TRIUMPH OF TACTICS COMMENT ON THE TEST

Northern Advocate, 3 July 1928, Page 5

TRIUMPH OF TACTICS

COMMENT ON THE TEST

METHODS OF SPRINGBOKS.

GLAMOUR OF RUGBY LOST,

(Special to Press Association.) (Received S.4S a.m.) DURBAN. July 2.

The newspapers throughout the country devote columns of comment and leading articles to the Test match. The Natal “Mercury” in a leader headed “Triumph of Tactics,” said: “There is one serious question which must inevitably be raised after a

game of the type seen at Kingsmead on Saturday. That is, the effect of the tactics adopted by the Springboks on the popularity, of the game which must, after nil, be a large consideration with those in authority, to counteract the brilliance of the Xew Zealanders in the open. South Africa had to close up the game and keep it close throughout. This was done, wonderfully well done. There were

many who witnessed the game who asked the question: ‘ls this Rugby? Is this the best that South Africa, having built up a reputation by brilliant back play, can do?’ The Springboks, in .1900, wore capable of playing Wales at her own game and beating her. Should not the Springboks, in .1928, be able to beat New Zealand also at her own game? The tactics adopted formed a tacit admission of inferiority in that respect. So we had a game glorious in matching force with force —a remarkable demonstration of the physical fitness of two teams—but not beautiful to watch. There was j none of that captivating back play which has been in the past South Africa ’s peculiar pride. None of that swift passing to speedy wing men, followed by an exhilarating burst for the line. The battle of styles is, for the moment, over. South 'Africa has gained the first round, and that so decisively that the tactics followed appear to be more than abundantly justified, but the general public demands a spectacular game today, and if it does not get it its support is liable to fall away. For South African Rugby to prosper the play must count almost as much as the result.’ ’ Mr F. M. Howard says: “South Africa won one of the greatest triumphs of her Rugby history when the New Zealanders were beaten by 17 points to nil in a- match which must go down in the records as productive of some of the finest forward, play ever seen. The South African pack, acknowledged to be a fine one, played extraordinary Rugby from the start and gained such a strangle-hold on the All Blacks that they wore never able to get away in their speciality of fine combined attacks with the ball slung about with glorious freedom. Never for a moment did the Springboks relax: their grip on the game. The All Blacks were pinned dow r n to dour defence for the greater part.” INSINUATION RETRACTED. Great exception 'is taken by the New Zealand team to the following paragraph, which appeared in the Natal “Mercury”: “It is common talk, based on concrete fact, that everything has not been well, or run as smoothly as it might do, for some time in the All Blacks’ camp. Where the fault lies it is not our business to say, but any dissension, or lack of pulling together, must reflect equally upon every member of a party that should, be held together, as one man, by 11m thought that they are, above all other minor considerations, the

chosen representatives of a country charged with upholding the honour of a common Homeland in another part of the globe." Both the manager and the captain of the team strongly deny any suggestion of dissension. The reporter responsible was asked by the All Blacks to substantiate the comment, but could not do so. He promised to publish an apology.