THE SPRINGBOKS

Grey River Argus, 7 August 1937, Page 10

THE SPRINGBOKS

WELLINGTON WELCOME \ Manager Interviewed ■ *’ [Per Press Association], WELLINGTON, August 5. A large crowd at the Wellington railway station to-day enthusiastically greeted the Springboks. The crowd pressed toward the edge of the platform as the train drew in, and it was necessary to form a lane for the party when it alighted. The visitors left immediately for their hotel, after each had spoken briefly into the microphone. At 5.30 p.m. they were given an official welcome by the Wellington Rugby Union. There will be a Government reception at Parliament House at 11 a.m. to-morrow, and a civic reception in the Town Hall at 5 p.m. At the former gathering there will be present a representative of every Rugby football team which has represented New Zealand. . The manager of the South African team, Mr P. Day, in an interview, was loth to discuss the prospects of tne team in the Tests. “We are not in the* habit of boosting ourselves," be said, “although, of course, we are going to play to win.” He deprecated such statements as that' made by J. L. Sullivan, the Taranaki captain, to the effect that it .was doubtful whether the South Africans, on their present form, would beat the All Blacks. “It is not in the best interests of the game for one side to WAke statements of that sort,” said Mr Day. “Sullivan is young, I suppose, and will learn better.”

The team had found its New Zealand games hard, in fact drastic, Mr Day continued. The opposition was much stronger than in Australia. They were beaten by New South Wales because the team had no opportunity in preceding matches l>test its strength against real opposition. In New Zealand, the games were hard, and the Test was going to be harder than them all. It was more essential than ever’ for the men to look after themselves. Du Toit would not be fit for some time yet. Broodryk and Fanic Louw were improving, and Watt had no ill-effects after his game on Wednesday. To-night -the visitors were the guests of the Wellington Boxing Association at the Town Hall. A training run will be held at. Athletic Park to-morrow morning, but probably only those not taking part in Saturday’s match will turn out. “While we are very grateful for your hospitality, I would like to point out that these receptions are bosoming far too many for us,” said Mr Day, replying to an address of welcome to-night at the official welcome of the Rugby Union. “The men have to play football, and it is necessary for them to do a certain amount of training. Some of them are not too fit yet. However, I must thank you again for your friendship and hospitality. We had a drastic time in Australia; and so far a pretty rough time in New Zealand. We have yet to play 13 or 14 more games in this country, which does not leave us much time to ourselves. We hope you will not be disappointed with the game we hope to play—a gentleman’s and a sporting game.” STATE RECEPTION. MR SAVAGE’S SPEECH. WELLINGTON, August 6. Representatives of every Rugby football team Which has represented New Zealand were present at the Government reception at Parliament House this morning, to the touring South African Rugby footballers. The four hundred guests included Cabinet Ministers, Members of both Houses, heads of Government Departments, representatives of law, public services, military, naval, and air forces, New Zealand selectors, and various sports bodies. Mr Savage prefaced his address at the reception by describing General Hertzog, Prime Minister of South Africa, whom he met at the Imperial Conference, as one of the most lovable of men. They had disagreed about many things but they had established a friendship that would last while life lasted. The visit of the Springboks would similarly cement friendships. The Prime Minister recalled that Mr Day had been guide, philosopher and friend to the New Zealand Army team in 1919, and mentioned that Nel had represented his province sixtyfive times.

In conclusion, Mr Savage said the present gathering was the greatest reunion of All Blacks New Zealand ever had, among the former All Blacks present being Harry Roberts, who went, to Australia with the 1884 team. Mr Nel, replying, thanked Mr Savage for the cordial welcome and the kind references to General Hcrtzog. Nel endorsed Mr Day’s remarks. Before attending the official welcome at morning tea at Parliament Buildings, the South African Rugby team laid a wreath at the Citizens’ War Memorial. The wreath was placed at the shrine entrance by the manager, Mr Day, who was accompanied by Hon. W. Perry, M.L.C., the president of the New Zealand R.S.A. There were also present representatives of the New Zealand and Wellington Rugby Unions, South African Veterans’ Association, Wellington R.S.A., a number of former All Blacks, and representatives of various sports organisations. THE 1921 SPRINGBOKS. GAME AT GREYMOUTH. In response to many inquiries we publish the 1921 West Coast-Buller combined team which was defeated by the South Africans by 33 points to 3.— Full-back: G. Osbourne. Three-quarters: J. Steel, P. Ryan, T. O’Callaghan. Five-eighths: J. Griffiths (Buller), Palmer (Buller). Half-back: A. Walton. Forwards: Turnbull (Buller), Whittaker (Buller), N. Mouat, C. Hall, B. Hager, T. Mclntosh (Captain), A. Colvin (Buller), T. O’Neill (Buller). The emergencies were: Back, J. Ruysell (Coast); forwards, McLean ana Walsh (Buller). The selectors (who were severely criticised) were Messrs J. F. Wilson, whose death occurred some months ago in Christchurch, and L. Carmine (Buller). ‘ Mr A. Adams was coach of the

team which was in strict training for two days before the match.

How They Played: „ The following notes by “Gossiper” are taken from the “Argus" of July 28, 1921, the day after the match.— Steel (who scored Coast’s points from a penalty) had to confine himself- mostly to defensive play in which he generally was equal to the occasion. He was one of the few Coast backs whose physique enabled him to meet the big green forwards on equal terms. - . . Coast forwards played a very lair game in the first spen. They held their own fairly well in the loose, while the line-outs were more in thenfavour as the game advanced. Mouat was a forward who compared not unfavourably with the visitors. Ryan and Walton, the “Coast Midgets” played very creditably considering the weight of the opposition Ryan, especially, used his judgment admirably. .• O’Callaghan played a good game in the first spell, but missed the ball oi misjudged it a few times m ~ second. In better company he should show out to much greater The little Coast winger, O Neill, ol Buller, kept on the . ball a good dea , but his lack of inches was a severe handicap. . , .. „, o n Hager and Hall got into it well dWg Vh n e l Scapjed by MTlnt n osh ry grafted when there were any openings, and showed that he can still scent the chance of a tiy better than most men. . There was practically no attacking combination among the rod and while backs and very little passing of any description. Withi one or two exceptions, the Springboks did not tackle roughly but in the matter of obstrucwell they are the limit! Steel experienced this and bowled the obstacle out of his road, rather unceremoniously. Michau (S.A.) tried a bit of “cute” play when he put back the bill into the scrum to place the reds offside, but the referee hoppened to the Springbok backs, got the ball, Coast were in danger. Their tackling proved the local men’s greatest weakness, though their lack of combination also, was often in evidC The attendance was about 450°, the gate takings being a little over £4OO. The attendance was a new record for Greymouth. * * * * * '

W C e Osbo r Srne e and Whittaker have passed away in the intervening years. P P Ryan, J. Griffiths, A Colvin and T. O’Neill are still residents of the Buller district. T O’Callaghan, who was a chain nion runner and later became wellknown in the hockey field, is accountant in the Bank of New Zealand, Ne J S steel, who is at present visiting Greyrnouth, is located at Governors B palmer is a resident of the North ISl f Walton, who joined the ranks of the benedicts only this week, is; stil residing in Greymouth, and has in recent years achieved notice with the racehorse Silvey Ring. N. Mouatt later became a League All Black, making the trip to E g land. He resides at Punakaiki. C Hall also became a League devoice, being West Coast « » tor until transferred to Otahuhu, Auckland, last year. B Hager is engaged in the saw milling industry and resides at HokitlkT.’ Mclntosh left Greymouth for Christchurch to undergo medical treatment a short time ago, and recent reports indicate an improvemTurnbull is probably still located in the Buller district. «*#**♦* T Th^West'(Joast Rugby Union has secured a limited number of seats for the second test in Christchurch and these will be available to the public shortly. ******

P The Visitors are bringing almost a fuU press team with them the names of the visiting journalists being Messrs John E. Sachs. SP’rt'ng Edh EandOld O1 (BlomfonteinP Gordon McClean (Reuter’s representaX); U G Nicholls (representing Continental News Agency, H Africa) Beamish, Guiney, Xr Asporting Lite"). and MeKenthe two managers, Messrs F T. Glasgow (N.Z.R.U.). Riesop (N 7 Railways), T. Davis (baggag and D WiSat and N. Hartford are members of the official paity. ******* To Be Broadcast: Arrangements have been finalised for 3ZR Greymouth to broadcast the match on August 25, Mr A Warn« being the announcer. The broadcast will be relayed and transmitted through the National Broadcasting Stations. tours are costly. The British Rugby team to visit South Africa next year will PW 2G matches in a tour costing £17,000.