GOOD SPORTSMEN

Evening Post, Volume CV, Issue 151, 30 June 1928, Page 9

GOOD SPORTSMEN

GROUND WILL BE HARD (By Telegraph.) (Special to "The Evening Post") DUNEDIN, This' Day. "On the eve of the first Test between the All Blacks and the Springboks a few remarks on certain points of interest to New Zealand followers of Bngby should not be out of place in view of the certain prejudices which may have been formed from statements previously appearing," states Mr. Erie Wahnlick, a Dunedin resident, whose experience of African Rugby extends over a period of twenty years, and that within recent memory. 'First, we can dismiss as absurd the idea that the Springboks do not like to be beaten by the British. The mere fact that the English and Dutch play side by side is evidence of this. Moreover, the enthusiasm for the sport of the game is a" keen as that prevailing in. New Zealand, if not more so. "Regarding the big match to-morrow, the issue resolves itself into the question—can the reputed superiority of the African pack overshadow the brilliancy of the New Zealand backs? Unfortunately for South Africa the absence of their two star wingers, Pienaar and Van. Niekerk, through injuries will weaken them in the rearguard. Nevertheless the team as chosen appears to be well representative of Africa, with perhaps the exception that Devine might be preferred to De VillieTs as half-back. "yersonally I think the. Springboks will carry the majority of the scrums. It then remains for the All Blacks' to-' sourcefulness to break up the orthodox but extremely accurate movements of the African three-quarter line and turn defence into attack. The fact that the South Africans (and particularly Bennie Osier) exploit the potted ' goal, which the New Zealanders in recent years have practically neglected, may prove a big factor in the ultimate results. . "I think the All Blacks should find the ground in perfect condition at this time of the year, though on the hard side. This fact will be somewhat in the Springboks' favour. As this is the Durban season, nothing should be want ing in a record attendance and enthusiasm, as the African takes his football no less whole-heartedly than his New Zealand cousin. In succeeeding Tests at Johannesburg and Port Elizabeth the ground conditions will be similar to those obtaining at Durban, while the final Test at Capetown (Newlands) will find the All Blacks playing on turf almost identical with anything they have been used to in New Zealand. Much has. been said concerning the varied atmosphere conditions, bnt this should offer no real handicap to the All Blacks."