SURPRISE DEFEAT

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23222, 21 June 1937, Page 9

SURPRISE DEFEAT

SPRINGBOKS OUTCLASSED WIN FOR NEW SOUTH WALES TOURING TEAM HANDICAPPED (United Press Association) (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright) SYDNEY, June 19. (Received June 20, at 6.30 p.m.) On a field comparable with that on which the deciding test between the Springboks and the All Blacks was played in 1921, the South African team's tactics failed against New South Wales this afternoon, when the home side won by 17 points to G. The match was played before a crowd of under 8000 spectators, most of whom were ground members. It was a most dis-. appointing debut in Sydney for the Springboks. Five tries to one represented their deficit and their strength under the day's conditions. Rain poured down throughout the match and the ground in parts was ankle deep in slush. Tries were scored for New South Wales by Kelaher (2), O'Brien (2), and Towers. The last-named converted one try. For South Africa Hofmeyr scored a try and Brand kicked a penalty goal. At half time New South Wales had crossed the South African line three times to lead 11—6, and the Springboks had kicked a penalty goal and had scored a try. The try was registered a minute before the half-time bell sounded. It was really a fluke. Hofmeyr, at centre, followed up when New South Wales endeavoured to pass on the goal line. In the second spell the Springbok pack was without Watt, who was injured, but he returned to the field after 20 minutes. Bester retired, necessitating a rearrangement of the back line. After the garrn, the South African captain, Philip Nel, said he desired to make no excuses. New South Wales had played the better football under the conditions. "WOEFUL DEFENCE" The faults of the Springboks were fundamental. Their defence was woeful, and even Brand, the fullback, speculated instead of going down on the ball when pressed. Van der Vyver, Hofmeyr and Bester were similarly guilty, but the pack was mostly to blame. The famous united heave of the forwards, who were a stone a man heavier, was anticipated. An analysis of each half showed that the New South Wales team was predominant. The line outs definitely favoured New South Wales, who won 17 to 15. Twelve were "doubtful," but New South Wales secured most advantage from opportunities in the resultant loose rucks.

The condition of the New South Waless players was not the only factor in the downfall of the Springboks. It was surprising to see the big South African forwards beaten in the dribbling art, refraining from jumping in the line outs and indulging in round-the-neck tackles on a day when solidity was demanded. Boy Louw and Fannie Louw were easily the best South African forwards on the day. Lotz was a good all-rounder, apart from the fact that he is a specialist hooker. Van Reenen was handicapped by the rearrangement of the team, but he was not as pacy as was anticipated. Watt, a flankman, impressed most in the first spell in the rucks as well as in the open play, which New South Wales demanded. CHANCES CAPITALISED It is extremely doubtful if Nel will make the best Springbok pack. Craven, at half-back, failed in defence. His long passes of the admittedly heavy ball enabled Hodgson and Windon, the New South Wales flankmen, to disturb van der Vyver, and Richards and Pauling often capitalised the resulting chances. It would not be fair on the day to criticise Turner and Brookryk, the wing three-quarters. They could not be blamed for the debacle. The match was a triumph for the Waratah captain, Johnny Wallace, who adopted the principle: " Keep the heavy-weights moving." THE AUSTRALIAN TEAM TEST MATCH ON SATURDAY SYDNEY, June 20. (Received June 20, at 6.30 p.m.) The following team has been chosen to represent Australia in the test match against the Springboks on Saturday:— Full-back. —Rankin. Three-quarters.—Kelaher, Pauling. Towers (capt.). and Dorr. Half-backs. Richards and M'Shane. Forwards. Ramsay, Hodgson, Windon, Hutchinson, Wilson, Bonis, Cerutti, Bermingham.