Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. MONDAY, JUNE 21st., 1937. SPRINGBOKS DEFEATED.

Greymouth Evening Star, 21 June 1937, Page 6

Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. MONDAY, JUNE 21st., 1937. SPRINGBOKS DEFEATED.

M ORE important happenings wore chronicled from home and abroad during the week-end, but it is probable that the event arousing most interest in New Zealand was the unexpected defeat of the South African Rugby Team at Sydney. The visitors' display was not in keeping with the adulatory publicity forthcoming from the lime of their selection, — not from the players themselves, —and the mighty fell hard indeed. Front being regarded as

. iipermen. there is, in New Zealand. to-day. few so poor as 10 do them reverence, but this estimate is as ill-founded as was the other extreme. The Springboks

are not making excuses, accepting’ their defeat as well-deserved, and this sporting spirit will maintain their popularity. Extenuation to some degree could be found for the South African reverse. The New South Wales standard of Rugby is stronger than some New Zealanders are prepared to admit. Moreover, -the conditions favoured the home team. Heavy rain handicapped both sides, but it is probable that the Springboks were more adversely affected by the deluge and the slush. They were too, for the most part of the game, at least one man short, injuries causing retirements. Replacements are not permitted undei the rules controlling the South African matches. Without detracting from the merits of the Australian victory, upon which ,all concerned are entitled to heartiest congratulations, it may be fairly said that the result does not warrant any hasty depreciation of the Springboks, if it will revive New Zealand hopes and courage. Saturday’s test match will give the visitors another opportunity, and it would be wise to suspend judgment as to their skill and ability until that game has ended. It is to be hoped that the climatic conditions will be more favourable.