ALMOST TEST SIDE

Evening Star, Issue 22720, 6 August 1937, Page 8

ALMOST TEST SIDE

SPRINGBOKS EXPECT SOLID STRUGGLE TO-MORROW'S TEAMS REVIEWED [Special to the ‘ Star.’] WELLINGTON, August 6. Almost a test side will be fielded by the Springboks in anticipation of a solid struggle against Wellington tomorrow, the fifth match of the New Zealand tour. Weakened by the absence through injury of H. R. Pollock, the regular full-hack, J. M. Watt, the crack wing three-quarter, and B. S. Sadler, New Zealand’s star half-back, the Wellington team has lost its brilliance in the hack line, but finds itself with a solid set of backs who are not likely to let the team down. The odds are heavily in favour of the Springboks, with as many as 20 points being given in. The Springbok half-hack combination for to-morrow’s match is one w.Vch did not impress against Waikato. Van de Yyver has not the brilliance of his counterpart, T. A. Harris, who at the present time is playing exceptional football. He is the type of player the New Zealand selectors have been searching for to give essential penetration close to the scrum in the All Black team. There is considerable doubt amongst the Springbok _ team whether Harris will win a place in the South African test side, and to-mor-row’s exhibition by Van de Vyver may decide the issue. He has not impressed as a fly-half of any outstanding merit, and gives the impression that ho is likely to make mistakes at the critical moment. He is a solid and accurate line kick, but does not move along with the same confidence as Harris. _ To-morrow’s Springbok three-quarter line comprises a quartet of almost test strength, and with the exception of Hofmeyr, who will be replaced by Babrow, is the three-quarter line which will probably turn out against Now Zealand next Saturday. There is both weight and pace in the Springbok pack. S. €)._ (“ Fanie ”) Louw and Lotz are certain to be two members of the Springbok test front row, but Jennings, who plays to-mor-row, will probably be replaced in the test side by Martin. The middle row comprises three men who will probably win places in the test team— Van Reenan, Bergh, and Strachan. In the back of the scrum to-morrow is H. H. Watt, who will probably have to give his place in the test team to M. M. (Boy) Louw, if fit. The Wellington pack will give away only a few pounds per man. A shade over 14 stone, the pack is made up of eight solid forwards who have been trained to work collectively. They have been schooled to discard individual brilliance for the sake of the team, and are eager to be the first team to beat the Springboks on the New Zealand tour.

One interesting .feature of the match will be the boohing duel between A. Lambourn, who looks certain to be the New Zealand test hooker, and J. W. Lotz, the crack South African hooker, who so far on the tour has won the ball consistently, aided. _of course, by the magnificent pushing power of the Springbok'scrum. The Wellington back line will .be solid and fast, but without any frills. O’Halloran is a capable half, a, little on the slow side in his delivery from the base of the serum, but compensating for this by giving clever touches of variety to his play. Veitch, the first five-eighth, is regarded as a coming New Zealand inside man. The captain of the side, although slowed up considerably, is still, wonderfullv solid. Fleming is the ideal type of centre to play against the Springboks. Ho is 6ft and 13.8, a fast runner, and a grim tackier, who is expected to hold Hofmeyr without difficulty. Fleming has a powerful boot, and is capable of potting goals from all angles. With Pollock on the injured list, the selectors did not have far to look for a man to fill the full-back position. Vartan, the former Hawke’s Bay full-back, now playing for Ponekc, is 14st and close on 6ft. He. is regarded as a first-class all-roimder_ with the ability of turning defence into attack in a trice. Blue, sky and a warm sun to-day give promise of ideal conditions for to-mor-row’s match. If there is no more rain Athletic Park will probably ho the fastest ground the Springboks have yet played on. They are hopeful that the ground will be dry, for they believe that their speedy hack line is capable of scoring many tries. WREATH PLACED AT MEMORIAL (Per United Press Association.] WELLINGTON, August 6. Before attending the official welcome at morning tea in Parliament Buildings, the South African Rugby team laid a wreath at the Citizens’ War Memorial. The wreath was placed at the shrine entrance by the manager, Mr Day, who was accompanied by the Hon. \V. Perry, M.L.C., president of the New Zealand Rugby Union. There were also present representatives of the New Zealand and Wellington Rugby Unions, the South African Veterans’ Association, the Wellington R.S.A., a number of former All Blacks, and representatives of various sports organisations.