NEW ZEALAND TEAM

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23384, 28 June 1939, Page 15

NEW ZEALAND TEAM

A FORMIDABLE SIDE YOUNG PLAYERS LIKELY NOTED SPRINGBOK'S OPINION "Ever since we left their shores New Zealand Rugby players have had hut one thought—the tour of South Africa in 19-10," writes "Boy" Louw in the Outspan. "And that New Zealand will send over a formidable combination we need have no doubt. It will be a young side, too. Of that I am sure, for during our tour we seldom met players beyond the age of 25. "After that age the players evidently think the time has arrived to retire. This I consider one of New Zealand's biggest handicaps—tliey are constantly building up a new side. "It will not surprise me if the All Blacks incorporate in their game next year some of the methods the Springboks introduced in 1937. They liked our game very much. We made very few mistakes which could be used against us. In Great Britain, on the other hand, while we had the material, we were frankly disappointed in many games. "There was one aspect of the All Blacks' game which did not impress us. It was their back play. I am afraid if they do not alter it when they come to South Africa next year they will be defeated heavily again. "In the first place, their backs lined up incorrectly, and the centres, after receiving the ball, cut in and back toward the forwards, instead of, as we do, fanning the play out toward the wings and opening up the game. South African defensive play has always been eminently sound, therefore we had little difficulty in stopping their centres. "We know that South Africans are proud of their Rugby prowess and of the performances of the Springbok team over such a long period of years. If this pride of ours inclines to smugness I must say that I myself have not particularly noticed it. "Fortunately, many of the Springbok backs are still young enough to give of their best in 1940. Brand and Craven are doubtful starters. Brand is touring Rhodesia with the Capetown Villagers' Club, and no doubt if his injured leg stands the strain he will turn out for the rest of tho season. "Brand s absence from the last test last year, owing to his injury, was a severe blow to all of us. He has been a great figure in South African Rugby and it would give mo great pleasure to see him playing against the All Blacks. Craven's opportunities to play when he returns from overseas will depend lnrgely upon tho nature of his new work. "For the time being, however, we must assume that both Brand and Craven are out of it for the All Blacks' visit. Turner would naturally take Brand's place, and besides him there are Williams, Bcster, Harris, I,ochner and de Wet —all of them, except Williams. yet to reach the peak of their careers—while, barring accidents, Williams should be as good as over. But I can think of nr> one at the moment capable of filling Craven's place behind the scrum."