Scott’s Disappointment

Grey River Argus, 20 September 1949, Page 6

Scott’s Disappointment

PORT ELIZABETH, Sept 18.

When the All Blacks filed into their dressing room after the fourth test, R. W. H. Scott said; “Sorrj chaps, 1 let you down,” He then broke down. “It was the only sad moment 1 have known on this tour, for Scott, who takes his football tremendously seriously, neither smokes nor drinks and kept himself in superb physical condition, was most concerned at his failure to kick goals. It was factually necessary for the press to state that he missed some easy kicks which meant the difference between victory and defeat, and this did not make matters any easier for him. But this incident was quickly given its propei' perspective, tor the ream has never tor a moment thought at attaching any blame to Scott. The crowds outside the dressing room were surprised to hear sounds of revelry and he singing of “For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow,” which may have been unexpected from a beaten side. “We have shared in your disappointment, but 1 have seen you give some of the greatest fullback displays of all time and we are proud of you,” said Mr Parker, to Scott.

These words sum up not only the opinion of Scott’s team-mates, but also of the South African press. W'herever he has gone, Scott has been acclaimed as one tof Ithe greatest full-backs in the world, not merely for his superb positional play, sure handling and tremendous touch kicks but also for his skill in linking up with his backs. N.Z. TEAM CHANGE. P.A. DUNEDIN, September 19. The Otago front-row forward, H. W. Wilson, is not available to play for New Zealand against Australia in the second Test at Auckland next Saturday. Wilson suffered injuries to muscles in recent matches and left the field during the Otago-Taranaki match on Saturday. He will be replaced by D. H. O’Donnell of Wellington. WEST COAST v. CANTERBURY The West Coast team to play Canterbury at Chrstchurch on Saturday is:-'-Backs: L. Lindbom; M. Stoop, R. Breeze, J. Gillan; G. O’Callaghan, J. G. Fraser; H. Tainui; forwards, M. Wells, K. R. Fisher, R. R. Eastgate; G. Nelson, J. Hagen, J. Flynn, J. Woods; A. McCone. Reserves: G. Richardson, E. Andrews; R. Atkinson, "W. J. Curtain. The Hokitika three-quarters, W. Amberger and E. G. Walker, are not available. J. G. Fraser will play at first fiveeighth in the Canterbury match, changing places with G. O’Callaghan, who will now play second fiveeighth.