“SHOCK TACTICS”

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVII, Issue 195, 19 July 1937, Page 7

“SHOCK TACTICS”

SPRINGBOKS’ METHODS

AUSTRALIAN ERRORS

COMMENT ON TEST,

(United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.) Received July 19, 11.25 a.m. SYDNEY, July 19. Commenting on the Springboks Test, the Sydney Morning Herald says:— “South Africa lias fulfilled expectations by beating Australia in a fiercelyfought game. South Alrica demoralised the Australian backs in the first half and established a lead that even the valiant effort by Australia in the second half could not overcome. South Africa used shock tactics to blast the defence; it spent its speed, strength and spirit with the prodigality of the thriftless. Its backs, with long passes, were faster than the speediest Australian feet and produced situations which made the defence seem ludicrous.

“The sweeping rushes of the Springbok back line were magnificent Rugby, yet every one of the rushes that ended in a try was the result of pitiful Australian attempts at tackles.’’ Mr A. S. Bradshaw, writing in the Daily Telegraph, says: “Not since England played the All Blacks at Twickenham in 1925 have _ I seen §uch rough house tactics employed in an international match in any country. The Springboks were not by any means blameless, but they were undoubtedly highly provoked.” Air S. King, writing in the Daily Telegraph, says: “Forgetting the fight, the Test was won by the Springboks by a superlative display of fast, open football. Craven, who was given a roving commission, was a tactical thorn in the side of the Australians. Until their forces were sDent by injury and their condition gave out, the South Africans gave a taste of their match winning qualities. The Australian backs consistently stood too deep and, as the Springboks were tbe masters at gaining possession, it was nevitable that South Africa should score with some freedom.”

GAME FOR THE GAME'S SAKE

SPECTATORS COME LAST

Received July 19, 8.5 a.m. SYDNEY, July 18

Speaking at an informal farewell to the Springboks after the game, Nel, commenting on the different styles of football in South Africa and Australia, said it was clear that Australians favoured a game that appealed to the spectators. The South Africans played tut game for the game’s sake, then for the players’ sake, and for the spectators’ sake lastly. Assuming that Bastard is fit the Springboks will have only eight forwards fit for the first game in New Zealand.