 1971. Sir,—Last Saturday we again witnessed a Rugby match wherein a touring team off superior skill, speed, and nous was subjected to the by now customary, roughhouse methods employed by too many New Zealand provincial teams. Let us hope, from the spectator’s point of view, that in the games to come the Lions will not be discouraged from exhibiting their superior back-line skills.—Yours, etc., TWO CONCERNED STUDENTS.

June 20, 1971. Sir,—Canterbury lost more than the match at Lancaster Park last Saturday. It lost its good reputation and it lost many supporters. After IS years of cheering for the red and black, I was ashamed to witness the indiscriminate

punching, excessive and brutal rucks and tackles, and the eventual maiming of two fine British Isles players. The crowd on the terraces were relatively fair. Bad sportsmanship was down on the field.—Yours, etc, ROGER. June 21, 1971.

Sir,—l was most disgusted with the despicable behaviour of the Canterbury crowd. Never before have I been to a game with teams of this calibre playing where a player has been subjected to booing as he was about to attempt a kick at goal. The Lions are ambassadors for their countries and will take home with them memories of this tour. There is no doubt they will remember this game for the poor sportsmanship exhibited by the crowd. I sincerely hope that the crowd on the day of the second test does not repeat the performance of last Saturday.—Yours, etc, NO LONGER A CANTERBURY SUPPORTER. June 21, 197.1.