RUGBY

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 247, 13 July 1921, Page 7

RUGBY

THE SPRINGBOKS’ TOUR OPINION BON AUSTRALIAN PLAYERS By Telegraph—Press Association. Auckland, July 19. Mr. Bennstt, manager of the South African team, discussing the matches played in Australia, said that, though the South Africans won all, he considered they were rather fortunate. The Springboks found New South Wales very much ■stronger than they anticipated. The games were far more strenuous than they expected; in fact, football was far Tougher there than the South Africans had been used to. There was too much kicking of their players—a practice the South African authorities had tried their best to eliminate. In Australia the team also found difficulty with the referees, for their interpretation of the rules was not the same as the South Africans were accustomed to. “My own opinion of the team," said Mr. Bennett, "is that they have not struck form yet. They will certainly have to play much better football In New Zealand than they rad in Australia if 'they are to meet with success.’’ A large and enthusiastic crowd attended the civic welcome in the Town Hall to the Springboks, who left for Wanganui by the express this evening. TSE WANGANUI TEAM. By Telegraph—Press Association. Wanganui, July 12. The Springboks will open their New ZealariS tour here to-morrow with a match against Wanganui. The ground is In good order, but a bit holding. The Wanganui team is the strongest put in the field for many years here. The ■Wanganui backs are heavy and fast, and are Tn form, probably equal *to that of any provincial rearguard at the present time, iFollowing are the members of the WangantnTeam:—Collier, ScOtt, Svenson, Brown, Jackson, Baddeley, Tilyard, Bellis, Tuke, Boss, Murphy, Dillon," Batley, Sinclair, O’Connell. N.S.W. TEAM TO TOUR NORTH ISLAND (Keo. July 12, 7.30 p.m.) Sydney, July 12. ‘ The New South Wales Kugby team will Bail for Now Zealand on August 4.—Press Assn. WELLINGTON UNION. MIRAMAR CLUB SUSPENDED. Tiie Management Committee of the Wellington Rugby Union met lost evening, Mr. J. Prendeville presiding. A letter was received from the secretary of the Miramar Club intimating that the Miramar third class team could not fulfil any further engagements, as the full tram could not be got together. The Pensions Department team was given permission to play against a team from the Census and Statistician’s Office. A junior player wag suspended for one playing Saturday for striking another player on tho field. The other player was suspended until ho appeared before tho committee and gave an explanation. A vote of thanks was accorded to the John Swinson Co. for a donation of .£5 to the Injured Players' Fund. A fourth grade player was suspended fo- one playing Saturday for using bad language to the referee, and it was decided to call the attention of tho player’s club to the remarks of the referee with respect to' the j conduct of the team on the field. Mr. A. Watson, referee in the Mrrama- v. Institute IV match, played at Miramar, reported that lie had to warn several of the Miramar players for their conduct, ;md cautioned a player for using bad language and disputing the referees decision. He also ordered three players off tho field for swearing, and owing to tho hostile attitude of the players Mid supporters of the team he called off. tho ganm 15 minutes before time. The referee attended in support of his report, but the players were not present, committee resolved to suspend the Miramar Club until, the players attend before the committee and explain their conduct. tt It was decided to inform the Horn-whi-nua Union that a visit of a Wellington junior representative team could not bo arranged for this season. \ letter from Superintendent Norwood stated that tho information respecting the allegation of interference with a ’’"feree at Athletic Pork did not warrant the police instituting a prosecution. However. instructions had been issued so that in future wmm constables would remain until all officials had left the grounds. It was decided to thank the police for their assistance. A report was received from Mr. A. Brewer respecting the condition of Athletic Park, and in this he stated.that there was no reason why four eric v. pitches could not be got ready by Novenv her providing the labour and material could be supplied. The report was referred to the Ground Committee. The Southland Union’s request for an alteration of the date for its representative fixture with Wellington was left: in the hands of the chairman to deal with. Tli.=< southern union had been notified that September 10 would not fit in with Wellington’s arrangements.