SPRINGBOKS DEFEATED

Greymouth Evening Star, 21 June 1937, Page 7

SPRINGBOKS DEFEATED

DISAPPOINTING DISPLAY AUSTRALIANS SUPERIOR [BY CABLE —PRESS ASSN. —COPYRIGHT.] SYDNEY, June 20. On a field comparable with that on which the deciding test between the Springboks, and' the All Blacks was played in 1921, the South Africans were beaten by New South Wales by 17 points to 6. There were less than 8000 spectators, most of whom were members.

It was a most disappointing debut in Sydney for the Springboks. Five tries to one repic-sented their deficit and their strength in the day’s conditions. Rain poured throughout the match and the ground, in parts, was ankle deen in slush. Tries were scored for New South Wales by Kelaher (2), O’Brien (2), and Towers. Towers converted one try. For South Africa Hofmeyr scored a try and Brand kicked a penalty goal. At half-time New South Wales had crossed the line three times to lead, 11—6. The Springboks had kicked a penalty goal and scored’ a try a minute before the half-time bell. It was a lucky try, the result of Hofmeyr, the centre, following up when New South Wales defenders endeavoured to pass on their own goal line. In the second spell the Springbok pack was without Watt, who was injured, but he returned to the field after 20 minutes. Bester retired, necessitating a rearrangement of the back line.

After the game P. J. Nel, the visitors’ captain, said he wished to make no excuses. New South Wales had played better in the conditions. The Springboks’ faults were fundamental. The * defence was woeful. Even Brand, the famous full-back, speculated’ instead of going down on the hall when pressed. Van der Vyver, Hofmeyr, and Bester were similarly guilty, but the pack was mostly to blame. The united heave of the forwards, who' were a stone a man heavier than their opponents, was anticipated. An analysis of each half showed that New South Wales was predominant. New South Wales won 17 line-outs to 15. Twelve were doubtful, but New South Wales made the most, of its advantage from opportunities in the resultant loose rucks. The. condition of the New South Wales players was not the only factor in the Springboks’ downfall. It was surprising to see the big South African forwards beaten in the dribbling art, refraining from jumping in line-outs, and indulging in' round-the-neck tackles on a day when solidity was demanded. “Boy” Louw and Fanie Louw were easily the best South African forwards on the day. Lotz was a good all-rounder in addition to his hooking. Van Reenen was handicapped by the rearrangement of positions, but he was not as fast as expected. Watt, the flankman, impressed most in the first spell in rucks as well as in the open play which New South Wales demanded. It is extremely doubtful if Nel will find a place in the best Springbok pack. Craven failed in defence, and his long passes of the admittedly heavy ball enabled Hodgson and Wind on, the New South Wales flank forwards, to disturb van. dei 1 Vyver, and Richards and Pauling often profited from these chances. It would not be fair, on the day, to criticise Turner and Brookryk, the wingers. They could not be blamed tor the debacle. The match was a triumph for the Waratah coach’, Johnny Wallace, who adopted the principle of keeping the heavy South Africans moving. The teams were: —

South Africa: Brand; Turner, Bester, Hofmeyr, Broodryk; van der Vyver; Craven; M. Louw, Lotz, S. Louw, P. Nel (captain), Dutoit, Vandenberg, Watt, and van Reenen. New South Wales—Rankin; Kelaher, Towters, Paulin,g, Ofßrien; Richards, McShane; Hodgson, Kelly, Windon, E. Hutchinson, Ramsay, Cerutti, Stone, Malone.

AUSTRALIAN TEAM FOR TEST. SYDNEY, June 20. The following team has been chosen to represent Australia in the first Test match against the Springboks on Saturday:— „ Full-back: R. Rankin (New South Wales). Three-quarters: J. D. Kelaher, T. Pauling, C. H. Towers, captain (New South Wales), R. W. Dorr (Victoria), Halves: V. S. Richards, E. McShane (New South Wales). Forwards: K. M. Ramsay, A. Hodgson, K. S. Windon, F. E. Hutchinson (New South Wales), V. Wilson (Victoria), W. H. Cerutti (New South Wales), E. T. Bonis, V. Bermingham (Queensland).