THE SPRINGBOKS TOUR.

Otago Witness, Issue 3518, 16 August 1921, Page 18

THE SPRINGBOKS TOUR.

THE SOUTH AFRICANS WELCOMED. The Springboks were accorded a civic welcome at the Octagon Theatre on Tuesday afternoon, lhe Mayor (Mr J. is. Douglas; first introduced the New Zealanders, who arrived at the appointed time tor tlie reception (12.30. lhe Springboks arrived 15 minutes later. Both teams were given a hearty reception. Many ladies and representative citizens were present. MATCH AGAINST OTAGO. THE VISITORS WIN—II POINTS TO 3 POINTS. The day of the Springboks’ match with Otago broae line, and tue sun was shining bngatly wnen people began to wend their way to Carisbrook. lhe gates were opened shortly beiore tlie ad vet used hour oi 11, by winch tune there was a crow'd waiting outside the barriers. By 11.30 the double seats round the held were tilled, and irom 12 o’clock the people began to pour in through the various entrances. 'lhough the ground filled steadily there was very iitlte waiting at the gates, and the behaviour of the crowd both in coming and going was exemplary. Policemen were stationed at various points on the ground and at the several approaches to it, but so orderly was the crowd in its passage that there was no need for a restraining or directing hand. Shortly belore the schools’ match began the Kaikorai Band arrived in torce, and their pleasant music helped both to beguile the waiting time and to wile away the intervals between play. When the schools’ match opened the c-rowd was lining deep on the newly-raised ground behind the field, and in a very short time it was ringed by the closely packed ranks. Seme folk with an eye to a cheap vantage point crowded along the hill on the Caversham route, and others could be seen even right to the top of the hill behind the ground. A few determined people climbed the trees in the grounds and seemed to forget their discomfort in the excitement of the match, but the raised bank enabled everyone to see the game, and there was very little, if any, attempt to steal a march on others by a selfish vise of boxes or portable seats. ’file grandstand was not completely filled, and might have seated another 100 or two. Early in the day the boys from several of the city schools marched into the ring, equipped with a variety of stools, boxes, ancl home-made seats, and were allotted a position in front of the seats round the ring. The schools’ match aroused enthusiasm, not only among the boys, but among the expectant crowd of about 14,000 people, who cheered lustily as the Otago team marched into the field exactly on the stroke of 2.30. followed by the big, hefty Springboks, in their green jerseys. ’the barracking was naturally in favour of the defenders, but the smart play of the visitors was also heartily applauded. Several little indications of a certain degree of feeling between the two teams did not escape the crowd, and if the Springboks were not overwhelmed with cheering over their victory it was because the crowd had by that time begun to leave, the issue of the match being practically decided before time was called. Carisbrook emptied in five to 10 minutes, the crowds melting away bv car and tram, and on foot. The arrangements made by the Rugby Union officials for the handling of tbp crowd proved quite adequate for the occasion. THE TEAMS. The teams took the field as follows :—- South Africa. Full back: G. P. Morkel. Three-quarters—A. van Heerden. J. Weepener, W. Sendin, and W. G. Zeller. Half back: W. Townsend. Stand-off half: J. Tindall. Forwards: W. 11. (Boy) Morkel (captain), M. Ellis, J. W. van Rooyen. N. Du Plessis, A. R. Walker, Royle Morkel, P. J. Mostert, J Olivier. Otago. Full back: E. Watson. Three-quarters: R. Stewart, R. Bell, F. G. Ward. Five-eighths: A. Perry. G. Chyles. Half back : F. M’Naughton. Forwards: W. Duncan (captain), W. Bain, A. Patterson, J. Richardson, C. Sonntag, FI. Harty, D. Boreham, and S. Cabot. THE PLAY. The teams took the ground punctually at 2.30 and lined up for a photograph. Otago elected to take the advantage of a good fresh breeze blowing down the field. The Springboks’ kick-off was followed up hard and fast in a style that gave an immediate indication of how keen the play was going to be. Owies returned (he kick a little short of half-way. The Green forwards were hustling the Otago backs, anil Zeller kicked out near the corner. The line-out was followed by a free kick to Otago for lying on the ball, but Patterson did not gain much by the kick. Play was intensely keen on both sides. The Springbok backs got going, and Owlcs brought down Townsend with a very hard tackle. Van Heerden knocked on and Otago forwards carried play past the half-way. Bell stopped a rush in good style. Townsend got the ball away smartly from a scrum to Sendin, who kicked out. Harty took a free kick, and sent the ball far down the field with the wind io O- P. Morkel. Morkel beat, one man, but tlie second got him. Sendin. however, came round to the rescue and found the line. Ward broke through a swift passing movement among the Green backs, and following up bard brought down G. P. Morkel. Royle Morkel got possession and found safety. G. P. Morkel was next seen saving his side well in face of a solid Otago rush. Ward failed to hold the hall and the Springboks struggled right, through to the Otago twenty live. Another free kick was credited to Otago, and their forwards followed through with a fine rush. Patterson kicked out at t h" Green twentyfive. In front, of his own goal Sendin marked a kick of Yards from behind the scrum, and the ball went out. again just beyond the twenty-live flag. From a niark Bell had a place kick from about five yards inside half-way, but, be Old not get properly under it and G. I'. Mork.l found safety. Bell secured the ball from a loose rush, but his kick was charged down arid play swung across to the grandstand side. The home, team continued to attack strongly, and there was a flash of passing along the three-quarter line, which, however, came to nothing. The Springboks wore awarded their first free kick, and I ‘lay was carried to the half-way line- Tlie Otago forwards were playing with plenty of du-h and giv

ing the Springboks’ backs scarcely a chano to open out. Tindall fumbled a high kies of Boll’s and only just succeeded in gettim the line at the corner. About this tim two opposing players could be distinct!

seen in an aggressive attitude not strictly connected with the playing of the game. South Africa was forced, and the game was stopped for a brief space owing to an injury to Cabot. Perry kicked well down the wind, and Bell ana Ward following up hard were able to prevent G. P. Morkel getting the line. A scrum resulted in Otago getting a free kick in promising position. Bell took it, and allowing nicely for the wind swerved the ball neatly between the posts amid the tremendous enthusiasm of the crowd. Otago 3 points. South Africa Nil. From the kick-off the visitors attacked strongly. Ward tailed to take the ball, but dribbled tnrougn and Owies somewhat luckily lucKed out at the Green twenty-five. Otago torwards made desperate ellorts to break tlirough tire ueience, and van Rooyen was compelled to force, 'iindall secured the ball from a line-out, and got m a useful Kick, and a powerful free kick, which Boy Morkel took, was marked by Perry. Otago carried a subsequent scrum and Townsend found the line in a hurry. From the throw-in Boy Morkel got oti-sifle, and Harty kicked out past half-way. Another free kick went, against South Ati'ica for placing the ball in the scrum unfairly. Otago tollowed up hard and well, but again G. i’. Morkel snowed ins soundness and ingenuity by eluding a couple of men and kicking out at the twenty-five flag. Owies was temporarily laid out, and won a round of applause on resuming. Bell had another place kick from inside haltway, but it was charged down. Piay bc~wne exceedingly, and, indeed, unnecessarily vigorous, especially In the scrum. Off-side play by Patterson gave Mouth Africa a free kick, which Bell returned in good style. Otago continued to press, and Ellis was temporarily laid out. ihe game was tight, and irom a spectator’s point of view it was not, particularly interesting. Townsend’s pass from behind the scrum to Weepener w'ent astray, but once more G. P. Morkel was equal to the occasion, and extricated himself cleverly. 'iownsend, Sendin, and Weepener organised a nice bit of passing, which Ward ended by grassing Van Heerden before he got his pass, and South Africa got a iree kick. Bell put his side in position with a powerful punt, which, however, G. P. Morkel returned to near half-way. Cabot, as wing-forward, was playing a fine spoiling game, coming round s>n to Townsend and blocking him repeatedly. Boy Morkel and then Tindall were smothered in attempts to get away. From a scrum Otago forwards came tnrough with a great rush, led by Harty and Sonntag. but Zeller saved the situation. Here the referee called the two captains together and had a few words with them about illegal play. Tindall next joined the temporarily injured list, but a drink of something set him going again. M’Naughton tried to work the blind side, but was settled by Mostert. Patterson marked from a lme-out, and made a very good attempt at goal, G. P. Morkel, instead of forcing, returning to the twenty-five flag. Otago had now been attacking consistently for at least 20 minutes, but their efforts were mainly confined to the forwards, and no concerted movement was initiated among the backs. The closing incident of the first .spell was a passing bout, in which the ball travelled from Townsend to Tindall, to Weepener, and to Zeller, but no ground was gained. SECOND SPELL. The Springboks began the second spell with a score of only three to ml against them, and a good fresli breeze in tneir favour. lownsend returned the kick-off to half-way. A speculator went to Watson in mid-lietd, and lie sent it back well towards the visitors’ twenty-five. Stewart failed to field a very high punt, and the Greens carried play down to Otago territory. Sendin got a pass, and had a iong pot without result. After the torce down the ball went to V an Heerden, who shook off three tacklers and transferred to 'iownsend. Townsend sent it oil through Sendin to Zelier, who was collared and carried over just at the corner. Sonntag relieved the pressure with a useful kick, but G. P. Morkel’s return sent play back to Otago territory. Otago gained considerably by a free kick, and then Van Heerden, when tackled sent the ball in to Tindall, who found the line at the Otago twenty-hve. Then iownsend shot out the ball to Sendin, who flashed it on to Zeller, enabling him to outpace the Otago men and run right round on the left wing. Bell brought him down well behind the line as he was making for the centre behind the goalposts, but ne made no mistake about touching down. G. P. Morkel kicked a goal. South Africa 5 points, Otago 5 points. Scrummaging in mid-field and an exchange of long kicks followed the resumption of play. A kick of Sendiu’s was charged down. Duncan broke away and with Bain headed a great rush. Bain, when blocked, gave the leather to Cabot, but the movement was held up a few yards off (he visitors’ line. Hopes of Otago supporters ran high for several moments, but as usual the Springboks got the ball from the next scrum and iownsend kicked out at the twenty-five. Otago came again, and in a loose rush Beil "gave the dummy” in front of the Springboks’ goal, but again the attackers were successfully held up. Townsend got the ball once more and sent it. back to half-way this time. This turned out to be really Otago’s last chance of re-gaining the lead. The South Africans played to the line and steadily worked the scene of action back to the other end of the field, where G. P. Morkel had a fruitless pot. Perry was caught with the ball in a dangerous position, but he got it away to Owies. who found the line. A hard kick by' Weepener caused Otago to force. From half-way, light in front of the grand stand, Boy Morkel made a magnificent attempt at. potting a goal, and Otago again forced. First Bain and then Stewart were hard after G. I’. Morkel, but each time he succeeded in getting in his kick. Again Stewart came through and passed to Bain, who headed a forward rush that penetrated "Sandy" Patterson retired hurt, for live pin ml <1 on his re turn. With Green forwards charging down on him, Watson missed his kick, but Bell carried it through till Townsend stopped the rush. Cabot did seme good dribbling, and Van Heerden was conspicuous for brilliantly extracting himself from two or three tackles. A passing rush by Townsend, Sendin, Weepener, and Vail Heerden ended in Watson collaring Van Heerden ni beautiful stylo. A free kick helped

Otago to return play to halfway, and then a South African passing rush was spoilt by a forward puss. Several exchanges of long kicks took place, and then G. P. Morkel taking a return from Watson, coolly attempted a pot, which was charged down by Bain, playing offside. Then the Springboks gave another taste of their swift and sudden passing movements. Townsend shot, the hall out to Tindall, from whom it went to Weepener, Sendin, and finally Zeller, who for the second time, showing a fine turn of speed, ran right round on t.he left wing. This time he was able to get squarely behind the posts, but G. P. Morkel missed an easy goal. South Africa 8 points. Otago 3 points.

There was only about 10 minutes left now, and Otago’s chances had practically gone. After play had ranged up and down a bit the ball was kicked over Otago’s line, but Stewart beat Van Fleerden in an exciting race for it. Then for a third time the Springboks’ scoring machine hashed into action. Tlie ball went from Weepener to Sendin and Zeller, who again ran clean round and scored near the outline. G. P. Merkel’s kick went just outside. South Africa 11 points. Otago 5 points. In the last, few minutes the visiting forwards were very aggressive, and once had neaily overcome ail obstacles when tho whistle called them back. Play was hovering between the Otago twenty-five and halfway when the final whistle was sounded, with the scores : South Africa 11 points. Otago 3 points. Mr D. Stalker (Invercargill) was referee. The Otago forwards put up a desperate fight against the solid Springbok pack, and it was only in the last quarter oi an hour that the green forwards got the upper hand and were thus able to make effective use of their backs. There is no intention to try to make excuses for Otago’s defeat, but tho fact should be recorded that halfnay through the first half, Cabot —who was playing a great game at wing forward — received a. knock on the leg which severely handicapped him for the rest of the game, and that Patterson, the Otago lock, had to go off temporarily towards the end of tho second spell consequent on an injury to h;s back. The Otago forwards were assisted by a cross wind, and they jumped into their game in a manner which surprised even their most enthusiastic supporters. Every man had his full weight in the scrums, on the line outs they went for the ball in a most determined fashion, and held the advantage in this department cf the game, and their collaring was, to use a colloquialism, deadly. The heavy Springbok forwards at once took play to the Blues’ line, but it was there but for a short time, and thereafter, to the end of the first half, the Blues hammered hard at the Greens’ defence, and sorely tested it. Cabot was round on Townsend like a flash, and when he became disabled the other Otago forwards rushed through tho loose in dashing style and smothered all attempts to get the ball away from the scrums. The attack of the Blue forwards was so vigorous, in fact, that 'Weepener, and to a less extent Tindall, were not sure in handling tlie ball in the tace of it, and Weepener repeatedly dropped iris passes. Tho Otago forwards came again strongly in the second hull, and were almost over the line on two occasions, but, half-way through, the solid wail ot tlie heavy Spring-, bok forwards began to make it .elf telt. 'ihe Otago forwards had played themselves to a standstill—they had tnrown their weight against a heavier combination with determined effort in a desperate attempt to dominate the play, till they became weakened under the stress, and they then began to lose touch with the ball. Zeller then scored two of his three tries. Tho Otago backs, with the exception of Stewart, stuck to their work in the gamest fashion. Their collaring left nothing to be desired, and one tackle of Townsend by Owies in the first half, and another by Watson m tlie second half, when he brought down van Fleerden, who was streaking for the line, were brilliant efforts. Certainly, there was nothing very effective in their attempts at passing, but they could not get the bali cleanly. As a matter of fact, the South African pack got the ball mostly irom the scrums, and the Blue forwards and backs alike were kept busy preventing them parsing the bail out to their centre fine. Under these, circumstances the Otago backs did not get a show to indulge in any clean-cut passing'. they were successful, however, in doing their part of the spoiling work behind the Springboks’ scrum. it was rather remarkable, as showing how the game was confined to tho forwards, that Watson was only called on a few times during the game to return a kick. liis kicking, however, lacked strength. Ward played a sound game on the wing, but his impeluou-sness sometimes causes him to fumble the ball. He did not, however, get an opportunity to show his undoubted ability as an attacking three-quarter, as he did not receive one clean pass all day. Bell was safe at centre three-quarter. He handled the bail well, kicked with judgment, and thoroughly justified his inclusion at centre three-quarter. Ferry did a lot of stopping and all-round work at second five-ci Ah, and his kicking to the lino was generally accurate. Owlcs, first five-eighth, and M’Naughfon. half-back, wen- in the thick of the play from start to finish. They both took their man well, were safe in their line kicking, and altogether played very serviceable games. Of the forwards, Bain was the most versatile player. He led some dashing dribbliiw rushes, and made no misUiKc when tackling an opponent. Duncan, Richardson, Harty,' Sonntag, Patterson, and Boreham were in the thick of the heavy work throughout, and fought hard for victory till they could go no longer. Duncan, Richardson, and Harty were a particularly hard-working trio, and Patterson and Sonntag put in some great work on the lineouts and in the loose. And what of the play of the South Africans? If can be asserted at once that their exhibition was not up to international form. Their system is for the forwards to "mass,” and push the opposing p k out of the way —to wear down the opposition, in fact, by sheer weight, get the ball out to their half-back, who at once tries to get it out to the wing. They played the same style last week as they played at Timaru and Invercargill. Tho system was not successful on Wednesday till they had worn down the opposing pack, when it worked out, and enabled Zeller, on the left wing, to score three tries. As has been already stated,

there is nothing spectacular in their play, there were no dashing dribbling forward rushes such as the spectators of interprovineial matches in New Zealand expect to see, no “corkscrew” runs by the backs, no cutting-in— not one South African back tried the “cut-in” last week. The game, indeed, as an exhibition of high-class ioothall was very poor indeed. It resolved itself into a forwasd tussle—massed play, scrums, and iine-outs. It may be asserted that the Springboks tried to “bottle up” the game in the first half, as they had to play against the wind, but that claim will hardly stand, as they played the same game in limaru and Southland. They pushed their forwards into the tight work, broke down the opposition, and then got. the ball out. to their wings.

Townsend (scrum half) was the king pin of the Green backs, and played a very tine game. He took plenty of knocks, but stuck to his game right through, and at last got his backs moving to success. He is a very versatile player is Townsend, and knows all the points of half-back play. Fie was in the picture from start to finish. Zeller, on the wing, takes the ball well, and goes straight for the line. He is very fast, and had no difficulty in running round the backs that came across the field to head him off. Sendin (centre) proved a clever attacking player, and got the ball out quickly whenever he received it from Tindail or Weepener, neither of whom, however, did anything out of the ordinary. Van Heerden, on the right wing, made two or three dashes, but was closely watched, and could not get clear of the vigorous tackles which he had to face. Of tlie forwards, Ellis, Mostert. and van Rooyen stuck well into the solid work, but the other forwards also shaped well in the heavy style of forward play which the visitors adopt.

The game in the first half-hour naps more vigorous than scientific. It lacked interest as a result. A lot of bad feeling between the opposing packs was apparent, and the referee at last blew his whistle and told the captains of both sides to exercise control over their teams. The warning had its effect. Both sides assert that it was the other follow who started the rough work. Whoever started it, the Otago players seemingly got the worst of it. Morkel, the captain of the Springboks, stated on tho ground that if the rough play was not stopped, he would take his men off. As stated before, however, the men on both sides claim that it was not they who started the dirty play. It is unpleasant to have to record the facts, and it is to be hoped that the spectators of football matches in Dunedin will not witness any such unsportsmanlike nine as took place at times last week. Football is a game, not a gladiatorial contest. TIF E A TT E X D A N O E. Competent authorities consider that there were 14,000 or 15,000 people present at Carisbrook and that there were over 7000 people on the hills overlooking the ground. TEAMS ENTERTAINED AT DINNER. Tne teams were entertained in tue cuty Hotel in tire evening. Tie dining room was nicely decorated, and a very pleasant couple ol hours were speiit. Mr H. Harris (president of the Otago Rugby Union) occupied the chair. He welcomed the visitors, and said taut the footballers and tile public generally had been looxuig forward to this visit of the Springboks. Mr J. M. Gallaway (a past president of tho Otago Union) proposed tlie toast oi the “South African learn.' He said that he -was a great believer in sport. Tie man who played the game was the real man in the long run. " May the day:, never dawn when tlie sons of the Empire cease to love the grand old Rugby game,” continued tho speaker amidst applause, which was changed to laughter when he said “and may they never allow their sisters to play it.” They were all very glad to see the young men from South Africa. It seemed to him that Rug'by was greater than a local game —it was an Imperial game.— (Applause.) He believed that Rugby was going to play its part in binding the Em-pire.-—(Applause.) In replying to the toa-st, Mr Bennett said that they had hoped at one time that a New Zealand official team would first visit South Africa. Many things, however, had interfered with this visit. The visit of the Army Service team to South Africa had, however, caused them to consider that it was their duty to repay that, visit. The game had been dead in South Africa durino' the war, and nothing could have revived it like the visit of tho Army Service team. In that respect they owed a great debt to New Zealand, and he only hoped chat their visit would do as much for New Zealand football as the Army Service team had done for South Africa. —(“Hear, hear.”) The Otago team had certainly made them go all out, and at one time he had had very serious doubts whether the promise he had made to Southland that i t would beat Otago was going to be ful-iiiV.-d. —(Laughter.) As was the case in New Zealand, thousands and thousands in South Africa were anxiously awaiting the results of these matches, and one could realise from tho enthusiasm which had already been shown the tremendous excitement which would be evinced in the, match next Saturday. They would, perhaps, be able to realise the great excitement which would be in South Africa, on the morning following the. playing of the test match, the result of which would be published in the papers on the Saturday morning-, strange as it might seem. He doubted whether any people from Zambesi through to the west of the sub-continent would sleep in South Africa on the Friday night. The people would not be dreaming of football, they would be lying awake all the night. The people out here could therefore understand to a certain extent tlie anxiety with which they themselves were looking forward to next Saturday. Net only had they to disappoint the people of New Zealand--(laugh-ter and applause),—but they had to fulfil the task given to them by the South African people. Anyway, he could assure them whatever the result of the tests, tills visit was going to do a tremendous lot of good in bringing their two young nations together. — (Loud applause.) Hitherto they had known very little of New Zealand. They knew that they had sent sonic men to ihe Boer war, and also to the great war which had just ended, and that they grew sheep and wool here, but they had now grained a greater knowledge of New Zealand and its people. They would carry that knowledge back to South Africa, and he hoped that in future there would always be a groatbond of friendship between their two countries. —(Loud applause.) The people, of South Africa would look forward to a

return visit by tlie New Zealanders, and if they could not beat them on the New Zealand grounds they would beat them on their own. —(Applause.) Boy Morkel, the deputy captain of the Springboks, being unable to be present through indisposition, Mr P enaar proposed the toast, of the Otago team. lie said that the Otago forward play was certainly good that day, but if he might be permitted to criticise the play, he would say that they had developed their forward play at the expense of their back play. They had heard of the play of the All Blacks, but they had been disappointed in the standard of back play they had so far met with. Fie considered that the wing forward had greatly helped to spoil back play—(“Hear, hear”) —because more often than not he was offside. If the Otago team could raise its back play up to the standard of its forward play it would prove a very difficult team to beat. A province that, produced material of the type they had met that day ought to be able to play football of a very splendid style indeed—not that he would say they did not play hard enough, their fellows could bear testimony to that. —(Laughter.) The game, however, was not as open as tiiey would have liked to have seen it. He thought the visit would prove very beneficial. They would both learn tips from each other. He knew it was at battle of styles in their football, and the’ question was what, style of play a country p i- e f e r r r d. —(A pp 1 all se. j Mr W. Duncan briefly replied on behalf of the Otago team. He said It was a very hard game that day, and the best team had won. Mr E. Wylie proposed the toast of the referee. He said he could state with confidence that Mr Stalker had fulfilled a very difficult and onerous task, and had done it in a manner very much to his credit. — (Applause.) Of course the referee had not been born yet who could please the 30 footballers in a game, but Mr Stalker had carried out his duties fairly, efficiently, and very creditably to himself. Mr Wylie said that, he desired to thank the Otago Union, on behalf of the New Zealand Rugby Union, for the manner in which it had controlled and handled the arrangements for the game that day. Air Stalker, in reply, said he was pleased to know that his work as a referee had given satisfaction. What had pleased him most was that he had been congratulated by the members of the losing team. He did not want to flatter the players in the game that day, but he could honestly say that it was the very hardest game he had ever refereed in. He had never refereed in a game of football as hard. He had told them that they had to cut it out. It was no good to the game. It was on both sides. He had gone to Duncan and Morkel and taken them on one side and had a little heart to heart talk with them. It had had a good effect, as the game had become far more spectacular in the second half. The dinner was opened and closed by the singing of the National Anthem. COM PLUM ENT A RY BA LL. The ball tendered by the Overseas Club to the South African football team lust week at the Art Gallery Hall was noil attended, about 120 couples being present, including a good representation of footballers. The music was supplied by Flint’s orchestra, and Mrs Winter was responsible for the catering, which was excellent. The hail was nicely decorated with festoons of greenery carrying many coloured lights, tliese harmonising excellently with the ball dresses and making the whole scene an animated and pleasing one. THE FBRBT TEST MATCH. A FAST AND OPEN GAME. The great interest evinced in the match between the New Zealand and South African teams was proved by the fact, that the most sanguine expectations in regard to the attendance were realised, there being fully 23,C00 people on the ground. Outside many vantage points were taken —trees, the roofs of nearby houses, and the whole of the bank and pathway on the Alain South load overlooking the ground. Even tho hillside at Oaversham had a sprinkling of spectators, no doubt armed with glasses and able to follow to a certain extent the main features of tide game. The Kaikorai Band was in attendance early, taking up a position at the north end of the main stand, and keeping up a succession of good musical selections. A bright scene near them was presented in the hundreds of girls of the Junior Lawn Tennis Association. Tho curtain-raiser was not played, it being deemed advisable to save the ground as much as possible. The afternoon was perfect—sunny and warm, —and the ground in splendid order, file band aroused enthusiasm by marching round just before 2 o’clock with a quickstep. As the half-hour approached the crowd grew tensor, and the appearance of the .non-playing .Springboks crossing tho ground under tfioir banner to take up their position as spectators drew appiause. I ho camera men were already busy. The teams came on to the field amidst a great demonstration. They iin.-d up, and then came the strains of the National Anthem, and the teams exchanged cheers. A lew minutes were devoted to camera registration, and as tile New Zealanders took up their position facing the strong sun, the “Springboks” executed their "war cry.” The game was worthy of the crowd and worthy of the day that favoured it. Never has such a scene of enthusiasm been seen at a football match in Dunedin. To every one present the fast, open exhibition must have been really inspiring. Every incident was watched with breathless interest, every noteworthy performance drew its raced of applause. It was soon apparent that a heroic struggle was-to eventuate, and that the spectators were to get their money's worth, and they quickly recognised tho fact. When the second spell commenced with New Zealand 5 points to the had excitement, was raised to a great pitch, both teams making the pace very hot. L’p and down went the teams, and then came New Zealand’s first score, Morkel being beaten by the bounce over the line, and Beilis securing the ball before the Greens could throw themselves upon it. The, scene all round the ground baffles description. Everywhere there was nothing but yelling, cheers, and screaming; hats and sticks were thrown up in the air in thousands; even overcoats went soaring far, while the waving headgear of the tennis girls and the mad delight of the schoolboys added to the pandemonium. Following the resumption of play came the prolonged onslaught of the South Africans on the New Zealand line. Every effort was fruitless, and the en-

thusiasm of the crowd rose and rose till Steel broke through in a brilliant dash from midway on tho grandstand side and a desperate race with Meyer ensued. As Steel grounded the ball behind the posts it might almost be said that not a foot was touching the ground in Carisbrook; not a hat was on any head, not a voice silent. Then came tho kick, laughter greeting the premature charge, only to be followed by the delight at the converted try. The third and final 6Core really put the issue beyond doubt, it being obvious then that the South Africans had “ shot their bolt ” though they still had a spectacular turn to offer. The scene that followed the bell was of the wildest and most extraordinary character. The crowd dashed on to the ground from all directions with rapturous cries, and soon the All Blacks were to be seen being borne into the pavilion. A crowd hung in front of the dressing rooms, and the demonstration, with continued cheering, was continued for quite a while. The ground was cleared of spectators in a surprisingly short time, the main block occurring at the gate at the southern end.. It was almost hopeless to think of getting such a thing as a tramcar, and the great bulk of the people simply set out on a direct trek for town. The principal exodus was by way of the Main South road into the city, and the sight presented later along South Princes street was one to be remembered. From the top of the rise at Manse street.as far as the eye could reach there was only a black mass of steadily moving humanity, with a lane down the centre up which came car after ear loaded with passemre'- and a constant stream of motor vehicles, all carrying their quota. Whatever one may think of the national snort as a game there can be no doubt of its genuine grip on tho community; such a scene as that of Saturday is beyond the power of the camera; no artist could paint it. It is worthy of a great poet, and a great poet alone could adequately record its spirit and its inspiration. The tramway traffic was heavier than at any time since tho visit of the Prince of Wales. The staff carried out their heavy duties admirably. It was, of course, out of the question to think of making any sort, of provision adequate to such an occasion, but the best service that could be put on was utilised and the specials from Cargill road were despatched so that thev were enabled to return in time fo a second loading. It was 5.30 n.m. before the great crowd assembled at Custom House square northward bound was finally cleared. As indicated on Saturday, the special trains from north and south arriving about midday were heavily loaded. Tire arrangements worked well, and the department deserves the thanks of the people for the excellent manner in which it- met their needs. The Works Committee of the Otago Rugby Um’on. the secretary (Mr E. S. Wilson), and the other officials of the union also deserve great credit for the capable manner in which they had arranged for the accommodation of the huge crowd at Carisbrook. THE TEAMS. The teams were as follows: SOUTH AFRICA. Full-back, G. P. Morkel. Three-quarters—Van Heerden, Clarkson, Meyer, Henry Morkel. Stand-off half, J. P. Michau. Half-back, Townsend. Forwards—“ Boy” Morkel (deputy-captain), “Baby” Michau, Kruger, Walker, Meiiish, Harry Morkel, Mostert, Scholtz. NEW ZEALAND. Full-back, C. M. Kingston. Three-quarters—P. Storey, G. G. Aitken (captain), -J. Steel. Five-eighths, C. Badeley, M. Nicholls. Half-back, 11. E. Nicholls. Forwards —J, G. Donald, W. Duncan, J. Richardson, E. Hughes, J. Moffitt, E. Beilis, R Fogarty, A. White. THE PLAY. Weil up to time the teams marched on to the held. The band struck up the N ational Anthem after the usual posing for the camera, and the teams exchanged friendly cheers. There were many for the Springboks’ war-cry, and they were loudly appiauded when they grouped before die grand stand and shouted their strange defiance. The wind was a negligible factor, b it t-ie New Zealanders had tiie sun in their eyes in the first spell. The All Blacks’ kick-off was returned well to the halfway by G. P. Morkel, and from the first line-out the Black forwards started a dashing attack. G. I’. Morkel again sent them back beyond halfway, and there was a brief stoppage for a minor injury. The Springboks carried a scrum after the lineout bj their great weight, and a free kick was given them for off-side play. The kick went high across the field, and M. Nicholls found the line near midfield. Richardson broke through the loose, and 11. Nicholls started a movement from Badeley to M. Nicholls to Aitken, and finally to Storey, who lacked out near the Springboks’ twenty-five. Townsend snapped up the ball from the next scrum and sent it out by the halfway flag. Again this übiquitous half gained ground for his side by a useful line kick, and a free kick to the Springboks took play to the home twentyfive. J. P. Michau kicked across to Steel, who dodged one opponent, but was brought down by a second. 'I he ball was passed back to van Heerden about the New Zealand twenty five, but lie failed to take it, and Donald broke away, Aitken carrying it on to the middle of the field. Beilis was laid out. I!. Nicholls, Badeley, and M. Nicholls took part in a passing rush which went pretty well straight across the field. J. P. Michau gained ground with a strong kick to tho left wing. The Green forwards broke away till Aitken gave them check. Then Meyer, Clarkson, and Van Heerden got going with a dangerous-looking passing rush, ending in van Heerden kicking out at the corner The line-out was followed by scrumming on the line, and a free kick to South Africa gave G. P. Morkel a nice chance of placing a goal from the twentyfive riot far from the outline, but he failed to lift tho ball properly. Van Heerden running straight across dodged two tackles cleverly, but White brought him down as he attempted to hurdle. Kruger stopped a Black movement, and found the line, and then Scholtz and Kruger led a forward rush. Townsend set Clarkson going, but Storey brought him down when ho was going strongly for the line. The All Blacks now lifted the siege, and Duncan led them back it- the centre. South Africa was awarded another r no kick, and New Zealand forced. 3>y...tld following up hard kicked ihe ball out of Townsend’s hands, but van Heerden secured and found safely. Offside play hrnnrrhfc the AT Black- their fu st free kick.

which Townsend returned. A pass from H. Nicholls went astray, and Aitken miskicked the ball back and out in New Zealand territory. The SPRINGBOKS AGAIN PRESSED VIGOROUSLY, till H. Nicholls got a mark from a line-out. and kicked out near the centre. Here play, which was always fast and full of incident, hung for a few minutes. H. Nicholls went round a scrum, evaded a tackle, and found the 1 ine inside the Springboks’ twenty five. Enthusiasm ran high among the vast crowd as the Blacks carried play forward from the line-out and packed round an exciting scrum near the line. The Blacks got the ball, but “Boy” Morkel kicked it a\yay from H. Nicholls. Townsend shot it out to J. P. Michau, who fumbled, but found the line. M. Nicholls tried to go round the scrum, but was well blocked. Scholtz dribbled through, and kicked across the field to Steel, who found the line at his own twenty-five. IT. Nicholls was getting the ball, but the Springboks were swarming through on him before he could get rid of it. Kruger got the ball away from a loose rush, and kicked to Steel, who responded with A BEAUTIFUL LINE KICK past the half-way flag. The sun was obviously troubling the Now Zealanders. Passing .across the field by both sides broke down; and Townsend was penalised for picking the ball out of the scrum. M. Nicholls had a place kick from a few yards inside half-way, but the shot, though well directed, fell a little short. Hughes and Donald broke through, but Clarkson was handy, a.nd sent them back with a good kick. Badeley marked in the face of a Green rush, and kicked, to Can Heerden, who gained no ground with his kick. Moffitt and Badeley next handled the ball, and got it to Storey, who was streaking for tho line when heavily brought down. He. wa-s knocked out for a lew seconds, and the injury he received, to his shoulder seriously affected him for the rest of the day. Passing by Donald, 11. Nicholls, Aitken, and Steel ended in a knock-on and a scrum. Play returned to centre. Aitken fielded a high kick from G. P. Morkel well, and .gained nearly 50 yftrds with a beauti-fully-judged return. Clarkson and Kingston exchanged kicks, and then Van Heerden let his side down. The All Blacks were now FIGHTING TO GET THE LINE, and Storey broke through and threw off two or three men, till Kruger pulled him up. The ball was kicked to Van ITeerden, who punted right down the field almost to the New Zealand twenty-five. Several exchanges of kiejg, saw play still at about the same spot, till a free kick to New Zealand shifted the scene back to half-way. Fumbling by more than one of the New Zealand backs threatened to cause serious trouble. but somebody kicked out in the nick t f time. Mover speculated through the crowd, but Steel picked up. and returned the leather to half-way. H. Nicholls secured the ball f rom a scrum, and sent it to Badeley, who get in a fine powerful kick that put New Zealand in position. Tight scrumming took place inside the visitors’ twenty-five and a free kick to New Zea land gave promise of a score, but M. Nieho’.is’s kick went to Meyer, who got rid of.it safely just as Beilis collared him. H. Nicholls rolled" a bad pass along the ground, and play travelled straight across field towards the grand stand. Badeley again saved the situation, and got in his kick, but G. P. Morkel returned it to halfway. The Blacks came again, but- a free kick to the Springboks relieved the pressure. Kingston’s return was charged down, but M. Nicholls saved. Again the visitors got the benefit of a penalty. Clarkson went right through, but Kingston was in time to find the line. Then Clarkson cut out two or three men. and made

A DASHING RUN which ended in Henry Morkel, to whom he had passed being hurled out right on too of the corner fiagpost. Van ITeerden failed to hold a pass from a loose rush in front of the goal posts, and Aitken dribbled back centre of the field. A moment later the Blacks were attacking strongly, but the passing was fumbled by the backs, and van Heerden had something to do with a lightning change back to New Zealand ground. G. P. Morkel returned a linekick to within five yards of New Zealand’s ime. ,1. P. Mien a a made a. desperate effort to break through. Then Meiiish got the ball from a scrum and as he fell flashed it on to van Heerden on the blind side. Van Heerden, too, was soundly tackled, but just too late, for as he fell full length forward he TOUCHED DOWN OVER THE LINE. The visitors’ success was rewarded with sportsmanlike applause, which was renewed when G. P. Morkel shot the ball nicely between the posts. New Zealand Nil. South Africa 5 points. After this there was barely a minute’s play before the whistle sounded half-time. THE SECOND SPELL. After the teams hud changed, the visitors had to face a sinking sun. The kickoff was returned by Kingston, and, G. P. Morkel getting it, his powerful kick resulted in New Zealand forcing. Then after an exchi nige of kicks, Steel got in a wonderful line kick that transferred play from his own twenty-five to the Springboks’ twenty-live, and put his side in position. Black passing broke down and Storey •speculated into touch in face of a rush. A free-kick to New Zealand was followed by a scrum, and van Heerden, having got the ball, was seen jumping into the middle of the bunch. J. P. Michau kicked out at, the corner, hot pressure was set up on the New Zealand line, and they were compelled to force. Long kicking altered the complexion of the game in the All Blacks’ favour, and Aitken dropped a pass from M Nicholls when he was in good position. Steel had a place kick from just inside half-way, but the ball did not rise, and G. P. Morkel returned it to neutral ground. Clarkson took the ball well, and passing from him to Meyer and Henry Morkel gained a little ground. New' Zealand attacking, Townsend kicked trickily over hi.s head but Storey marked. Badeley kicked high, and the bounce badly boating (1. p. Morkel ami two or three others, Beilis was able to DASH IN AND TOUCH DOWN before they could force. Kruger charged before the ball was put down and no charge was allowed. Amid tumultuous enthusiasm A!, Nicholls converted the try and equalised the scores. New Zealand 5 points. South Africa 5 points. Play had now been in progress 12 u.i- nies and tide expectations cf the crowd ran high.

Fogarty, who had been doing splendid work, was laid-oud for a brief spell. A speculator from the New Zealand twentylive resulted in Kingston and J. M. Michau having a great race for the ball, which eventually went over the dead line into the crowd. Badeley got a chance to kick well down the field, and the bounce beat G. P. Morkel, but he recovered with characteristic coolness and returned past half-way. Fogarty led a rush from the line-out, and Steel was all but clear when the whistle called him back for a knock-on. Aitken sent a penalty kick across to Clarkson, who ran and passed to van ITeerden. Beilis fielded van Heerden’s kick and sent it- back to half-way. “Baby” Michau was hurt and caused the first stoppage of the game for injury to a visitor. Play hung on the South African side of the middle line, and Badeley stopped a Green rush in good style. Too hard kicking by the home team cave G. P. Morkel another, chance to show his marvellous ability its a line kicker, and he put the ball out at the New Zealand twenty-five. Then occurred the most exciting and spectacular incident of the day when Steel registered ONE OF THE MOST BRILLIANT TRIES ever seen here. Polio wing up iikl a racehorse a cross kick just inside his own centre line he took the ball at the top of his speed, shook off one green man, and then settled down to a stern race for the line from about the half-way. For perhaps 25yds he seemed to race neck and neck with Meyer, who was straining every nerve to get him. Then it became clear that ho was steadily outdistancing Meyer and that G. P. Morkel could not get across in time; and the crowd gave vent to a wild outburst of enthusiasm as he raced round behind the posts. M. Nicholls’ neat goal made the score: New Zealand 10 points South Africa 5 points Tiie Springboks came again with renewed determination, and immediately carried play beyond the home twenty-live. A free kick was awarded them, but G. P. Morkel made a poor attempt at goal, which Aitken fielded and returned to the twenty-five. The South Africans continued to attack vigorously. Mostert made a desperate attempt to get across, and Steel tackled Henry Morkel in great style near the line. Donald was temporarily laid out in a loc#se rush. Hughes came through tight scrummaging and Townsend found the line. Twice iti succession G. P. Morkel attempted to drop a penalty goal, the second attempt going AS NEAR AS POSSIBLE. A titanic struggle was carried on on the New Zealand line, and Townsend was dashing through when he was called back for a knock on. Meyer tried to cut in but was overwhelmed, Gan Heerden made a remarkable jinky run through half a dozen tacklers, but ho hung on too long and New Zealand got a tree kick, which relieved things considerably. Duncan started a rush and put in a moo cross kick, but Townsend got his side out of trouble and returned tiie ball to half-way. Passing between M. Nicholls and Aitken was stopped by green forwards in the centre of their own ground, but when they broke through Badeley stopped the rush in good style. VAN HEERDEN AGAIN ELUDED SE VERAL I ACKLERS in a great run item half-way, hut ended by throwing out a bad pass meant for Clarkson, and tiie All Blacks were saved. Following up hard a high kick by H. Nicholls, White brought clown G. p. Morkel with the ball for once in his career and he was penalised for failing to get rid of it. The South A Ricans were "forced from the free kick. They were forced again twice in quick succession, on tho last occasion IJ on a Id having a close race for the ball with G. P. Morkel and Henry Morkel. The All Blacks continued to attack with plenty of versatility and vim. White almost dashed over from a line out and scrummaging took place five yards out. H. Nicholls shot the ball out to Badeley, who also nearly got across. Then Aitken fielded a hard kick and sent it out to Donald, who transferred to Storey, enabling- him to race across at the very corner. M. Nicholls’ kick went astray and the score read : New Zealand 13 points South Africa ... ... 5 points There was not much of the spell left to go now, and with ihe home team STILL GOING STRONGLY the result seemed to be determined. Play recommenced with into reliance of long kicks of which the Springboks had the advantage. Kingston fumbled, but recovered and found the line at his own twenty-five Tire game was slopped for an injury to H. Nicholls who immediately afterwards made a useful kick down the line. Henry Morkel got a pass and was going strongly down the left wing when he was beautifully tackled by Steel. This was practically tho last incident in a great and memorable game which came to a close at about 20 minutes past four. Tiie sounding of the final whistle was the signal for an enormous and delighted crowd to swarm on to the ground to cheer and congratulate the heroes of the hour. The final score read : New Zealand 13 points youth Africa 5 points -Mr E. Mackenzie, of Wairarapa, was referee. NOTES ON THE GAME. By Full Back. It was a great game, worthy of the occasion, with the Ail Black forwards fighting their hardest when the Greens had them jammed on their line. The pace amongst, tho forwards was at times a jcvail-yr, and the _ All P/iack forwards especially were at times compelled to run further than they should by the failure of their backs to punt high enough to give them a chance to get up and under, or else to find the line. Viewing the game dispassiona fely one only states tho fact when it is- recorded that there was no margin of 13 points to 5 between the relative football merits cf the two teams. The Green forwards time and again in the first half broke up the opposing pack by their weight and determination, and had they then continued to dribble through they would have given the All Blacks a bad time. They work, however, to give their ball to the half, and get their three-quarter line into action. Mew Zealand’s prospects were not too promising at tho opening of the second spoil when i !■•• Greens had a lead cf 5 points. The Green forwards ], ,fi giwm the AH n Irk i’,:rk a hard testing i:i • fi.tH spell, and ihey came with

a rattle in the second. The Green backs, however, were not getting the ball well. Townsend was closely watched bv Donaid, and although he played a fine game he was not so brilliant as in the matches against Otago and Southland. When Townsend did get the ball, .T. P. Michau, stand-off half, could not carry on the effort—in fact, Michau played a poor game for his side. Henry Morkol, on the left wing, got few chances, Meyer played a fair game only, Clarkson also only got a few chances, and van Heerden is more of a runner than a footballer, though lie is a dangerous scoring' man. The back machinery of the Greens did not go as well on Saturday as it did on Wednesday, otherwise there might have been a different tale to tell in the first test. G. P. Morkel, full back, played his usual sound game. His line kicking gained his side a lot of ground every time, but it was bad play on the part of the All Blacks to kick down to him and give him plenty of time to return. Mostert and M. Michau were in all the heavy line out work, and Scholtz, Meiiish, and Harry Morkel battled hard in the scrums. At tho end of the first spell the supporters of New Zealand were not unduly optimistic, and they waited, strung to their highest, for the score which seemed long in coming. When it did come the game began to turn in the All Blacks’ favour, and after Steel’s magnificent try it seemed all over. But tiie South Africans were fighting to the last ditch, and van Heerden ! threw away what looked like a certain try. i Van Ilecrden had a great chance to g'o | through himself, and then he had Clarkson j running beside him with an almost clear j run in. Van Heerden made a bad pass, and the chance ended. , Speaking of Steels’ try, it was the result of a determined run. From a scrum about the centre, 11. E. Nicholls passed t-o Badeley, who cross-kicked to Steel. The j West Coast wing three-quarter took it . n j his stride, threw off a tackle by Henry Morkel, and started on a 50 yards’ sprint down | t lie line. Meyer came across fast, but could i not reach the Ail Black, and G. B. Morkel ! bad no hope of getting to him. The try j bruugiit vividly to my mind the first oecu- j sion on which I saw Steel play. It was m : lyi9, for the booth, island. A ctoss-kiek I was sent over to Algar, ou the wing, by a j North Island fca-k, but he missed it, and t Steel caught it in t-;is air. lie started from | the centre peg, just as on Saturday, went ; down the touch ime, and scored a brilliant ! try. Great amusement was caused that day j 1 by a West Coast .Maori, who burst through 1 tiie huge crowd, ran out to the centre of j the ground, took his hat off, and shook ! hands with Steel, 'ihe broad smile on ihe j Maori’s face as be came off me ground I showed how pleased he was. ; However, to continue, i am going to say at once that the back play behind the scrum was not up to New Zealand repres sentative form. Certainly the Green forwards were fanning many of tiie scrums and dropping down on our backs, but even allowing for this the back play was nothing to uoast about. If. K. Nicholls j did a lot of stopping behind the- scrum, and 1 played gamely irom start to finish. His j attack, however, lacked method. it ap- j peared to me that when he did pass he ran too far across the back of his scrum before j letting it go, and the opposing backs were ! then on the move through. Moreover, I j think it was bad play on his part towards j the end of the game to punt over the top j cf the scrums, it might have put the op- j posing three-quarter line into action at auv : time. I remember that the late “Osie” j Crawford was dropped from an Otago team | on one occasion for this very style of play. I J do not know what was wrong with ; Badeley. He did not play up to the high | reputation he has as a five-eighth, although i he put in some great line kicks. M. Nicholls started well, but he also did not play up to his reputed form. Aitken was a fair centre. Storey got hurt early in the game, and could not do himself justice. It was a plucky effort on Ins part when he threw himself across tho lino towards the end of the game to score. Kingston did all that was wanted of him well. He is quick to recover a, mistake, and also a quick kick. It was only by stern determination that the forwards held the Green backs, and won the match for New Zealand. I had seen the Green forwards play before they came to Dunedin, and I realised that any team which did not want to be beaten had to stick to them right through. The Blacks did stick to them, but tho Greens got the ball mostly from the scrums, but Donald followed the ball through well. The All Black forwards in the first- spell did not hold the Greens like the Otago forwards did in the first, half. The All Black forwards lasted better, however, than the Otago forwards, whose backs did not heip them much, and they had the Greens well beaten when the final whistle went. It appears to me, however, that one or two of the forwards- were not putting their full weight: into the scrum, and Moflitt dock) on several occasions was la to in getting up to the play, and the scrum had to be formed without him. As showing (how the standard of Now Zealand back play has fallen it needs only be mentioned that on only a couple of occasions, so far as I can remember, was the ball sent out to a wing three-quarter from a concerted yjiece of passing from the scrum. I am a firm admirer of “Teddy” Roberts as a half-back. I consider he is a better half-back than 11. E. Nicholls. The South Africans are a hard team to beat, and the best team has to bo picked if the second and third tests are to be won. I do not think that the New Zealand team that played on Saturday was the best that could have been selected. Air Mac-Kenzie, referee on Saturday, was too long in blowing the whistle when the opposing forwards indulged in “sacks on the mill.” so to speak. Mr MacKen/.io must have lost sifglit of the ball in the melee, and that being so. he should have blown his whistle. Dunedin referees at once blow the whistle in these concircumstances as they realise that men are likely to get hurt when they are down in these scrambles. BELLIS’S TRY. When the incidents of the first test match form a subject of discussion ill the years to come one of the most debated points will relate to’ Beilis’s try. When the South Africans return home this incident will loom large in their store of anecdotes. The South Africans were very sore over the decision which gave Beilis a try. One of the Springboks nt the dinner in the evening, stated that his men were “like kittens” after tho decision was given. The circumstances which led up to the try were as follows: — Badeley punted high towards the goal posts. G. P. Morkel, the Greens’ fuil back, dropped back over his own line, near the posts, to take it, but

the ball on landing bounced away from him instead of to him. Tile next moment Meyer and Henry Morkel were scrambling for the ball, and ttem Beilis threw himself on ft-, and the awarded a try. Responding to tho toast of lria health in trie evening, Mr B. Mac Kenzie said he thought that on the day New Zealand had slightly the 1 letter team. Iho game had been played in a clean mi:, .. :. ,\V icgarcls tue first score of New Zealand, to which, some exception had been taken, there was no doubt in his mind that it was an absolutely fair try. 'J he score as it occurred was on all fours with the try in the Wel-lington-Springboks match. H. E. Nicholls had been the man who had missed the ball, which was gathered in later by a Springbok and he was allowed a try. A man falling on the ball, and not touching it down with his hand, did not score a try. The incident could not be clearly followed from the press box. but from what could be seen it was quite apparent that the try scored was a lucky one. The South Africans stoutly maintain, however, that the bail had been already forced before Beilis got his hand on it. IMPRESSIONS OF THE GAME. The following impressions of the game are given by well-known followers of Rugby:— MR E. WYLIE. Mr E. W yiie, a \\ ell in g ton representative j forward, and treasurer of the New Zea- | land Rugby Union, who is accompanying the Springboks on their southern to-ur, ! stated that- the game v, as a very hard one, j and certainly in the first spell lie thought J that the Springbok torn-aids were more [ than holding their own. Personally he j had thought that the New Zealanders were holding something up their sleeve, but | judging from the second spell they could j not have had much. We New Zealanders j all reckoned that we had a very strong forward team, and we expected a. great deal from them, but the result of the ! day’s play showed that there was very I little difference between the two teams’ | forwards. Jhe game had been keenly i contested, and the forwards had two ! strenuous 45-minute spells. They acquitted I themselves honourably and played hard, but j there was no foul or unfair tactics observ- | able. The contest between the two styles | of play Intel not really been fought out to | a conclusion, and still remained to bo : settled. Air Wylie said that he predicted | that the contests in tiie two following tests i would be very close, and that lie would j not be surprised if tue result should coma j out two to one in favour of New Zealand, j in regard to the back play he certainly ! thought that the New Zealand system had j proved itself superior to the Springboks' system. There was more cohesion between the backs on the New Zealand style, only not so much individual brilliance as on the South African side. Steel’s try was a very fine effort, and Aitken had played a sound, solid game ami made no mistakes. It was hard to par tic life rise amongst tha [ New Zealand backs, but in my opinion i Steel was the best back on the New Zcai land side. Kingston had little to do, but i lie had acquitted himself very creditably, iOf tho forwards he liked Moflit and | Richardson. On the Springboks’ side ho j had liked Kruger and Baby Michau in | the forwards, and G. P, Morkel at fullback I played an almost perfect game; and so | did Townsend at half. If he were asked ! to pick the best back on the Springboks’ i side ho had to name Townsend. MR Y. G. < -VYANAGII. I Mr Uavanngh. an Otago representative forward, and at one time a selector for | Otago and Now Zealand, said that to his mind New Zealand was lucky to get out of it. New Zealand s tactics, however, were better than theirs. The Springboks’ five-eighth tried to cut in too much, when the greens' strength should have been to get it out. to their wring men and give them ground to work on, and enable them to show their pace. Again, in tho first half the greens’ did not make full use of the disadvantage their opponents were under by haring the sun in their faces in the first spell, and kicked to the line. New Zealand’s tactics had won them the match. They used the sun, so to speak, to the full when they had the Springj boks’ facing it. Steel's try was tho result of the most determined run seen on Carisbr.oc.it since Mona Thomson's run in tho match against the Anglo-Wclsh team, and the West Coast, three-quarter’s effort was just as good. These were the two finest runs seen on Carisbrook in international games. The Springboks would be a great side if their forwards went in for dribbling rushes, and passed with their feet the same as they did wirh their hands. Thev would then take the starch out of any back team and eive their speedy backs golden opportunities to score. In the loose play, Mr Cavanagh said that he liked Richardson. Duncan, White, and Fogarty. Donald would be a great forward if he would learn how to control and dribble the ball. ITo had run his forwards up and down tha field with no results. MR A. M DONALD. Mr A. M'Donald, the original “All Black,” who is associated with Mr Stead in coaching the New Zealand forwards, expressed the opinion that our forwards were oetter than tiieir opponents in the loose, 'iiie sheer weight ot the Springboks told, however, in the tight work, widen was very solid. He did not think our backs were really up to New Zealand representative standard, although they shaped very well for a first exhibition. ile is confident they will play much better alter a little more practice together, and once they get combination they should be a very difficult lot to beat. Tiie game throughout was hard and clean and very evenly contested. Fogarty was outstanding for splendid work among the forwards. MR W. J. STEAD. Mr W. J. Stead, who has been training the New Zealanders with Mr MlDonald, summed the match up by saying that tho more versatile team won. Considering it was their first game together, he thought the New Zealand backs had put up a wonderful performance. He drew attention to the fact that Moffit, Beilis, and Storey had all been partially disabled early in the game, this representing a considerable weakening of the fighting strength of the team. lie was satisfied that the game, though hard, was a clean-fought one. “I still prefer our own stylo of formation,” said Mr Stead referring to the Springboks’ arrangement of four three-quartars and two halves. MR W. S. GLENN, M.P. Mr W. S. Glenn, M.P., a member of the orginal “All Blacks,” said that he was delighted with the keeness of the game, lie considered that South Africa had tho

better of the game for two-thirds of the play. What struck him about the New Eeaiaiul team was the opportunity the forwards had of getting *on to high kicks. '1 here was a lack of last following up, and this style of play seemed to be something of a lost art. In the back division, somewhere on the centre, between the centre three quarter and the scrum half, something dul not seem to be going quite right. That was where the weakness of the back division seemed to lie. Steel's try was one of the most wonderful he had ever seen. lie could not help being struck with the fine effort he made. The play of Donald and Beilis struck him very much. He thought it was simply splendid. The fnil back played a magnificent game, and could be classed as absolutely Al. lie thought the New Zealand team suffered from the fact that a lot of the backs were young men. The next time they played they would probably do better, never having had the opportunity of playing together till now. The South African team appealed to him as being a very fine side. There was not the slightest doubt about that. They seemed to miss opportunities, however, through the two half backs or the centre three-quarters not running straight, their efforts being finallv nullified by the last man to receive the ball, the wing threequarter. being shoved right over to the line. If the two half backs or centre threequarter made sure of beating a man first, he thought the team ■would secure a lot more tries. The team lost two tries on Saturday, he thought, by reason of not going on. He was delighted with the game as a whole. It, was a really fine contest. A SOUND OPINION. A well-known ex-New Zealand representative player sax! that the Ail Blacks wanted more tall forwards. There were more lineouts than scrums, and if a side got the ball from a line-out the other side could not play. Tho team that could get the ball from the line-outs controlled the game more than it would do if it got the ball from the scrums. A NOTH ER EX-REPRESENTATIVE PLAYER. Another ex-representative N.Z. player had this to say : When a wing three-quarter (Steel) has got to come across four times in a first spell to save his centre backs something is wrong inside the centre. Our backs did not find the line, and at times they ran the forwards 50 yards or 40 yards more than they should have had to go. MR F. 11. CAMPBELL. Mr F. H. Campbell, an ex-president of the Otago Rugby Union, gave the following impressions:—It was a great game from start to finish, and the South Africans were never out of it until perhaps the last 10 minutes. At half-time, when the score was 5 to nil in favour of South Africa, many New Zealand supporters felt that there was a big chance of their men being beaten, especially as the attack of the New Zealand backs broke down so often. One could not help wishing that such backs as Hunter, Stead, and Freddy Roberts had been there to take advantage of the many opportunities offered. New Zealand’s first try was very lucky, although the result of good following up, but my own opinion is that a South African touched the ball down first, and that opinion is shared by many who were nearer to the spot than those in the stand. But why should our visitors show such bad form by openly disputing tho referee’s decision? Surely they know by this time that there is no chalice of his altering his verdict, and they ought to be sportsmen enough to say nothing. The game was played in a much better spirit than that of Wednesday, and it makes one feel almost sorry that the South Africans played Otago, because the impression left on the minds of the public after Saturday’s game was distinctly favourable to the visitors. They played hard from start to finish, and, although their forwards tired somewhat towards the end, because of their strenuous work all through tile game, there was always the chance that their backs might score again. Indeed, Van Heerden threw away a certain try by a bad pass when there was a clear run in for his colleague. I believe Van Heerden could have scored himself. I liked this player. He is full of football, and is most good-tempered. Their full back gave us a line exhibition of kicking, and Townsend, at half, did great work Steel s try for New Zealand was the result of a wonderful run. He seemed on the verge of being overtaken by Meyer at almost every stride, but he eventually forged ahead, and scored, a great try. His kicking, too, was worthy of the highest praise, and be created a most favourable impression on his first appearance in Dunedin. Donald is a splendid wing forward, but I have never altered my opinion that wing forward play should be abolished. It, leads to most of the bad feeling that occurs in matches, and, after all, the wing forward is only a “spoiler.” lie spoils good back play, and good back play is what the public delight to see more than anything else, i’ossibly the Souih Africans had a better forward team on Saturday than they had on Wednesday, but the Otago forwards havo every reason to congratulate themselves on their fine display—leaving out the temper against such redoubtable opponents. The referee had a most strenuous task, and possibly found tho game too fast for him at times. 1 tli:mt that he was far too slow in blowing his whistle when the forwards were on the ground on top of one another. Not only is there considerable danger to the player on such occasions, but the opportunity is frequently given to a side to get the bad out without the opponents being able to do anything because of the men lying in front of th in. The Otago Rugby Union deserves the most hearty thanks of all concerned for the way they handled the huge crowd. There seemed to no no Litf*h at all in tho arrangements fnaccommodating the people. As for the .New Zealand 1 nion and the programme offered bv i: to rhe public for Is - well, words fail me. TEA MS EXIT RT AI NED. The teams were entertained in the evening lo a dinner in the City Hotel. Mr .1. M’l.eorl, president of the Nev, Zealand Rugbv Union, oeeiipi cl the chair. In proposing the ton.a of the visiting team, the chairman said that they hud been delighted that the tradition■■ of their foot ball had been worthily upheld that. day. Tho game had been played in the cleanest find truest spirit of Rugby They were riot i taking any gn at credit to them* Ives over tho result of the match, as there was not I much different" between the two tr-a;ris. j The difference, he thought, tvas that the I New Zealand team had played with more earnestness and intensivonos*, and that that little bit of difference was the difference I <>♦ ween the play of the two teams. Mr . : . 1 .-a ■■: tmn ho would like to COtl ■

gruluuue the Otago Un.uu loi u,s mamer in which it, had carried oul Lne arrange merits lor iho match, iliey had been most excellent, and the officials deserved the lull credit which they had earned. They had . been glad to win, and would have fully appreciated the play ol the visitors had they been beaten. (Applause.) Mr Bennett, manager of the Springboks’ team, said tliat it was his pleasure that night to convey to the members of the New Zealand team tile congratulations ot the South African Football Beard anti the people of South Africa on their win that day. lie could assure them of tins that very few people in South Africa would be abie tlmt day to attend to their business. He did not say altogether that the people of South Africa expected them to win that day, although they perhaps were a little hopeful on Friday, and they were going to get a great disappointment. I'ersonaiiy he congratulated them on their victory, but he was going to prophesy that they were going to give the New Zealand team a still harder go jn tile next two te.sl matches. They had won that day, they admitted, won handsomely, but this was only the first leg. lie had one other duty’ to perform that night. He wished to express the gratitude of the Springboks’ team to the citizens of Dunedin for the very pleasant time they had had in Dunedin, He also desired to thank those owners who had lent their cars to enable them to make a trip into the country. They also felt a deep sense of gratitude to tho waitresses of their hotel for the manner they had attended to their wants. Tho speaker returned thanks to tho New’ Zealand Rugby Union officials and the officials of tho various Rugby unions they had played under for the manner they had treated them, and he only wished that the same excellent spirit that existed between the officials w'ould also exist between the players in every match they played. (Hear, hear.) Reference was made to the sporting spirit in 'which the game had been played, and Mr Bennett concluded as follows:—“We had our test to-day and to a certain extent we are quite satisfied, more especially as we have a further opportunity of reversing the position.” (Applause.) Mr Boy Morkel, the captain of the Springboks, said that the game that day had been played in a gentlemanly spirit. They did not feel downhearted. They had been beaten that day, but they would live to fight another day.—(Applause.) They were going to give them a fight in the second and third tests. Mr Aitken, the captain of the All Blacks, proposed the toast of the New Zealand Rugby Union. In the course of his remarks he said that bis team wished to thank the men they had been in charge of cince they had been in Dunedin. He thought that most of their success was due to the excellent coaching they had had under Air Stead and Mr M'Donald. The team also desired to thank Mr Donald Stuart, the manager of the team, for the excellent manner in which he had looked after them. BEST BACK AND BEST FORWARD. At the dinner to the tearng on Saturday night, Mr J. M'Leod (president of the New’ Zealand Rugby Union), stated that the Dominion Sportsmen’s Association had donated medals to the best back and tho best forward on the ground in each of the three tests. The selectors had informed him that the best back was IT. E. Nieholls and the best forward Baby Micha-u. These two players were therefore the winners of the tw'o medals. THE GATE. It ’s ts: itiia. u n.u uk re were 22,000 to 23.000 people on the ground. Several thousand people watched the game from the hills. The gale receipts came to about £2700. With £ISOO for the gate for the OtagoSouth African match the total takings came to £4200. THE NEW ZEALAND TOUR. RESULTS OF MATCHES I'LAYED. July 13, v. Wanganui.—South Africans won by 1 goal from a try, 1 penalty goal, and 1 try (11 points) to 1 penalty goal and 1 try (6 points). July lb, v. Taranaki. —Draw; no score. July 20, v. Wairarapa and Bush District. —South Africans won by 3 goals and 1 try (18 points) to 1 try (3 points). July 23, v. Wellington.—South Africans won by 1 goal and 1 try (3 points) to 1 penalty goal (3 points). July 27, v.West Coast.—South Africans won by 3 goals from tries, 3 penalty goals, and 3 tries (33 points) to 1 penalty goai (3 points). July 30, v'. Canterbury.—South Africans lost by 1 goal from the field (4 points) to 2 tries (6 points). August 3, v. South Canterbury.—South Africans won by 5 goals from tries, 1 penalty goal, and 2 tries (34 points) to 1 penalty goal (3 points). August 6, v. Southland. —South Africans won by 4 tries (12 points) to nil. August 10, v. Otago.—South Africans won by 1 goal from try and 2 tries (11 points) to 1 penalty goal (3 points). August 13, v. New Zealand.—South Africans lost by 1 goal from try (5 points) to 2 goals from tries and 1 try (13 points). Summary: Matches played, 9: won, 6; lost. 2; drawn 1; points for, 136: points against, 40. A HANDSOME GIFT. Oswald M. Smith and Co., of this city, received a cable on Friday from their principals, Messrs Jenkins and Timm (Ltd.), silver and electroplate manufacturers, Sheffield, England, offering to donate, to the New Zealand Union a 15-guinea* silver cup to he presented to the New Zealand player who scores the most points for his side in the three test matches. The offer lias boon accepted by (lie New Zealand Union, and the cup is to be known as the “Jenkins and Timm Cup.” One of the principals of ihe firm is an old Rugby player of fame in Ibe Old Country, and if indicates a pleasing spirit to see that enthusiasm in New Zealand Rugby is evinced 12,(C0 i.nlc,-