THE SPRINGBOKS

New Zealand Times, Volume XLVII, Issue 10961, 25 July 1921, Page 6

THE SPRINGBOKS

DEFEAT OF WELLINGTON 32,000 SPECTATORS WITNESS EXCITING MATCH REMARKABLE DISPLAY BY HOME FORWARDS In ths presence of 32,000 people, at Athletic Park on Saturday, the Springboks met and defeated the Wellington representative team by 8 points to 9. . The game was played in the worst weather experienced during the present winter. Following heavy showers early in the morning, and the succeeding sunshine, rain, accompanied by gales of almost the force of a oyclone, blew down the field, and marred all efforts at spectacular play. The visitors won by a converted try and a goal from a penalty, against a penalty goal by the home team. The game was confined, • for the most part, to a Herculean struggle between tho big Springbok forwards and tho Wellington forwards, than whom they averaged a stone heavier. The keenest supporters of the visitors expressed astonishment at the remarkable showing of the forwards of Wellington, especially in the second spell, when they had to battle against wind, rain, and the greater weight of their opponents.

THE GAME

A BATTLE OF FORWARDS. HOME TEAM FAILS TO CROBS SPRINGBOKS’ LINE. WELLINGTON WEAK IN BACKS. A fine, clean, sporting game, in which not a single player was injured, developed into a struggle mainly between the forwards, when the Springboks, fresh from their victories in Sydney, *V anganni and Masterton, met the representative team of Wellington on Saturday afternoon, in the presence of a record attendance. The number who paid for admission was —0,450, but the official estimate of the attendance was 32,000. The previous greatest attendance was in 1904, when 23,600 spectators saw tho match between New Zealand and the English team captained by D. It. Bedell-Si vwright. The Springboks, allowing for players on the injured list, had their best team in the field, as they regarded the match in the light of an unofficial test match, as a preliminary to the forthcoming games against New Zealand. It is questionable whether the Wellington team, as far as the backs wore concerned, was the most suitable for the weather that was experienced—-driving gales of rain and hail, with a short period of sunshine. As it transpired, a weakness in attack, defence and kicking showed up early, m the centre of the Wellington back division, which, had it not been present, might have altered the result of the game. The grandstand and newly-excavated terraces in the two-shilling enclosure were packed to their utmost capacity. In addition, a large number of chairs and forms were utilised on the lawns in front of the stand, where a contingent of wounded and invalided soldiers was accommodated. Five minutes before the match, the spectators in the open were thoroughly wetted by a smart downpour of rain, driven with biting force bv the south-westerly gale that blew with almost unabated vigour across the ground. As was to be expected, the match settled down to a conflict between the opposing forward divisions. Hie Springboks entered their biggest forwards for the match. Their heaviest was ITst 11b. and they averaged over a stone in weight above the "Wellington pack, heaviest individual player among whom was not more than 14st 61b. lne visitors concentrated their attack mainly in the forwards, and their fortmdabiolooking vanguard kept the game at a 3 printing pace'throughout. Wliiio their scrum work was not epoch-making, nor was their tackling of higher standard than the home forwards, yet they took more advantages offered by tho opportunities of a wet-day game. The Wellington forwards were the most material factor in preventing the speedy Springbok backs indulging in those bristling, sparkling runs with the ball that have characterised their matches in dry weather in Sydney and in the North Island. No one will withhold admiration for the splendid game played .by the Springboks, back and forward, or detract from the wealth of commendation that was heaped on them, while the spectators bore the captain, Pienaar, from the field. At the same time, it cannot be said that the visitors were so much better than the Wellington fifteen, an even the scores would indicate. While the exhibition by the home team lacked the finish and adroitness of the visitors, it was solid, and, where Hashes of brilliance were few, mistakes of individuals were many, among the home backs. The Springbok line, was crossed once; it should have been crossed a second time, when Ryan fell on the ball near the hne, with no comrade handy to take it across. Again, Nicholla had two fairly simple Sicks at goal with the wind inside half-way; one of these at least should have passed between the posts. The gome will go down into history as a cleanly-fought contest between two able teams, in which the finest traditions of football were faithfully observed by both sides, but. history will record some good reading for the representatives of the Dominion, if the class of football displayed by the Springboks on Saturday be not

greatly improved in the coming testmatches. THE TEAMS. Tho teams were : SOUTH AFRICA. Full-hack, J. D. De Villiers. Three-quarters, A. Van. Heerden, C. du P. Meyer, W. 'Clarkson, W. C. ZedHalves, J. Miohau, J. 'lindall. Forwards, T. Kruger, J. AHchau, J). Mellish, Harry Morkel, P. J- Mostert, H. Scholtz, T. B. Pienaar (captain), J. Olivier. 'WELLINGTON. Full-back, S. K. Siddells (University). Three-quarters, G. G. Aitken (University), P. Markham (Marast), E. Ryan (Petone). Five-eighths, E. Roberts (Athletic, captain), Mark Nichodls (Petone) Half, H. E. Nieholls (Petone). __ Wing-forward and rover, E. King (Puneke). _ Forwards, front row, S. Stanaen (Berhampore), E. Hughes (Poneke); lock, J. Moffitt (Oriental); sides,/I. Price (Petone), J. Bruce (Aitmetac); back row, S. Shearer (Poneke), Arthur Parker (Petone). . Referee, Air E. McKenzie, Masterton. A GREAT WELCOME. Five minutes before play commenced tho southerly gale broke over the ground with cyclonic force,- and the teams danced, rather than filed, on to the field. The Springboks were greeted with a roar of welcome that commenced near t-he official gates, and was up by the crowd in tho stand and the masses of [packed humanity on the terraces as the green jerseys formed up in line to greet their opponents in blank. The Wellington men received a hearty but less stormy greeting. The teams paused to exchange cheers, and then raced across the field for a manute to warm their freezing limbs. THE FIRST HALF GALE HELPS HOME TEAM. Wellington played with wind behind them in the first spell. The first few minutes, played in a. blinding shower of sleet, snowed that the effect of the gale would be a complete disturbance of any sense of direction in kicking or passing. The first free kick was awarded to the home team, for a breach by the visitors in the scrum. The ball was carried in its mad career along the field, and went into touch near the visitors’ line. Here the play hovered for some minutes, the ball being driven into touch by the--wind several times. sSTORMINGTHE SPRINGBOK*LINE. The spectators, getting excited as the, WelWtan forwards dashed at the line, roundly cheered the close-in defensive work of the Springboks. De Villiers forced, but The temporary relief wasimmediately countered by the first bit of passing between the home back division. Markham cut in, and snapped up the ball and passed to Ryan, who returned it to him as Clarkson took him low. A scrum was farmed when the ball went to earth, and someone was offside, and. the Springboks gained a penalty kick-from the effort. Catching the ball from De Villier’s kick, h! E. Nieholls (“Ginger”) executed a tricky run through the centre of the twenty-five, passing to King, who was keenping close to the ball, to Mark Nieholls, who short-punted to De VilLiars. The- Springbok full-back mulled, and-, recovering, sent the ball into touch with a kick that scarcely beat the pace of the wind.

A CHANGE IN "TACTICS. The big Springbok pack now changed its formation in ,the scrum; and, playing four-four, commenced to work the game by sheer force of weight back to half-way. Ryan was marking Zeller on the left wing, and grassed him with a beautiful tackle, as he sped off along the line. Everyone was looking to Wellington to catch .all tlie advantage the gale offered to their attack, and cheers burst from the hill as the blacks’ three-quarter line got moving in a nice rush, the ball travelling across the field to Markham and Aitken. The University man was brought down by De Villiers as lie reached the boundary, deep into the visitors’ twen-ty-five. Each side was awarded a free kick —for illegal interference with Rvan by the Springbok half, Alichau; and to the visitors for a breach in our scrum.

SNAPPY DEFENCE BY VISITORS. King, playing n roving game, was becoming very effective m preventing the Springbok halves from .opening the f;ame up, and was in tho van of several onward rushes to the line. The pack, m wedge formation, aided by the wind, were now getting the 1 ball, but each opening effort was smartly nipped by quick, snappy defence by the Springbok halves and three-quarters, who were crowding almost into the ruck while the line was in constant danger. Quick to detect the weakness in attack that appeared in the centre of tho Wellington backs, the South African backs followed on sharply, and were soon in action with their passing bouts. Michau, the sturdy little scrum half, and Tindall, who was playing what the Springboks call a “fly half’ game, instead of a five-eighth, were now usings to advantage the height and weight of the forwards, who were getting the better of it on the line-outs, despite the force of the scale. Breaking away ftom the scrum, Michau on two occasions fed the wing three-quarter, Zeller, but each time Rvan thrilled the spectators by his deadly tackling. TWO SHOTS AT GOAL.

There was little of a spectacular nature in the play to date, and the onlookers, most of whom were pretty well soaked with the rain that fell early, were loosening their pent-up emotions by heartily cheering minor efforts on the part of either side. There was an expectant moment when Mark Nieholls placed the ball for goal, from a penalty against the Springbok forwards fox holding the hall when tackled. . From the Press table it looked as if tne bail was aligned to close in-goal, and such proved the case, for it rose high and clean, hut was drawn outside the posts by the wind. Once again, the bouth Africans paid the penalty of breaches in the scrum, and the Wellington backs, profiting by them, drove through with the finest attacking effort they had shown thus far. H. E. Nieholls scoured the ball from the pacK, and eluded Tindall, passing to Roberts, who beatta couple or opponents by running straight towards goal, but his pas 3 to Mark Nieholls was blown ano a promising chance was lost. The faouth African forwards over-anxious through the repeated black attacks on their line, were breaking rules in the scrum, and another essay at goal was made by Mark Nieholls at a favourable spot, about forty yards out. As in the previous instance, he did not allow enough for the wirid, and the ball went wade. Many of the spectators expressed their disappointment at this second failure to make the best of a scaring chance. DUEL BETWEEN FLYERS.

The passing of the Wellington backs had until now gravitated to the left wing. On the blind wing, Aitken faced the South African flyer, Van Heerden, whom he watched closely. Nieholls, at the scrum, sent the ball across to Aitken, and a trial of speed between him and the tall Springbok resulted, to everyonejs in the * Varsity man’s favour. The full-back accounted for him, however, and the ball went into touch near the visitors' line. The excitement was growing, as a score hy "Wellington seemed imminent, but Meyer, Micha,u, and Zeller, showing a fine turn of speed, brought play away to the half-way line, where Ryan again beautifully tackled the ivinger. A TRY AGAINST THE WIND. The game had been ranging up and down the South African half of the field, but now a change came. It started with a free-kick near their own line, and, following the kick, Michau, always conspicuous in attack and defence, gathered the ball in midfield, and passed to Clarkson, who outpaced the opposition in the centre, and handed it surely to Meyer, who had come round him. Zeller, speeding along the wing, was the last to take it, but he went down to a magnificent diving tackle by Ryan. A double cheer recognised the brilliant passing and the. effective termination of this combined sprint. They came again, this time attacking from the opposite wing. Miohau picked up opposite the foal, and threw the ball to Van Heeren. With his knees moving up high, he made a brilliant run for the corner, and passed to Clarkson as Aitken accounted for him. The centre threequarter crossed over in a flash, and scored * a try. near the corner. The merit of the double attack, in the j teeth of the gale,' was marked hy a salvo of cheering from all parts of the ground. De Villiers would have accomplished the impossible by kicking a goal in the circumstances. The first score was put on the Board, thirty minutes after the kick-off, during! ■which Wellington had been consistently attacking.

Snrineboks 3 Wellington \ 0 VISITORS’ COUNTER-ATTACK. Wellington showed its feelings at Having a score notched against it when it was expected that the advantage of the wind would have gained it points. The backs immediately opened up tho attaok afresh, and the hall was dribbled to the vicinity of the Springboks’ line . once more. Here Roberto and Ryan had pots at goal on the run, but in each case the kick was short. H. E. Nieholls and Roberts opened up with good passing, but faulty. taking by Mark Nieholls held up the advance. To everyone’s surprise, the visitors counter-attacked, and Michau, Clarkson, and Van Heerden indulged in a bright piece' of passing. Van Heerden was now getting plenty of work, seemingly from a decision to attack on liis wing. He made a beautiful run along the side, Skidell’s tackling being ineffective, but the force of the compact driving the Springboks’ most dangerous threequarter into touch. King and Roberts took play by consecutive kicks down the field, and the spectators held their

breath while the Wellington captain and the full-back raced for the ball. De VSliers just got there, and relieved with a sharp, low punt to the lme. A MAGNIFICENT GOAL. The weakness in the centre of tho Wellington attack was again shown by the failure of a good opening initiated by Roberts, his pare to Mark Nieholls being knocked on. Throughout the spell the Springboks had exhibited fine tackling in defence, but they solidest work in preventing their lifie being crossed was dono in the forwards, where they held the balance -of control, and showed superiority in the loose, even against the wind. Time after time the Wellington attack broke down against the wall the forwards set up. Their too close handling of the ball brought them disaster, for, on holding it when tackled, they were penalised. Roberts handed the ball to King, who placed a magnificent goal. The ground rang with cheers as the board showed the scores equal. Wellington 3 Springboks 3 INEFFECTIVE CENTRE WORK. Aitken, on the wing, had been making up, by short bursts of individual play, for the ineffectiveness of the centre in feeding him, and the duels between him and Van Heerden brought billots of applause, wliich were renewed with vigour- as the advantage went to the ’Varsity player’s superior tactics. Perhaps the first time that Aitken participated in a combined rush was neat the end of the first spell, when a dashing period of play was marked hy clever handling of the ball by H. B. Nieholls, Roberts, and Mark Nieholls. The last-named sent it out to Aitken, who eluded Van Heerden hy a tricky run, but was brought to eartli by a fine tackle by Clarkson, who had come round to support comrade. De Villiers found the line, and the half-time bell rang with the scores unchanged.

THE SECOND SPELL. A TRY LOST. With an even score on each side, and the wind helping the bulky Springbok forwards in the second spell, to most of the spectators the result of the game was then a foregone conclusion, and tho hope was expressed that the home backs would put forward every effort to stalK off a runaway victory. Everyone was cheered, therefore, to see Wellington attack in a determined manner— against the wind, upon the resumption of play. The Springboks responded, and very soon had the blacks defending their own line. Eddy Ryan aroused the enthusiasm of the spectators by repeating his diving tackle, to Zeller’s discomfiture. Back to the visitors’ line play was forced by a mighty, effort of the black forwards. Here a try was lost through failure to follow up. Evidently the backs did not think it possible, but Ryan actually got to within a few yards of the line, in a spark-ling run, which was nullified by there being no one to pass to. The Petone captain had to fall on the ball, and a scrum resulted. Again the spectators experienced keen disappointment at the backs’ failure to take advantage of a decided tactical gain over the visitors in a scoring position. INCH BY INCH, The Wellington forwards now commenced to show that they were equal to the weight of the wind and the push of the Springboks. Verily, inch by inch, they worked their way down' the field. There was a free-kick against them for off-side, but they returned to the 'attack, with greater vigour. At times they were playing over the big Springboks, using footwork and line-kicking to greater benefit. There was another of the AitkenVan Heerden duels on the blind wing, but the attention of the spectators was riveted to the drive-" of the forwards. Roberts interceded, and gained them a slice of ground by a £ood line-kick. Further help came from a free, kick against the skipper of the Springboks', Pienaar. The black forwards held the play in a position to strike at the line, but the efforts of the backs lacked cohesion and dash. De Villiers ultimately sent them hack with one of hie long kicks. SPRINGBOKS DOMINATE GAME. Once more in possession of the upper hand, the Springbok forwards ised the wind, and kept the play confined to the home territory, making repeated sharp sorties with the aid of the backs. A good deal -of delay had been caused through there being only one ball, the reserve ball supplied being one of the class used for Association. The game was held up when one of the Springbok kicks landed the ball put on the tramway.

Heavy rain now set in, and the cold was intense. Van Heerden reached the line in a short individual run, but was thrown against the corner flag, and a line-out followed. Roberts succeeded in breaking through, but the whistle recalled him. The pack formed up right in front of Wellington’s goal, and Michau snapped it from their heels, mossing the line where there was a oreach in the defence, and, continuing his ruin unimpeded, planted die ball where he liked —behind the posts. The dismal failure of the Wellington defence in the tentre did not prevent the spectators according full value to Michau's suocess, crowning a long exhibition .of brilliant play by the Springbok half. De Villiers planted an easy goal, and the Springbok figures on the board bounded upwards. Springboks, 8; Wellington, 3. AN IMPENETRABLE LINE. The game was drawing near to its .finish, and -the Wellington forwards, equal to all the demands on them, thrilled the spectators by again pushing, dribbling and kicking until they had the side m a good tactical position again, * within the Springbok twentyfir o. The wind had died d.own -.omewhat, and the playing field had been bathed in warm sunshine for half an hour, but rain and gale were renewed with bitter force. .display of the home forwards, in the fact of both, was remarkable. Roberts and Mark Nieholls tried to pierce the South African line, llutt the three-quarters had. closed in, and the tackling was never surer than in these last ten minutes. Van Heerden and Meyer relieved the tension by getting through the cordon of forwards, and a long centring luck was. driven at a great height across the 'home line, where Siddells had to force. A kick for goal hy De Villiers, that was directed at a very low altitude, to avoid the wind, actually struck the' bar, and the 32,000 spectators breathed freely again. The visitors made another of their rare passing rushes, in which Michau, Tindall, Clarkson, Meyer and Zeller gave a olever exhibition of handling the ball. The game closed as it began, with:a free kick to Wellington. Springboks, 8; Wellington, 3.

TEAMS ENTERTAINED

RUGBY ELSEWHERE

CAPTAINS INTERVIEWED. “WORLD'S BEST SPORTSMEN.” T. B. Pienaar., captain of the Springboks, was interviewed at the close of the match. . “Your people are the best sports m tho world.” ho said. “Where in the world could you meet people that would cheer every bit of good play by a visiting team, even though it was winning against their own? Where in the world could l you get people that, their own team, having lost, would not only show the bitterness one often meets in such oases, but actually carries the captain of the visitors’ winning team off the field? It has astonished us, I can tell you.” “WE WERE WELL COACHED.” “Teddy” Roberts, captain of the Wellington team, said: “We were well coached, and I a.m sure every member, of the team is grateful to Messrs W. J. Wallace and Fred Roberts for the pains they took in coaching the team and getting it fit.” ; THE CURTAIN-RAISER, As a curtain-raiser, a match was played between Wellington College and Petone, each tecum having an unbeaten record in the sixth-grade competition. Wellington College won hy 23 points to nil. For*the winners, tries were scored by Bailey (3), Hannan (2), Du Chateau and Robertson. The lastnamed ■Converted one try.

PRESENTATION TO MANAGER. “WE WANTED BADLY TO BEAT YOU.” The Springboks and the WeUmgrton team, with their trainers and coaches, and ’tiie members of the Wellington R.F.U. committee of management, were entertained after the match to dinner at the Grand Hotel. - Air J. McLeod, president of the N.Z.R.F.U., presided. The president congratulated the Springboks on their win, and said he wished to present a token of their trip to the manager, in addition to the expressions of goodwill he had already received, and the warm feelings that everyone, players and public, had towards every member oF the visiting team. (Hear, hear.) The presentation of a New Zealand rng was then made to Air Bennett, amid applause. Air Bennett proceeded to drape himjfelf with the rug, and thanked the donor® very sincerely for their gift. He would appreciate it as a symbol of hew the Springboks had upheld their reputation that day in the field,-.and in their tour of NeW Zealand.

“I would like to pay a tribute to the sportsmanship of the people of Wellington,’ ’ said Mr Bennett. A voice: It was only what you deservjgd* Mr Bennett: “We have beaten you to-day. We wanted very badly _ to beat you not only for out reputation, but for the sake of those who nave undertaken the expense of this tour. It wus a*tremendous undertaking, and depended on the result of this match. We were told: we had a staff proposition, in Wellington, and, if we won, it would mean a great financial success for the tour. We are more than/gratified, as sportsmen, to find the very excellent spirit in which you have taken your ■defeat. New Zealand is celebrated for its sportsmanship, and its reputation ■will now be better known In the world, far the South African team will spread its name. We will go back, filled with gratitude and admiration for New Zealand.” ,(Applause.) v At the invitation of the guests, the Springboks gave their war cry,. concluding it with a rollicking song of the veldt. New Zealanders, led by Mr Parata, responded with the Maori cry. Mr A.'J. Griffiths, one of the New ■Zealand seleotors, said, he found himself in an awkward position, as the team of his home town had been beaten. Ha had never me* better sportsmen than Hie Springboks. Air E. Roberts, captain of the Wellington team, said: “I can only say we were beaten by a better team. The wind ruined the game, " hut, all the Same, I will admit freely that the Springboks were a better team. We trained very hard to beat them, and we hope New Zealand will achieve that distinction. If you win the tests, then good luck to you. (Applause.) The game to-day was dean, and your fellows played like the sportsmen they are.” (Applause.) Air T. B. Pienaar was given a very warm greeting. He eaid: “I thank your worthy skipper for his kind remarks. I agree with him, that it was a dlean and hard-fought game. I would not like to live through the anxiety of that first half again—that terrible first half. (Laughter and applause.) I cannot appreciate too highly the fine game the referee made it for us. (Hear, hear.) We were quite satisfied in every particular, and 1 can assure you we know now what a thoroughly sportsmanlike football crowd yours is.” . Mr Pienaar concluded by asking his men to give three cheers for Mr Griffiths, who had travelled right through with them. These were lustily given.

DEPARTURE FOR CHRISTCHURCH The team took their departure for Christchurch on Saturday evening the beat having been, delayed half ah hour for their convenience. A large number of Rugby officials, emithusiaiste, and citizens assembled at the wharf, and gave them a hearty send-off. Prior to their departure, they received telegrams of congratulation from all parts of New Zealand. THE CANTERBURY TEAM. Per Press Association. CHRISTCHURCH, July 24. The following will represent Canterbury against the Springboks: Full-back: O. E. Evane. " Three-quarters: Ford, McCormack, Wilson. Five-eighths: Deans, R. Evans. Half: H. Mullins. Forwards: Carnegie (wing), Ellis, Munro, Henderson, Murray, W. Cummings, E. Cummings.

AUCKLAND RESULTS. PWH PRESS ASSOCIATION. AUCKLAND, July 24. Rugby results on Saturday were:— Grafton 11, College Rifles 6. Grammar Old Boys 9, Manst Old Boys 7. Ponsoniby 15, Newton 8. OTAGO DEFEATS SOUTH CANTERBURY.

OAMARU, July 24. The first Rugby “rep.” fixture of the season was played in cold, windy, hut fine weather, North Otago defeating (South Canterbury by twelve points to six. The winning forwards showed fine dadh, which gave their backs an opportunity. McMahon scored a try for North Otago and Moilison kicked three goals. The South Canterbury score consisted of two tries, scored by Scott .and SfaedL. Xho growth was in firat-

class order, and a fast, interesting game resulted. IN THE WAIRARAPA. (By Telegraph—-Special to “Times.”) MASTERTON, July 24. The Wairarapa ltugby Union’s senior football was continued this afternoon. At Masterton the. Masterton seniors beat Greytown by 17 to 9, and won the senior championship for the season. At Carterton the Gladstone oeiuors defeated Red Star, and Carterton beat I'ea tlierst on. NORTH ISLAND TOUR. CANTERBURY TEAM SELECTED. Per trees Association. CHRISTCHURCH, July 24. The Canterbury team which has been selected to make the North Island tour is as follow: —. Full-back: Orchard. Three-quarters: Ford, McCormack, Wilson. ~ _ _ Fire-eighths: Fitzgerald, R. Evans. Hair- Mullins. Forwards: Carnegie (wing), Ellis, Munro, Henderson, Smart (Kaikoura), A. Henry, E. Cummings, W. Cummings. _ . Emergencies: Forwards, Denneny; backs, "W. L. Henry, J. C. Mullins.