THE SPRINGBOKS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23247, 20 July 1937, Page 9

THE SPRINGBOKS

COMMENT ON SECOND TEST “ ROUGH-HOUSE TACTICS ” AUSTRALIAN TACKLING POOR (United Press Association) (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright) SYDNEY, July 19. Commenting on the Rugby test the Herald says: South Africa has fulfilled expectations by beating Australia in a fiercely-fought game. South Africa demoralised the Australian backs in the first half, and established a lead that even the valiant effort by Australia in the second half could not overcome. South Africa used shock tactics to blast the defence. It sent speed, strength and spirit with the prodigality of the thriftless. Its backs, with long passes, were faster than the speediest Australian’s feet, and produced situations which ihade the defence seem ludicrous. The sweeping rushes of the Springbok., back line were magnificent Rugby, yet every one of the rushes that ended in a try was the result of pitiful Australian attempts at tackles. Mr A. S. Bradshaw, writing in the Daily Telegraph, says:— Not since England played the All Blacks at Twickenham in 1925 have I seen such rough-house tactics employed in an international match in any country. The Springboks were not by any means blameless, but they were undoubtedly highly provoked. Mr Sid King, writing in the Telegraph, says; “Forgetting the fight, the test was won by the Springboks by a superlative display of fast, open football. Craven, who was given a roving commission, was a tactical thorn in the side of the Australians. Until their forces were spent by injury and their condition gqve out the South Africans gave a taste of their match-winning qualities. The Australian backs consistently stood too deep, and as the Springboks were masters at gaining possession, it was inevitable that South Africa should score with some freedom.