SPRINGBOKS' VISIT

Opunake Times, 23 July 1937, Page 2

SPRINGBOKS' VISIT

To the South African Rugby team which has arrived, and to its members individually, the warmest welcome is extended. It is the wish of all New Zealanders that their stay will be pleasant and that the games they play will be worthy of a great tradition. With honours still even in the two series of tests played since 1921, New Zealand rejoices at the chance this visit brings of plucking the prized laurel leaf, but some there are who will be well content if it remains on the bough. For them there is something alluring in the idea of

neither country establishing supremacy, so far as that can be done by scores, for another indefinite term of years. There was a

heady dav in the history of New Zealand Rugby when some folk wondered at times where All Blacks would find foemen worthy of their steel. Not so to-day. In light of the exploits of the Springboks in Australia the wonder sometimes is whether the All Blacks will be worthy of the visitors' steel. New Zealand is hopeful, but prepared for a reverse. It mio-ht be said that in 1921 onlv a

notted goal ("ime between the scoring efforts of the two sides, tV« Springboks having it to win

ihc second match, and the All Blacks having its equivalent in the test grand totals. This made ••> very satisfactory basis for the rivalry of the two countries—

soortsraan's rivalry which fixes fnVndshin. The South African visitors need not be assured that ">,- flemish ins made on and off

"•<• f ; eld bv their countrymen 16 vpnvs ;><>o have been enduring. W„ii a;,] thev fiillfil their wider mission. V strong link was forged

( \v"on the two countries. In a

■• k-i'il. and Empire sense a spirit of fraternity was made

more active, and because it has continued to glow, preparations are being made for record attendances at the matches of the tour. The visitors will realise that the gieat majority of those who gather to see them play desire to pay their compliments in person as well as to see good football.