RUGBY FOOTBALL ALL BLACK BACKS ABOVE CAPE LEVEL?

Grey River Argus, 1 March 1949, Page 3

RUGBY FOOTBALL ALL BLACK BACKS ABOVE CAPE LEVEL?

WELLINGTON, F'cb. 28. There was a feeling in South African Rugby circles to-day that, though the forwards were well up to Springbok standard, the backs might suffer when compared with the giants of the past. This was stated in an interview last night by Major A. D. Cilliers, M.C., commanding officer of the Railways and Harbour Police in Capetown, and a cricket and " Rugby administrator in the Western Province, who is touring New Zealand. That was particularly the case in the first five-eighth and full-back positions, said Major Cilliers. These same fears about the backline were held, however, regarding the 1937 Springbok tour of New Zealand, but when- they were put to the test behind their fine pack they vindicated themselves, he added. “There is tremendous enthusiasm throughout South Africa for the forthcoming All Blacks’ tour and your fellows can be certain of a terrific welcome,” he said. “The Rugby administrators over the past fewyears have been devising means of increasing the spectator accommodation in anticipation of the huge crowds that will want to see the All Blacks in action."