MATCH AGAINST WEST COAST

Southland Times, Issue 23287, 25 August 1937, Page 11

MATCH AGAINST WEST COAST

SPRINGBOKS FIELD FINE PACK HEAVY GROUND CERTAIN By GORDON McLEAN (The Southland Times representative, South African Rugby Tour) GREYMOUTH, August 24. The Springboks evidently anticipate a stern struggle against the West Coast forwards judging by their chosen pack which is practically the Test pack, H. H. Watt being the only player lacking Test status. Unfortunately West Coast’s prospects have been seriously impaired by the loss of G. H. Gilbert, the full-back, Davidson, the half-back, and B. Scandrett, the forward, all of whom have fallen victim to the epidemic of accidents which seems to be affecting New Zealand players this season. Gilbert’s injury is particularly unfortunate in that it is attributable to sheer negligence. It appears that for club football matches at Hokitika no touch-line is marked out, but a rope is stretched along the ground. The authorities have repeatedly been warned that this would lead to accidents, but took no action until Gilbert tripped over it during a recent club match, severely spraining his ankle. It seems poetic justice that this primitive practice should cost West Coast the services of its best back for years for its most important match. The indications are for a heavy ground which may favour the lively bulling West Coast pack, particularly as the Springboks half-back combination, P. de Villiers and D. F. van de Vyver, is the same as that which experienced trouble in handling the wet conditions at Hamilton. The West Coast pack led by R. R. King includes also his older brother. The ground is certain to be heavy while, if further rain falls, it may become a quagmire. The teams are as follows: — SPRINGBOKS Full-back.—F. G. Turner. Three-quarters.—J. A. Broodrjik, J. White, G. P. Lochner, D. O. Williams. Half-backs.—D. F. van de Vyver, P. de Villiers. x TT Forwards. —S. C. Louw, J. W. Lotz, H. J. Martin, H. H. Watt, W. F. Bergh, P. J. Nel, L. C. Strachan, M. M. Louw. WEST COAST-BULLER Full-back.—A. Dunn (Buller). Three-quarters.—J. Hill, A. Strachan (Buller), R. Roberts (West Coast). Five-eighths.—W. Mann (West Coast), S. Stewart (Buller). Half-back.—B. Finlayson (Buller). Forwards. —R. Kirkwood (West Coast), G. Orman, J. Lake (Buller), A. King, R. King (West Coast), G. Wilson, G. Mason (Buller), P. Garden (West Coast). • SECOND TEST MATCH EVERY AVAILABLE SEAT RESERVED (United Press Association) CHRISTCHURCH, August. 24. Three and a-half hours after the booking opened this morning every available seat for the second Test between the Springboks and the All Blacks at Christchurch on September 4 had been reserved. Hundreds were unable to get seats and money which had arrived from many country residents for the reservation of seats was returned to the senders. The seating accommodation at Lancaster Park is 6600 and the prices of the seats varied from 11/- to £l. More than half that total number, however, were not available for reservation by those who had waited patiently throughout Monday night in Cashel Street. About 3400 seats had been allocated to sub-unions and football clubs and, in addition, life members of the Canterbury Rugby Union, active referees and holders of season tickets were permitted to reserve seats on Monday.