World rugby team falls on its face

Press, 2 April 1979, Page 6

World rugby team falls on its face

NZPA-Reuter Johannesburg. The World Invitation rugbv XV crumbled to its first defeat in Johannesburg on Saturday, going down to Transvaal Province by 34 points to 18 in the face of fierce forward powei- and slick attacks by the home backs. With four handsome victories behind it in its seven match tour the international side was the favourite to maintain its unbeaten record yesterday. But apart from a brief period tn the second half, the world pack, built around a nucleus of five -New Zealand internationals, never showed its true form. The world side, touring South Africa in defiance of objections by anti-apartheid groups in several countries, was still strongly in contention at half-time, trailing by only nine points to six. But its defence was unable to contain sustained pressure from the South African side in the second half and at the end was a well beaten side. The home pack outplayed the

visitors and the Inside backs,. Harry Viljoen and Lee Barnard,, made full use of the advantage., When the tourists did win the ball, their attacks often broke down at half-back where the New Zealander, Mark Donaldson, was constantly harried by VilJ joen. The Rhodesian, lan Robertson, at fly-half was the most successful player for the World aide, notching a personal tally of 14 points with a conversion, three penalties and a drop goal. However, he was outdone by his Transvaal counterpart, Lee Barnard, who scored 15 pointe with three conversions and three penalties. Apart from Barnard, the Transvaal points came from tries by Viljoen. Dave Frederickson. Gerry Germishuys. and Tommy Bosch, plus a drop goal by Joe Coetser. For the visitors, Robertson’* points were added to by a try bv the Australian, Greg Cornel* son.