'Backs To The Wall’, All Black Manager Says

Northern Advocate, 17 August 1949, Page 4

'Backs To The Wall’, All Black Manager Says

(From Claude King) PRETORIA, Tue. (11.30 a.m.)—Before the All Blacks left Johannesburg, the scene of their second test defeat, the manager (Mr Parker) and the captain (Fred Allen) in a team talk, called for an all-out effort in the remaining matches. “We have our backs to the wall,” said Mr Parker. : “I have seen All Blacks teams in that position before, yet win through, so let us emulate them. “The 1928 side had to win the last test to square the rubber and did so. “We have two matches to win. . , ... “If you can accomplish that you will finish the tour with flying colours.

“Only those with an intimate knowledge of a country such as this, with its tiring travel, its varying altitudes and hot climate, can appreciate the strange fluctuations in the form of any travelling team. “We know that if conditions approximate anything like those to which we are accustomed, that we can beat the Springboks, so let us set our minds more than ever to the task ahead.” DISAPPOINTMENT TEMPERED

The team realises that, people at home must be bitterly disappointed that their cherished hopes have not' been realised.

This disappointment has been tempered by a number of encouraging messages, notably from Mr Belcher, chairman of the New Zealand union, and by the fact that the team’s tour has been an outstanding financial success, and has also helped to raise the standard of Rugby in South Africa. Scott’s injured ankle is mending well, but it is expected that he will stand down for a couple of games. After the Northern Transvaal match it was found that Black was suffering from a back-injury, which nad actually troubled .him for the greater part of the. tour. MEDICAL TREATMENT He has since been receiving medical treatment. Black and Gudsell are expected to rejoin team practices within a week. Both looked likely test candidates, but these halts of their training may prejudice their prospects. The Combined Northern Universities team to meet the All Backs tomorrow is: Fullback, Oberholzer; threequarters, Leeb, Stewart, Brink, Lawton; halves, Basson, Musto; front row, Bekker, Lubbe, Odendall; middle row, MacDonald, Dinklcmann, Steinhobel, Botha; back row, Small. Four of this team, Stewart and Brink (Transvaal), and Bekker and Dinklemann (Northern Transvaal), have already played against the All Blacks.