Tough build-up for Springboks

Press, Volume CXII, Issue 32902, 28 April 1972, Page 20

Tough build-up for Springboks

(Special Crspdt. N.Z.P.A.) JOHANNESBURG. The South African selectors have decided that come what may, the Springbok tourists will be fully prepared for the Rugby tour of New Zealand next year. In the season which starts tomorrow, South Africa is to have one of its tightest Rugby programmes for many years. It includes the tours by England, Llanelli and the Gazelles of Argentina, and rise Currie Cup competition. If the Springboks have hopes of beating the All Blacks next year, this season

must be seen as a grooming period during which new blood must be found to build the test squad into a formidable one. The only test match this year, against England at the end of next month, will not be adequate to give the national selectors an indication of how the Springboks have progressed since their return from Australia. The extended programme, however, is expected to give the selectors enough opportunity to build a new team. In addition, the Rugby board has approved a suggestion whereby a Board XV will play a series of matches against the stronger Currie Cup teams this year—further evidence of their intentions

of giving the shadow team much-needed match practice and similar to the internal tour the AU Blacks wiU soon be making in New Zealand. The selectors will have a wonderful opportunity of trying out the shadow touring side for New Zealand with the visit to Argentina later this year. The Springboks are enjoying world esteem after their successes of the last two seasons, but the combination which beat France, 1-0, in the two-test series last season included several players in the veteran stage. They find themselves in a position where they have to find replacements for at least two of their greatest stalwarts, the forwards, F. du

Preez and H. Marais, as well as a new captain. A look into the early 1973 season gives further proof of the proposed two-season build-up plan. A host of countries, county sides and club teams are queuing up to visit South Africa. At least two of the strongest overseas club sides are expected to tour South Africa, and Northern Transvaal, Transvaal and Western Province are tentatively assured of matches against them.

One is the Newport club team, which is being brought out by Northern Transvaal, and which will play some top Currie Cup- teams. Western Province will play hosts to the London Counties and

they, in turn, are expectei to play Rhodesia, and othe Currie Cup teams. The proposed visit of Ital; and the Netherlands will b mainly against the smalle unions. Other overseas team who are anxious to visi South Africa are Randwic) the Sydney club side, an Queensland, the only team t beat the British Lions oul side of a test on their tour c Australia and New Zealan last year. Therefore, judging by th competition lined up fo South African players, th board has made sure of gie ing the national selectoi every opportunity of lookin over the talent for the al important tour of New* Z<l land.