HARD, FAST GROUND

Evening Star, Issue 22721, 7 August 1937, Page 16

HARD, FAST GROUND

PROSPECTS PLEASE SPRINGBOKS WELLIH6TOH HOPES FOR VICTORY RECORD GATE ASSEMBLING [Special to the ' Star.’] WELLINGTON, August 7. For the first time on the New Zealand tour the Springboks will play on a really hard, fast ground when they meet Wellington at Athletic Park this afternoon. The typical /Wellington southerly which threatened late yesterday afternoon brought a little rain, with it last night, but to-day broke fin© with a clear blue sky and bright sun. A strong breeze blows from the south and has quickly dried the ground. The only alteration likely to he made in the teams is that S. C. (Fanie) Louw will probably not take the field. Although he has recovered from the shoulder injury received in Australia, he injured his knee in the Manawatu match, and the Selection Committee is disinclined to take the risk of further injury, for Louw is wanted for the test next Saturday. The hopes of both teams for a dry day have been realised. The Springboks are confident that under the conditions which exist to-day they are capable of playing football of an even higher standard than they have shown. - Carefully trained for the past three weeks by M. F. Nicholls, W. J. Wallace, A. M‘Donald, and F. D. Kilby, Wellington have high hopes that they will be the first team in New Zealand to beat the redoubtable Springboks. The conditions will admirably suit Wei-, lington’s type of play. They throw the ball about with every opportunity, and if they get their tails up with a few Eoints lead, they are recognised as a ard team to beat. Even so, they are up against a strong Springbok side today. Enthusiasm runs high. At 10.30 last night, a small queue had formed outside the gates of Athletic Park, but by midnight, the bitter southerly had reached .its height and the disheartened crowd went home to return at 6.30 this morning. By 10 this morning it was estimated that 12,000 people packed the terraces on the west bank. Special trains, service, cars, and private cars brought thousands to Wellington for the match, and a record crowd fpr a provincial match in Wellington is expected. After a drive round the suburbs this morning the Springbok selectors decided to play H. Martin in place of Fanie Louw. A BIG INFLUX [Per United Press Association.] WELLINGTON, August 7. Augmented rail and bus services ran from the suburbs since early morning, andl special trains from further afield included two from Palmerston North, two from Paekakariki, and one from Masterton—all full. The Limited Express had four extra cars attached, carrying enthusiasts from Auckland, who" evidently thought it worth while making the trip, andl more came from the south by the Maori and from Nelson by the Matangi. Marlborough enthusiasts have the opportunity of coming over by air. A great many people are arriving by car, both from Manawatu and Wairarapa, and from further afield. TO TRAIN AT MASTERTON [Per United Press Association.] MASTERTON, August 7. The Springboks will arrive in Masterton on Monday for training, and will be accorded a civic reception. On Tuesday they will be guests at the Red Star Football Club’s, dance, _ which is a Rugby ITnion official function. TELEPRINTERS (Hi GROUND [Per United Press Association.] WELLINGTON. August 7. For the first time in New Zealand, teleprinters are being used at a sports ground to despatch the Press reports of the game. One plant directly contacts Auckland for the main North Island service, and another is connected with the telegraph division at Wellington for the South Island centres. _ Provision is made for hand Mqrse in the case of power failure. It is expected that the time saved will be an hour and a-half.