RUGBY TEST WARNING

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19423, 7 September 1937, Page 13

RUGBY TEST WARNING

"GANGSTER METHODS" TIME FOR FRANK TALK OTAGO PRESS OPINIONS (Per Press Association.) DUNEDIN, this day. In the course of a leading article congratulating the Springboks on their victory over the All Blacks in the second test at Christchurch on Saturday, the Dunedin Star says: "There was a period in the second spell when gangster methods were conspicuous. Yet after the game the usual fatuous nonsense was talked on the wonderful spirit in which it was played. "It is best perhaps for the players to let by-gones be by-gones as far as their own personal relationships are concerned, but weak refereeing and weak administration by Rugby unions will not accomplish the purge that is needed. "As regards the Springboks we can only say that, although according to our interpretation of the rules they were guilty of certain illegalities, they have the reputation of being a fine bodv of sportsmen who always try to plav a hard but clean Their three teams which have visited Britain stand very high indeed, and on the present tour there is every indication that unless grievously provoked there will be no unpleasantness on their part. "In saying this, we would appear to be Dlacing the onus for rough tactics on our own men. In view of what frequently occurs in New Zealand football to-day there is scarcely any other alternative. "The time for straight talking has come. The All Black forwards may not have been solely to blame on Saturday, but if there are changes in the team for Auckland the selectors should have the courage to drop any player whose tactics are open to suspicion."