AFRICA’S TEST

Evening Star, Issue 22746, 6 September 1937, Page 4

AFRICA’S TEST

Magnificent Victory Over All Blacks Visitors in Command Second Spell [Special to the ‘ Star.’] CHRISTCHURCH, September 4. South Africa’s first test defeat by New Zealand was avenged in the second test at Lancaster Park to-day, when a great crowd of well over 40.000 saw New Zealand dominate the play in the first spell and falter before the fierce South African attack in the second. It was a great match, played at full tilt for the whole 80 minutes, and “ devil take the hindmost.” South Africa deserved every point they got. It was their day, just as it was New Zealand’s in the first test. At no stage of the game did the New Zealand forwards reach the great heights they attained in the first test, and therein lies the story of New Zealand’s defeat {o-day. The Two Phases. it was a game in two 'distinct phases. All through the first spell, which contained spasmodically brilliant football, , the New Zealand forwards held sway, but not to the same extent as they did in the first test. Two brilliant opportunist tries by J. L. Sullivan (the Taranaki centre three-quarter) gave New Zealand a six-point lead at half-time, and at that stage another New Zealand victory looked assured. With the fluctuating fortunes which make the Rugby game the fascinating spectacle it is, the game took on a new glow and an entirely different complexion ■ in the second half. Not long after the start the South African forwards took complete command to give their backs a rich feast of the ball. Then fiv.e minutes after the start of the second spell came F. G. Turner’s brilliant try. That was the turning point of the match. Fierce and Relentless. From that stage until the end the South Africans adopted a devil-may-care attitude, and their backs swung into attack with glorious abandon. So relentless, so fierce, and so sustained was their combined forward and back attack, that as the spell progressed it became increasingly obvious that the New Zealand defence, magnificent as it was, must eventually falter and collapse. That is just what happened. Three times only in the second spell did New Zealand take play t 6 the South African twenty-five, but the South African line was never in real danger, for the brilliant line kicking of Brand, Harris, and Craven drove the All Blacks many yards downfield every time they got within striking distance. Then towards the end came G. H. Brand’s fine penalty ' goal, which gave South Africa a two-point lead. , ; The Final Shock. Hardly had the crowd recovered from the shock before Bastard had scored, following a brilliant burst from the loose by L. C. Strachan. Both South Africa’s second spell tries had a touch of artistry about them. The first was the result of F. G. Turner’s consummate skill. In midfield Strachan flashed the ball from the loose to Harris, to Bahrow, to White, . and on to Turner, whose genius was too much for the New Zealand defence. After fending off Dick, he bluffed Hooper, Taylor, and Simon, and with a glorious infield swerve and deceptive change of pace he was over the line and round behind the posts before the rest of the New Zealand defenders had time to cover. Almost of equal brilliance was South Africa’s second and final try. Out of the ruck shot Strachan to burst away brilliantly down the centre of the field. With a well-judged punt he kicked diagonally over the head of J. M. Tayor, the New Zealand full-back, to Turner’s wing. Jumping high for the ball, Turner beat Dick, and raced on down the touch line, chased by Dick and Sullivan. He passed infield to White, who, . as he was thrown into touch passed infield again. L. Bahrow missed it, but W. E. Bastard, who had followed up fast, scooped it up and dived over for a great try. Brand’s faultless kicking converted both tries. Lacking Inspiration. In one department only did the New Zealand forwards have definite superiority —in the loose. They were beaten in line-outs and beaten in the scrums. There was not the in- , spiration about the New Zealand pack that they displayed in the first test. They appeared to be dead in line-out play, and did not pack low enough in the scrums. Nearly ever}' time a scrum went down the South Africans got under the New Zealand pack. They won the ball with comparative ease from the scrums, and sent their backs galloping to the New Zealand goal line time after time. Smothtriog Ineffective. Taken all through the defence of New Zealand was magnificent in the face of fierce attack. In this respect many bouquets must be handed to J. Rankin, the brilliant Canterbury loose forward, whose uncanny anticipation saved the All Blacks time and again. Rankin’s chief objective on the day was to smother the South African fly-half, T. A. Harris, but in this job Rankin did not have as much success as was generally anticipated. Even his speed (and he is one of the fastest men in the All Black side) was not great enough to carry him from the side of the scrum to the elusive South African flyhalf in time to get Harris before he got rid of the ball. It might have been a different story if Pierre de Villiers had played behind the South African scrum, for de Villiers is not a divepass artist of Craven’s ability. Craven’s dive pass was thrown far, and Harris was consequently able to play so wide that the occasions were rare indeed in which Rankin was truly effective in smothering the South African back attacks. Torrid Exchanges. So desperate was the struggle for mastery in the second spell that the forward encounters at times became vicious, and there was occasional regrettable indiscriminate kicking. .Both sides in this respect were blameworthy, and it was necessary for the referee to warn the players. Eventually he called both captains together and issued a general warning. The South African scrum was entirely different in effect from that which played in the first test. Weaknesses were remedied, and the back line altered. Brand’s presence meant a five-point moral uplift to the team to-day. They proved a totally different proposition. They went fiat out from start to finish. Although the All Blacks led by six points at the interval and looked' likelv

winners, South Africa’s desperate aggressiveness and wholehearted keenness in the struggle for mastery in the second spell gained them a merited win. The Greatest Forward. South Africa's greatest forwards were W. K. Bastard, L. G. Strachan, and M. A. Van den Berg, in that order of merit. Bastard was probably the greatest forward on the field, ever on the ball. The iine-out work of Strachan and Van den Berg, aided considerably, too, by W. F. Bergh was invaluable to their side. “ Boy ’•’■ Louw and Ncl, two of the old brigade, could not foot it with the younger men. Behind the South African pack D. H. Craven gave a patchwork display. His passes were erratic, but he made amends for any lapses by an occasional brilliant burst round the side of the scrum, gallant defence,, and sound lino kicking. Always a Menace. ■ Finding himself in test football for the first lime, Harris started shakily, and was not aided by the indifferent passes of Craven. Eventually Harris settled down to give a sound exhibition, and was always a menace to the New Zealand defence. When in possession White and Bahrow were, an efficient pair of centres. Of the wings Turner was more brilliant than D. O. Williams, who was effectively subdued by W, J. Phillips, the fast King Country wing. Brand was superb. His coolness in the most ticklish situations was amazing. Praise for Parkhill. New Zealand’s best forward was A. A, Parkhill (Otago), who played a great game from whistle to whistle. Not far behind him were S. T. Reid and R. R. King. R. M. M'Ken/.ic did not play with the dash and inspiration lie displayed in the first test, but nevertheless played well. The All Black half-back and first live-eighth combination of H. Simon and D. Trevathan did their job efficiently. Twice in quick succession Trevathan went for his famous pot, but missed narrowly on both occasions. The New Zealand back line did not move with the smoothness one expected. J. R. Hooper found himself up against a desperate tackier in J. White, and lie must have been relieved when, halfway through the first spell, White was shifted to outside centre to watch the elusive J. L. Sullivan. The Taranaki centre, who scored both New Zealand's tries, played brilliantly in the first spell, but saw so little of the ball in the second half that he was no longer effective. Both W. J. Phillips and J. Dick, the New Zealand wings, played well. Phillips effectively bottled up Williams, snd to the surprise of the crowd both he and Sullivan showed more pace than the South African flyer. On one occasion Williams fended Phillips off, but the new All Black was fast enough to chase the South African and catch him with a beautiful dive tackle. J. M, Taylor, the New Zealand full-back, appeared nervous, and mishandled badly on occasions. Realising that he was having an off day, Sullivan and Rankin covered him well.

THE GREATEST CROWD

—Middle Row Forwards.— W. E. Bastard, 14sfc P. J. Nel, 15st 51b M. A. van den Berg L. C. Strachan, 14st 91b —Front Row Forwards.— S. C. Louw, 13st 131 b J. W. Lots:, 14st 71b M. M. Louw, 15st The average weights of the teams are as follow: New Zealand.—Backs, list 13.71 b; forwards, 14st 0.81 b; whole team, 13st 1.21 b. South Africa.—Backs, 12st 1.71 b; forwards, 14st 10.61 b; whole team, 13st 4,11 b. Average weight advantages to South Africa: Backs, 21b; forwards, 9.81 b; whole team. 2.91 b. Referee.—Mr J. S. King (Wellington). FIRST SPELL South Africa attacked with great .force in the first two minutes. They relied on tho forwards, and with useful kicks to the line by Brand and Craven, they launched a strong offensive on the New Zealand line. Craven attempted to swing the South African backs into action, but poor delivery from the scrum gave Harris no chance. The game was being played at great pace. South Africa were winning the ball at this stage with regularity from the scrums, and the South African backs were sweeping to attack after attack, but there was no suspicion of weakness in the New Zealand defence. NEW ZEALAND RALLY. The New Zealand forwards swept downlield in a glorious loose rush, but when danger threatened Harris broke brilliantly’ through to pass infield to Bastard, to Strachan, who kicked far downlield. Up raced Turner, but Dick beat him to the ball and cleared. First New Zealand, mainly through the forwards, and then South Africa attacked, but the magnificent tackling on both sides prevented much headway being made.

OVER 40,000 PRESENT TERRIFIC FIRST SPELL PAGE (From Our Special Commissioner.) CHRISTCHURCH, September 4. Claimed to be the greatest crowd that ever watched a sporting event in Canterbury, well over 40.000 packed the stands and terraces of Lancaster Park Oval for the second test between South Africa and New Zealand this afternoon. Ten minutes before one of the most momentous matches in New Zealand’s Rugby history was timed to start the great crowd sang lustily the old Rugby song ‘ On the Ball ’ to the accompaniment of a scar-let-coated band. A light easterly wind blew across the ground, which looked to be in fair order. An ever-increasing crescendo of cheering greeted the teams as the Kew Zealanders were led on by King and the South Africans by Nel. ‘ God Defend New Zealand ’ and ‘ Sarie Marais ’ were played by the band as the teams came out, and with bared heads the crowd sang the National Anthem with feeling as the teams faced each other in the centre of the held. Then the game started, THE TEAMS NEW ZEALAND. —Full-back.— J. M. Taylor (Otago), 12st 11b. -Three-quarters.— J. Dick (Auckland), 12st 31b J. L. Sullivan (Taranaki), 12st 51b W. J. Phillips (King Country), 13st 31b —F iy e-eighths. J. A. Hooper (Canterbury), list D. Thevathan (Otago), l2st Half-back.— H. Simon (Otago), list —Back Row Forward.— A. A. Parkhill (Otago). 13st 121 b —Middle Row Forwards.— R. M, MTvenzie (Manawatu), lost Ilb R. R. King (West Coast), 14st 101 b •S. ’J’. Reid (Hawke’s Bay), 14st 101 b J. G. Rankin (Canterbury), 12st 121 b —Front Row Forwards.— E. S. Jackson (Hawke’s Bay), 14st A. Lambourn (AVellingtou), 13-st 81b D. Dalton (Hawke’s Bay), 13st 101 b SOUTH AFRICA, —Full-back.— G. H. Brand, 12st —Wing Three-quarters.— D. 0. Williams, 13st 61b F. G. Turner, 12st 81b —Centre Threo quarters.— L. Babrow, list 111 b J. White, 13st 121 b —Stand-off Half.— T. A. Harris, list 81b —Scrum-half.— D. H. Craven, 13st 61b —Back Row Forward.— _W, F, Bergb, 16st 21b

SUPERB DEFENCE. There was a spectacular run down touch by Turner, which gained 40yds, but from the scrum which followed .New Zealand won the ball, and the backs started passing in their own twentyfive. When the ball reached Hooper ho kicked downfield, but Brand sent them back with a magnificent 50yd kick. South Africa now attacked ceaselessly, but their backs, given a feast of ball could not find their way through the superb New Zealand defence.

GRIM WORK. Grim and tense was the forward work. Unlike tire first test, the New Zealanders could not win possession of the ball from the scrums and line-outs, and the only department at this wtage in .which they had a definite superiority was in the loose. Down the centre of the field broke Hooper, and the situation looked dangerous for South Africa, hut Hooper lost his balance, and crashed before he could unload. Two attempts in quick succession at field goals were made by Trevathan. Ten yards from the South African lino a scrum went down, and New Zealand heeled. Simon threw a swift pass back to to Trevathan, who potted, but missed narrowly. In the same spot a minute later bo attempted another pot, but again missed. FIRST TRIES, Then, amid the wild enthusiasm of the crowd, came New Zealand’s first try. From a scrum at midfield the All Blacks’ backs swung into action, and the ball travelled along the line to Phillips, who attempted to swerve infield between Williams and Babrow, but got smothered. Sullivan flashed into the picture, and kicked through hard. Racing up in support were Simon and Rankin, who snapped the ball up and passed to Simon, who shot, the ball infield to Sullivan, who went over. Trevathan missed the kick. Xcu Zealand ... M South Africa ... U

Ten minutes before the end Brand kicked a grand penalty troal to put South Africa two points ahead. South Africa 8 New Zealand ... 0 AND ANOTHER* After the kick-off came another sensational South African try. In the middle of the field Strachan made a brilliant burst from a loose ruck and kicked high to Turner's wing. Turner jumped high in the air to beat Dick for the ball, and raced on to draw Taylor and send the ball infield to White, who again passed infield as he was tackled. Babrow missed the rolling ball, but Bastard, who had followed up fast,

For the second time in a few sensational and fleeting moments New Zealand were over from a brilliant solo effort by Sullivan three minutes from time. " The South African backs attacked. but a dropped pass saw’ Sullivan snap the ball up and kick hard oyer the head of Brand. He raced after the ball, with Williams in hot pursuit, but Sullivan’s pace was too much for the South African wing, and. dribbling on , brilliantly, the AT; Black centre dived on the ball ns it rolled over the line for a glorious individual try. Trevathan’s kick again missed, and halftime came, with the score: New Zealand 6 South Africa U SECOND SPELL SENSATIONAL OPENING After five minutes of solid forward play opening, the second spell came ' a sensational South African try. Tire South African backs and forwards started to throw the .ball about with almost reckless abandon. Play swung rapidly from one side of the field to the other. Then Strachan shot the ball to Harris, to White, tfi Babrow-, and out to Turner. Then came the fireworks, With a vicious fend, Turner beat Dick, and, drawing Hooper, Simon, and Taylor together, he beat them with a glorious infield swerve that took him round behind the posts for a magnificent try. Brand goaled easily. New Zealand 8 South Africa 5 South Africa were having the better of the game at this stage, their forwards giving the backs a generous share of the ball. Erratic passing by Craven continued from the base of the scrum,

was there to scoop the ball up and dive over for a great try. Brand converted with a fine kick. South Africa 13 New Zealand 6 Unceasingly South Africa attacked. Three times only in the second half did New Zealand reach the South African twenty-five. Urged on by the enthusiasm of the crowd, the New Zealand forwards strove with might ancf main to battle their way downfield. but the superb line kicking of Brand, Craven. Harris, and White sent them back on every occasion. Seven points behind, New Zealand’s outlook was all grey. Slowly the minutes passed, while the South African forwards, led always by Bastard, controlled the game and gave wonderful service of the ball to their backs.

So the end came with New Zealand overwhelmed in the second half, Just as they had carried all before them in the first spell. South Africa 13 Non* Zealand 6 COMMENT [Per United Press Association.] CHRISTCHURCH, September 4. Comment voiced after the match freely conceded the merit of the Springboks’ victory, and also mentioned the fine spirit in which the game was played. “ It was a magnificent game, one of the hardest we nave played on the tour,” said Nel, the African captain. “I am very proud of my boys. I think we deserved to win. We are all looking forward to the Auckland test. This game to-day made our New Zealand tour.’ 1 Ron King, captain of the All Blacks, had no comment to make. “ I found it a good game to control,” observed the referee (Mr J. S. King). “ International games are not luce other matches. Hard knocks were given and taken, butjl would call it a clean game.” " Mr F. T. Glasgow (1905 All Black) : “ They beat us by speed all round. It was a remarkably fine game, and features of it were the team work and intensive backing up by both the South African forwards and backs.” Mr S. S. Dean : “ It was an excellent game, and on the day the better team won. Right through it was played in a wonderful spirit.'’

and hampered the South African back attack even when the backs were swung into action. Babrow, who early in the game went to inside centre, was persistently kicking to a gap, but the swift covering defence of New Zealand backs kept the line safe. White and Turner were twice associated in pretty but ineffective dashes down the touch. VICIOUS PLAY. Play became vicious among the forwards now, and play was held up first for an injury to " Boy ” Louw, then to Bastard (who collided with his own man), then to Rankin There was a great deal of indiscriminate lacking in the tight, and both sides in tin’s respect were blameworthy. EVERYTHING BUT SCORE, With one point only separating the teams the excitement was intense. South Africa attacked continuously, and they did everything but score. Their backs tried every trick and ruse, but could fnd no way through the defence,

THE CURTAIN RAISER [Pei: United Press Association.] CHRISTCHURCH, September 4. A bright exhibition was given by Canterbury College ami Victoria College, whose annual match was played as a curtain-raiser to the international match at Lancaster Park. A fine try came when Hunter cut through cleverly and sent on to Hadiieid, who scored. M'Auliffe converting. Canterbury 5, Victoria 0. Roberts headed a grand rush which took the Canterbury forwards over the Victoria line, Stace scoring. M'Auliffe goaled. Canterbury 10. Victoria 0.

Victoria College forwards took a hand and Buddie scored wide out. Kissell’s kick missed. The half-time score was:

Canterbury 10, Victoria College 3. After the interval Canterbury College drove Victoria back, Ellis putting in a good sprint to score near the corner. M'Auliffe's kick missed. Canterbury 13, Victoria 3. Again the ball flashed along the Canterbury backs and Hadfield scored at the corner. M'Auliffe’s kick missed. Canterbury 16, Victoria 3. Victoria was given a grand chance when Kissel 1 (full-back) ran down the left wing and centred expertly._ with Buddie on the spot to score. Kissell's kick missed. Canterbury 16, Victoria 6. A good run and centre, by Hunter saw' Bridges scoring wide out. The kick and the game ended : Canterbury College 13 Victoria College 6