All Black row looms

Press, 24 August 1976, Page 6

All Black row looms

(From T. P. McLEAN) Witbank

A diplomatic row could brew up in rugby relation!ships between South Africa [and New Zealand over what a Johannesburg Afrikaans newspaper yesterday described as an “ugly storm.” A private opinion expressed by the coach of the All, Blacks, Mr J. Stewart, over the future of these relationships was quoted in the dinner speech given the Northern Transvaal and All Black teams by the president of the Northern Transvaal Rugby Union, Professor Fitz Eloff.

Professor El.off sought to rebutt Mr Stewart’s opinion that “in our lifetime” — a phrase used by Mr Stewart over a drink in the pavilion at Loftus Versfeld Stadium, after the game — it was unlikely that New Zealand and South Africa would engage in rugby competitions against each other again.

i Professor Eloff countered [by saying in his speech that ion this current tour. South Africa and New Zealand [were building bridges that [should remain strong. ; He could not accept that [this would be the last tour | of the All Blacks in South Africa. Mr Stewart immediately reproached Professor Eloft for using in public opinions which had been offered in private in social surroundings. Mr Stewart left the dinner and stayed absent from it until the speeches and presentations had been completed. He was not present when the manager of the All Blacks (Mr N. H. Stanley) thanked Professor Eloff and said the sports ties between the two countries must remain. Mr Stewart later returned to the dinner. The “Transvaler” yesterday reported the incident by saying that “an ugly storm was threatening on Saturday night over the last penalty by

[which Northern Transvaal [ beat the All Blacks.” “After the game,” the newspaper said, "words were apparently said in the dressing [room that this was the first ’time Northern Transvaal had [beaten an All Black team. “In a moment of anger and 'frustration a response was [made that this would be the [last tour bv the All. Blacks lof South Africa. j “The unhappy affairs [reached the climax at the [dinner when PrPofessor Eloff 'referred to the statement and said South Africa and New Zealand were building bridges on this tour.” Mr Stewart said yesterday no anger or frustration had been displayed by him. His first action after the game was to thank the referee, Mr Piet Robbertse, and to compliment him on the handling of the game. He then went to the Northern Transvaal dressingroom to congratulate the team and its captain, Thys Lourens. on their victory. Then he saw his own men.