THE SPRINGBOK INVASION

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXVI, Issue 236, 18 September 1936, Page 12

THE SPRINGBOK INVASION

Will Honours Still Be Even After 1937 Tour?

HEAVY FORWARDS : LIGHTER BACKS (By “MAGPIE”). On the affairs of international football the minds of New Zealanders are at the moment at rest, for have not our chosen defeated Australia in two Tests and in the doing proved that our standard is not as low as many of us thought might be the case. But there is a menace on the horizon—the South Africans are coming next winter, coming intent on demonstrating their superiority as the finest exponents of Rugby in the world. New Zealand has at one time or another overcome every Rugby country in the world with the exception of South Africa, and for that reason the three Tests to be decided in 1937 are going to assume national importance, and the Outcome will be followed closely in England and Australia as well. Such is the importance of Rugby.

Only once previously have we entertained the Springboks, away back in 1921, and perhaps it may be of interest to recall that tour. In that year they came to this Dominion alter piayiug a short programme in New South Wales and their first munffi was against Wanganui. Oi course, that game was watched closely by our Rugby experts, and aithough they won by 11 to b, the general opinion was that the South Africans would prove no match for our best and the New Zealand Rugby executive began to fear that the four, from a financial point of view, would prove to be a Hop. This opinion was Heightened when in the next match with Taranaki the cow province held the visitors to a scoreless draw. Wairarapa and Bush were next defeated by 18 to 3, but when Wellington were defeated by 8 to 3 the Rugby heads sat up and began to take notice. Buller and West Coast were routed by 33 to 3, but in the next match Canterbury created tremendous excitement by winning by 6 to 4. However, quite unperturbed, the Springboks carried on with 34—3, 12—0 and 11—3 victories over South Canterbury, Southland and Otago respectively.

Then came the first Test at Dunedin and New Zealand won comfortably by 13 to 5. New Zealand’s Rugby prestige seemed to be safe, even though by this time it was recognised that the South Africans were a wonderful defensive side. Returning north, Manawhenua were just beaten by a try to nil and then followed victories over Auckland 24 —8, Bay of Plenty 17—9, New Zealand 9—5—a great shock to everyone— Waikato 6—o, Hawke’s Bay and Poverty Bay 14 —8, Maori fifteen !>—B and Marlborough 26 —3. Then came the deciding Test and with it rain. New Zealand had gone into training at Day’s Bay, and on the great day Wellington was packed with visitors. The game, vested with so much importance, was terribly interesting; it was bound to be even if the standard of play had been poor. After a terrific struggle it ended in a scoreless draw. The 1928 Tour.

The superiority of one over the othei was still in doubt and it was left to 1928 to decide the issue. Bearing in mind the huge men that comprised the forward line of South Africa in 1921, New Zealand dispatched a pack comprised mainly of the dreadnought type, but they were at a distinct disadvantage from the start. Whereas South Afrieo had attained fitness in 1921 by the prior easy games in Australia, New Zealand, after an idle summer, went straight into a series of hard games in South Africa. New Zealand lost two oi the first four games played and went, on to a 17—0 defeat in the first Test. This overwhelming defeat shook New that they have been playing football.

Zealand like an earthquake; it was something we did not expect, but the second Test ended in our favour by seven to six. Not much certainly, but an eye lash win in international football goes down in history as a win and that apparently is everything. The third Test went to South Africa by 11 to 6 although it was one, so I am told, that we might easily have won. Then came the fourth Test to which result we in this country were resigned, but the unexpected happened, New Zealand winning by 13 to 5 and so honours between the two countries were again all square. So now we approach 1937, and 1 think it is too much to expect a 50-50 result again. I feel sure 1937 is going to decide the issue.

Type of Player. Now let us dwell for a moment on the type of player that will comprise the South African host. They stick true tu type over there, and we can expect to see heavy forwards and fairly light backs. In 1921 two of their forwaids, Royal Morkel and J. M. Michau, went 17 stone apiece and J. Van Rooyen 15st. 101 b. The lightest forward was F. W. Mellish, 13 stone; he is now one of the national selection committee. As footballers the South Africans are noted for their longevity, and we can expect a good sprinkling of players in this side who have had the prior experience of their last tour to England and also against the Australians in South Africa in 1933. Gerhard Brand, a mighty drop-kick, although 30 years of age, appears a certainty for the full-back position. He played against the All Blacks in 1928. D. O. Williams, wing three-quarter, who went to England in 1931, is regarded as n certainty, as is Frank Waring, centre three-quarter of the same experience and the probable captain. Danici Craven, the 14 stone half-back of ripe experience, stands alone in South Africa to-day, and for forwards M. W. Louw, F. Louw, L. C. Strachan and F Bligh have all campaigned abroad and are regarded as certainties for still another trip.

The Currie Cup tournament, a biannual event and the great Rugby test of the provinces, has just been concluded over there, and no doubt by this the nucleus of the 1937 touring side has been marked down. New Zealand and South Africa exploit a type of game exactly dissimilar. We delight in the open style; tho Springbok glories in the tight work with the backs exploiting the touchline. The question that rises uppermost in our minds at present is, will the South Africans compel us to play their game as they did in 1921 or shall we be strong enough to exploit our own game? Time alone will tell, But in any case our chosen will know for sure