World beats Transvaal

Press, 21 April 1986, Page 22

World beats Transvaal

NZPA-AP Johannesburg An international rugby squad dominated by New Zealand players defeated South Africa’s Transvaal team, 24-17, yesterday.

The match had been approved by the International Rugby Board as an exception from the international sports boycott imposed on South Africa because of its racial policies.

The contest has been enveloped in controversy because the seven New Zealanders on the international team are plan-

ning to stay in South Africa and join with 23 compatriots for an unauthorised Series with South African teams.

Mike Purcell, of the United States; Frank Shelford, of New Zealand; and Wahl Bartmann, loaned to the undermanned visitors by Transvaal, scored for the world side. The New Zealand first five-eighths, Grant Fox, converted three tries and kicked two penalties. Transvaal, which trailed 15-10 at half-time, got tries from Hempas Rademeyer, Barabas Venter and Jannie Breedt. Its first five-eighths, Schalk Naude, converted a try and scored a penalty.

The international squad also included Victor Simpson, Bernie Fraser, Alan Whetton, Gary Whetton and Albert Anderson, of New Zealand, Kevin Higgins of the United States;

Gwyn Evans and Ray Giles, of Wales; Stan Pilecki, of Australia; Marcel Pauliner, of Uruguay; and Fernando Morel and Buenaventura Minguez, of Argentina. Simpson and Shelford had not received permission to play. The match began at Ellis Park stadium immediately after the closing ceremony of the South Africa Games, a two-week sports festival intended in part as a showcase for South African athletes excluded from the Olympic Games.

The Education Minister, Mr F. W. de Klerk, in a speech at the ceremony, said South Africa was still a world sports power inspite of its isolation.

“We will withstand the onslaughts against us and I believe we are still a force that can hold its own against the best in the world,” he said.