RUGBY TOUR

Evening Post, Volume CXXVIII, Issue 36, 11 August 1939, Page 11

RUGBY TOUR

NEW ZEALAND IDEAS

VISIT TO SOUTH AFRICA

DATES SUGGESTED

Replying to a question by Mr. G. A. Maddison at today's meeting of the New Zealand Rugby Union Council the chairman (Mr. S. S. Dean) stated that the South African Rugby Football Board had not yet forwarded the proposed itinerary for the New Zealand team in South Africa next year. Confirmation of the team's sailing dates was being awaited from New Zealand, and the chairman suggested that this should, be given and a request made for the itinerary.

"I am quite sure they will listen to our requests; in fact, they have indicated already that they will," said Mr. Dean when the possible nature of the itinerary was under discussion. A request had been made for the New Zealand team to be given reasonable opportunity to become acclimatised in South Africa and for the early matches of the tour to be with teams other than those regarded as being amongst the stronger opponents to be met during the visit.

The sub-committee (Messrs. S. S. Dean. J. Prendeville, and J. H. Parker), set up to report upon various matters connected with the tour, gave details of alternative dates of departure from New Zealand. The Dominion Monarch, the report stated, sails from Wellington on May 15, 1940, arriving at Durban on June 3. The Ulysses leaves Sydney on May 22, and arrives at Durban on June 22. (In this case the team would have to leave New Zealand either by the Awatea from Wellington on May 14 or by the Wanganella from Auckland on May 16.)

The sub-committee recommended that the team sail by the Dominion Monarch from Wellington on May 15, returning from Cape Town by the Ceramic on September 11, arriving at Sydney on October 7, and back in New Zealand about October 12. Consideration, it was stated, could be given to games being played at Melbourne and Perth on the voyage to South Africa, it being understood that the vessel did not call at Adelaide. The recommendation was adopted.

Also furnished by the sub-committee were suggested dates for matches in South Africa, provision being made for three Tests and nineteen other games, with a week for a visit to Kruger Park and Victoi'ia Falls and a few days free to the players after the last Test. If four Tests were provided for. a total of only twenty-one games would be possible.

The drafting of the itinerary was a South African Rugby Board responsibility, but the suggestion from this end was that matches be played on the following dates: —June 12, 15, 19, 22, 29; July 3, 6, 10. 13. 20, 24, 27, 31: August 3. 7, 10. 17. 21, 24. 28. 31; and September 7.

Various other details regarding the tour were considered and approved.