RUGBY FOOTBALL

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXI, Issue 305, 9 December 1931, Page 3

RUGBY FOOTBALL

SPRINGBOKS ON TOUR NOTHING NEW IN THEIR PLAY. EXCITING MATCH WITH SWANSEA. It is rather remarkable that the South African Rugby tourists have brought us nothing new in the way of tactics, but rely mainly upon orthodox scrummaging, dribbling, and hand-to-hand passing. Football enthusiasts had hoped for some developments of tactics (states a writer in the "Sporting Chronicle”), but unless they are reserving a trump card in case of dire necessity, they seem likely to learn more from English, Scottish, Irish and Welsh football than they will teach. In one respect they are delving into the past for inspiration—that is in the matter of interception. Benny Osler, the present Springbok captain, goes forward like an arrow from the bow, and if he gets the ball he is practically clear of the defence. A Hint to Half-backs. The lesson from this is that scrum half-backs must pass low and swiftly. That will beat Osier’s tactics. So will an occasional "dummy.” Interception is all right if it comes off; if it doesn’t, the initiative is with the other side. To be successful against the tremendously powerful South African forwards, rival teams must heel quickly. One remarkable feature of the play of their backs is the quickness with which they realise that the other side are heeling, and the speed with which they close up level with the serummake in such circumstances. This can be countered in two ways: a short punt ahead or a straight burst through. A good wheel, too, would cause consternation to their defence. Is it characteristic of the Springboks that they crouch when running? Judging from the games already played, it must be. It is not unlike the crouch sometimes affected by a boxer in the ring. And the curious part of it is that this does not appear to affect their speed. This applies with especial force to the forwards. But they have one other great asset: their star men at the lineout are so tall and strong that they can take the ball above their heads, turn round, and pass it back to a waiting man without being inconvenienced to any great extent by opponents who endeavour to grass them. My definite view is that wheeling is likely to throw the Springboks out of stride more than anything else; and if it is backed up by quick passing it will spell disaster. Game With Swansea. Swansea were beaten by the South Africans at St. Helens on Saturday, but they put up a fight worthy of their reputation. Outweighted greatly, they played on grimly, wore down the giants, harried and hustled them in the last ten minutes, and finally had the consolation of crossing their line. This indicates a lack of staying power on the part of our visitors, especially as the game was only thirtyfive minutes each way. A faster or more strenuous game could hardly be imagined. Hard knocks were many, and temporary injuries frequent. No quarter was asked for or given, and most of the players must have been bruised and sore when the game was over. Tourists’ Brighter Play. Swansea opened cleverly and aggressively, and finished with a glorious rally. They never faltered in the inter vening period, during which they seemed continually to bo playing against the odds, but their defence was remarkably strong. The Springboks played prettier and more effective football than in their previous games, largely because Craven and Francis, who succeeded De Villiers and Osler at half, kicked less and played more deliberately for their three-quarters There was much fast and accurate passing on the tourists’ part, but Swansea’s defence was really firstclass. Brand, who was moved to left wing, was as good there as at fullback, and Tindall, who took his place, if not quite so sound, is still a fine full-back. A Great Forward. That wonderful forward Van Dei Mowe was one of the outstanding figures of the game, in which Swansea, though defeated, shared the honours. For the losers Idwal Rees did best, but Herbert also played an excellent game at full-back. Bryn Evans was sound at inside half, and the forwards generally showed unfailing resolution. The Springboks strove in vain to piece the home defence till five minutes from half-time. Then Francis flashed a pass through beautifully, and Brand fielded the ball from the ground and scored. He converted from near touch, and also converted a try obtained within two minutes by J. C. Van Der West huizen. Another thirty minutes of chiefly Springbok superiority, then Swansea took command, and Davey scored an unconverted try from a punt by Rees.