SPRINGBOK TOUR

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22819, 28 August 1937, Page 15

SPRINGBOK TOUR

TENTH MATCH TO-DAY

SOUTH CANTERBURY GAME CRAVEN-HARRIS COMBINATION [nv TELEGRAPH— SPECIAL REPORTER! TIMARU, Friday The Springboks will piny the tenth match \ ol' their New Zealand tour against South Canterbury to-iuorrow and 011 account of their fine record to da to are strongly favoured. The only match the visitors have lost was the first test against the All Blacks, and except for the game against the eombinqd team at. Hamilton, played under heavy ground conditions, they have had very comfortable victories over provincial fifteens.

Judging by-the team the Springboks have selected for to-morrow it appears that the great majority of the players will bo in the running for selection for tho second test match at Christchurch to-morrow week. A notable feature of tho selection is the playing together again of Craven, scrum half, and Harris, fly half. This combination has been most successful and it will occasion no surprise if these players gain preference for the next test. Nel Regains Form The captain, P. J. Nel, who was not selected for tho first test, is now playing right up to his best form and will probably lead his team in the next test match. All round the Springboks' side for to-morrow is n very strong one and the threequarter line is fast and clever. With Brand again available for the fullback position Turner goes back to his place on the wing and lie will strengthen the lino considerably. South Canterbury is said to have a fast set of forwards who may trouble the Springboks in the loose. As Lotz, tho successful hooker for the visitors, is standing down to-morrow, the home side may gain a fair share of the ball. The homo backs are speedy and are expected to give a good display with reasonable opportunities. Saxton, the halfback, formerly represented Otago and played in the All Black trials. Personnel oi Teams The teams for the match are:— SPRINGBOKS Fu 11 back. —Bra nd. Threcquarters.—Turner, Babrow, Locliner, Williams. Halves.—Harris, Craven (scrum). Forwards.—Van Hcenan, Strachan, Nol, Van den Bergb, Bastard, S. C. Louw, 31. M. Louw, Martin. SOUTH CANTERBURY Fullback.—Lundy. Threcquarters. Hopkinson, McPhail, Ryan. Five-eighths.—Cartwright, B. Morri-

t son. Halfback.—C. Saxjon. Forwards.—J. Brvce, J. Strang, J. Stewart. F. Thomson, H. Graham, J. Gilmore, T. Gtinn,* G. Atlkins.

WEATHER PROSPECTS / SOFT GROUND LIKELY [BY TELEGRAPH —PRKSS ASSOCIATION'] TIMARU, Friday Showery weather greeted the Springboks on their arrival at Timaru to-day. A large crowd assembled at the railway station to see the team, but they departed unostentatiously from the northern end of the platform and walked the short distance to their hotel, where they were informally greeted by Mr. J. H. Harley, president of the South Canterbury Rugby Union, and the Mayor, Mr. P. C. Vinnell. Half an inch of rain fell yesterday and further showers to-day make it certain that the ground will be greasy, if not soft. Keen interest is being taken in the game and if the weather clears to-morrow there should be a record crowd. The team chosen to represent South Africa contains nine of the players who figured in the first test match. In addition, Harris, Brand and Nel appear in the team. Indications are that a selection will be close to that of the visitors' team for the second test match.'

TEST MATCH IN AUCKLAND EXTRA ACCOMMODATION It is the present intention of officials of the Auckland llupby Union to provide extra accommodation for spectators at the third test match between the All Blacks and Springboks at Eden Park on September 25 bv erecting two auxiliary stands. One of these stands will be "erected on the southern end of the ground just outside the members' enclosure. This will provide accommodufor 500 people. The other stand will be built in the members' enclosure and will seat 300 spectators. The .matter, of extra accommodation will be finalised when the officials meet at Eden Park this afternoon.