HONOURS WITH THE LOSERS

Southland Times, Issue 23306, 16 September 1937, Page 11

HONOURS WITH THE LOSERS

SPRINGBOKS’ BACKS LOSE CHANCES OUTSTANDING PLAY BY MAORIS By J. G. McLEAN (REPRESENTATIVE OF THE SOUTHLAND TIMES WITH THE SPRINGBOKS) NAPIER, September 15. The Springboks in beating the North Island’s champion team, overcame the last formidable opposition among provincial unions. Their remaining two matches against Poverty Bay and North Auckland should cause them no difficulty. Thus it is practically certain that they will establish the wonderful record of winning all their matches except the Tests. They only need to win the final Test to complete a splendid performance. Today’s game; however, ..engenders hope for New Zealand as the Hawke s Bay pack, though a man short after the first fifteen minutes, held the Springboks everywhere except in the tight scrums. Their superb loose rushes repeatedly overwhelmed the Springbok backs. Hawke’s Bay, winning the toss, had the advantage of a strong wind in the first half. The Springboks faced the additional handicap of a glaring sun. Despite this the Springboks started vigorously, Bastard scoring the opening try from a great opening by Craven. Hawke’s Bay held the upper hand tor the remainder of the half but lost Johnston with a badly-wrenched ankle, thereafter having seven against the Springboks eight. Hawke’s Bays chances when it led by only one point at the interval appeared dismal. More so when the Springboks, aided by the wind, registered two quick tries ln the first five minutes of the second half. Thereafter Mawke’s Bay’s gallant pack fought every inch. There was wild enthusiasm when Jackson _ completed a great passing rush with a splendid'try which brought Hawkes Bay within striking distance. Bergh then added the Springbok’s final try. Hawke’s Bay died hard, staging an exhilarating final rally which almost yielded a try.

OPPORTUNITIES LOST The honours on the day were with Hawke’s Bay as the Springboks, with the wind’s powerful aid, should have scored at least 20 points in the second half. Their backs, however, frittered away many opportunities, while Williams, the speedy winger, could not circumvent Apsey’s determined tackling. Tempers were frayed at times during the second half, the referee admonishing several forwards. He also instructed both captains to check their players. The Springboks had fielded their most formidable pack with Du Toit, who is a strong candidate for the third Test in the back row. Despite this Hawke’s Bay’s splendid performance demonstrated that the Springboks can play only as well as the other side allows. The Hawke’s Bay forwards never threw up the sponge. Had Hawke s Bay not lost Johnston it is quite possible that the result might have been different as Johnson, being the back row forward, would probably have stopped Craven from going solo twice on the open side during thesecondhalf. Both such breaks yielded tries. Johnson had played particularly well, his try which placed Hawke’s Bay ahead, being the result of great determination as he plunged headlong through a mass of forwards to touch down. He was injured in endeavoring to tackle Hofmeyr, who swerved, causing Johnston to slip and wrench his ankle. The game provided eloquent testimony to the great football skill of the Hawke’s Bay Maoris. Several of the outstanding players were Maoris, including Johnston, Jackson, Wilson and Devine. Jackson again proved himself one of the finest forwards in the country. Dalton, too, played magnificently. It was he who initiated Hawke’s Bay’s great try in the second half. He broke clear at half-way, forcing himself by sheer strength past several players, then passing infield where several players carried on with brisk spectacular passing before Jackson scored on the other side of the field.

There was another occasion when Hawke’s Bay might have scored as several players got clean away, staging brisk inter-passing against several Springboks only to discover after some minutes that the remainder of both teams were convulsed with laughter, as were the spectators. The remainder of the teams were standing still at the other end of the field as the referee’s whistle had gone awarding a penalty to Hawke’s Bay. Hawke’s Bay could well have done without this penalty as a practically certain try would have been scored. SEASON’S DISCOVERY Bowman, Hawke’s Bay’s tall, fair forward, proved himself the season’s discovery. He was the best forward on the ground, well worthy of All Black status. Mr McKenzie, who was among those present, must be tempted to include him in the All Black training party. His line-out work prevented the Springboks forwards from dominating the line-outs as in many earlier matches.

After previous one-sided exhibitions today’s game was like a tonic. It proved that New Zealand provinces can still produce the right type of forwards to extend even such powerful opponents as th' Springboks. The Hawke’s Bay forwards played even better than the Taranaki forwards. To these two packs belongs the credit for the most spirited performances against the Springboks. The Hawke’s Bay backs had few chances in attack. P. Reid, second five-eighth, who is a nephew of Jackie Blake, ran penetratively at times but occasionally let Babrow through. Robins kept Van de Vyver completely subdued, giving one of the finest exhibitions of aggressive tackling seen during the whole tour. Apsey was another whose defence never faltered. Williams had many chances but could never elude the determined tackles of his diminutive but vigilant opponent. Apsey today showed that Williams is not the menace he has been made out to be. Dyer, Hawke’s Bay’s full-back, also deserves credit, giving a plucky exhibition against the wind. The Springboks’ faith in their steamroller forwards must have been slightly shaken as they were never able to get on top. True, they dominated the scrums, but then Hawke’s Bay, packing seven, had no hope of getting possession. Bergh was easily the best Springbok forward. Bastard and Strachan were also good. Du Toit was not nearly as prominent as in the Otago and Southland matches. Babrow was the best Springbok back. Neither Van de Vyver nor Hofmeyr was comfortable, while even Brand erred occasionally. Craven was a real match winner as three tries resulted from his aggressive thrusts.