Too Many Soft Footballers

Manawatu Times, Volume 63, Issue 63, 16 March 1938, Page 6

Too Many Soft Footballers

NEED FOR STRENUOUS PLAY Per Press Association. AUCKLAND, East Night. A plea for more strenuous Rugby was made by Mr. A. A. Baker, chairman oi the Auckland Rugby Union management committee at the annual meeting of the Manukau Rovers Football Club. Referring to the Springboks’ victories, Mr. Baker said too many soft footballers were playing to-day. The game was not hard enough. It degenerated from the high standard of earlier years and must be restored to that position. Rugby had fallen off badly iu recent years, and must be made tougher by hard tackling and hard forward play. It was largely an individual question, and every player should be trained to stand up to a vigorous and strenuous contest from start to finish. ‘ ‘ Rugby has reached a very low ebb," said Mr. Baker, “but New Zealanders are just as capable as players from overseas if they will introduce more systematic and uniform coaching methods."

Mr. T. H. Pearce, iu voicing the players’ attitude, said: “If you want hard football, we will play it, but We want to know the referees’ attitude beforehand."

The subject will be discussed at tv special meeting with the referees.