N.Z. SOCCER STANDARD HIGHTER THAN IN AUSTRALIA

Evening Star, Issue 26138, 27 June 1947, Page 8

N.Z. SOCCER STANDARD HIGHTER THAN IN AUSTRALIA

CHRiSTCHI/RCM, June 2(5. As u result of brilliam play against Wellington yesterday two mem pens of tue South African Association football team will get their caps as South African representatives by being included in the team to play in the first test against New Zealand at Lancaster Park on Saturday. These are J. Pretori us, right half, and S. Oliun, outside left.

The standard of Soccer in New Zealand, as revealed in the two games that the team had played here, was much higher than in Australia, said the manager, Mr J. Barbour. The Audkland and Wellington teams had played clean, scientific football. Tn Auckland the South Africans had found it difficult for a while to pick up the knack of keeping their footing on the sodden ground, but they got on to the idea quieker than had been hoped. The South African Soccer team to play the first test against New Zealand at Lancaster Park will be: J. Pickerill, H. D. McCreadie, E.,Dowell, J. Pretorius, H. Naish, D. Forbes, D. Wilson, 6. Falconer, B. Clack, E. H. Smethurst (captain), and S. Olinn. CRITICISM DENIED.

Denying criticism be was reported to have made about Australian sportsmanship and the treatment the South African Soccer team, had received in Australia, Mr Barbour said that his comments had been made solely about the New South Wales Soccer officials. “ We were never at any time disgusted by the Australians,’’ he said. “ We made many valued friendships in Australia, and all sections of the community went out of their way to receive and entertain us. Any criticism I have made has been levelled specifically against the New South Wales Soccer officials and their action in paying players and playing the same team against us in most of - our matches. We knew their style of football was robust and vigorous, but we at no time questioned their sportsmanship.

Before sailing for South Africa, we have to return to Australia, and we have agreed to play further matches when we return. We shall be able to do so with the happiest recollections of our tour of both Australia and New Zealand and the countless good sportsmen we have lhet in both countries.” A further statement made last evening by the assistant manager of the team. Mr Malcolm Tavlor, the captain, E. H. Smedhurst, and the vice-captain, C. Kurland, read: “We. the assistant manager,. the captain, the vicecaptain. and the 16 players of the ■Springbok Soccer team touring Australia and New Zealand, publicly dissociate oiirselves from the statement of the manager, published in Christchurch on June 26 All of us have formed friendships with many Australian people during our tour of the Commonwealth. and it is our desire that these friendships should not be damaged in nnv way by any statement made bv any member of file party. The question of policy is a matter between the- Australian and African Fonfb o ” ' -c-x-Mneinpc.”