"AMAZING PACE"

Evening Post, Volume CXXIV, Issue 15, 17 July 1937, Page 23

"AMAZING PACE"

SPRINGBOKS IN BRISBANE

"The tourists revealed pace that was amazing, for they completely raced the Australians off their feet, and made them appear like second-raters," comments Sid. Nicholls on the Springboks' game against an Australian team at Brisbane.

"The Aussies did hot function at all well. Their backs lacked cohesion and enterprise, their defence being penetrated time and again, and they were absolutely put oft' their game by the visitors' speedy tactics. Their forwards were thoroughly outclassed, and they failed to ever get goirig properly. They rarely attempted to use their feet, and never appeared to be able to withstand the concerted rushes of the big South African packmen. "MINOR TEST."* "The Australian side contained several Wallabies, Hayes (at centre), Gibbons and Lewis (halves), and Cerutti, 13onis. Bermingham, and Oxlade in ins forwards, all of whom visited New Zealand last season, and they were led by Cyril Towers. The game was viewed as a sort of minor test, and ] it was freely predicted that the Boks would be fully extended.

"The Springboks fielded their Test pack, with the exception of Harry Martin, who replaced Fanie Louw in the front row. Their back combination was in grand form. Their handling was ftgain faultless, and their wingers got plenty of chances and room to work in. Both Turner, who scored threetries in the second half, and Bester (one try) provided a.Rugby treat.

"The forwards all worked like (radesmen and gained possession

Victorian pack men, Bissett and Blundell, appeared to be about their best toilers, although both are too light to have hopes of getting Test honours, Bissett being 13 stone and Blundell only 12^ stone."

WITH B. Dv Toit evidently out of ' action for the tour, and Van den Berg reported to be unlikely even to train for a month, the South Africans will open their New Zealand campaign with twelve forwards. The possibility of still further injuries is far from remote, and the Springboks may find themselves very seriously handicapped before the tour concludes. With but four men to come and go on forward, there must be some concern in their ranks.

The Springboks, playing- their final match in Australia today, are due to arrive in Auckland from Sydney on Wednesday morning. They will be met by officials of the New Zealand Rugoy Union and the Auckland Rugby Union, some of whom will meet the visitors on board the Wanganella before the vessel berths.