SECOND TEST

Evening Post, Volume CXXIV, Issue 58, 6 September 1937, Page 10

SECOND TEST

"GANGSTER METHODS" ONUS ON ALL BLACKS EDITORIAL COMMENT (By relegrnph-l'ress Association.) DUNEDIN, This Day.. In the course of an editorial congratulating the Springboks on their victory the "Evening Star" aays:— "There was a period in the second spell when gangster methods were conspicuous, yet after the game the usual fatuous nonsense was talked of the wonderful spirit in which it was played. It is best perhaps for players to let bygones be bygones as far as their own personal relationships are concerned, but weak refereeing and weak administration by Hugby unions will not .accomplish the purge that is needed. As regards the Springboks, we can only say that, although according to our interpretation of the rules they were guilty of certain illegalities, they have the reputation of being a fine body. of sportsmen-, who always try to play hard, but clean. The name of their three teams which have visited Britain standf very high indeed, and on the present tour there is every indication that unless grievously provoked there will be no unpleasantness on their part. In saying this we would appear to be placing the onus for rough tactics on our own men. In view of what frequently occurs in New Zealand football today there is ncarcely any other alternative. The time for straight talking has come. The All Black forwards may- not have been solely to blame on Saturday, but if there are to be changes in the team for Auckland the selectors should have the courage to drop any player whose tactics are open to suspicion."