SPRINGBOKS ARRIVE

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVII, Issue 197, 21 July 1937, Page 10

SPRINGBOKS ARRIVE

“WILL DO THEIR BEST.” EIGHT INJURED PLAYERS. Per Press Association. AUCKLAND, July 21. The Springboks arrived to-day after an exceptionally calm trip and were welcomed by officials of the Auckland and the New Zealand Rugby Unions. The team is keenly looking forward .to its Dominion tour, and this afternoon will hold the first practice. Mr P. W. Day, the manager, said that they had had some very hard games in Australia, with the result that there were a few crocks on the side, but he expected that all would soon be fit. He hoped that they would have good games in New Zealand. It would be absurd to say that they did not want to win, and they would do their best, although he realised they were up against a stiff proposition. Ho considered that the warm welcome at Auckland meant half the battle to a touring team. P. J. Nel (the captain) said he was disappointed with the standard of play in Australia, which was not high outside Sydney and certainly not up to the standard of the Australians in Africa in 1933. The Springboks had not come to teach New Zealand football, but they hoped to show New Zealand a few things which would benefit them. D. H. Craven (vice-ca.ptain) said that the Tests in Australia were very hard matches. He considered Kelleher, Richards and Rankin the best of the Australian backs and Hodgson the best forward. He was impressed by the lack of Rugby atmosphere off the Australian playing grounds and said that the Australian play was moulded on lines to make an exhibition. The Springboks played the game for the game’s sake and they would play openly when they could.

J. Mill, the All Black half-back of 1924, who returned to-dav, said that the New Zealand forwards would have to put their full weight into the scrums to match the powerful Springbok forward division. Although the crowd on the wharves was not as large as it would have been owing to the showery weather, an enthusiastic reception was given by Rugby officials and enthusiasts. Jhe Springboks were eager to see the sights and learn the likely New Zealand Test team. ' . Eight visitors are on the injured list. Du Toit, who fractured a vertebra, has made a remarkable recovery and probably will be training next week and may he available for the third match of the tour. Bastard will be out for at least another week. Van lteenan injured his hip and has made a quick recovery, but may not be fit for Saturday’s match. Lawton will be out for another eight days. The others are recovering rapidly. The manager of the team (Mr Day) said that-, despite the numerous injuries in the hard games, all had greatly enjoyed their stay in Australia. lhe people were very hospitable and the Government had extended railway facilities and other privileges The crowd to see them off on featuidav night must have been a record for Sydney.