SOUTH AFRICAN RUGBY

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLII, Issue 20503, 22 August 1936, Page 16

SOUTH AFRICAN RUGBY

♦ PREPARATIONS FOR NEW ZEALAND TOUR The South African Rugby season was begun this year with “almost indecent haste.” according to Geoff Gray, one of that dominion’s leading players, writing in the “Outspan.” It is not yet known whether trials will be held next season before the departure of the South African team for New ealand, but it is felt that in any case form in

this year's Currie Cup games will determine very largely the selection of the team.

The early start is indicative, therefore, of the importance of the present season, but it is nevertheless surprising to find that Rugby matches were being played concurrently with cricket, tennis, and baseball, in temperatures not far short of the 100 mark. In discussion prospects for the Currie Cup—the Ranfurly Shield of South Africa Rugby —Gray mentions that the Transvaal has gained many prominent players in recent years owing to the revival of mining activity. Over-Keenness Of the 1931 Springboks who toured Great Britain and won all four international matches, Brand, Zimmerman, J. C. and J. H. van der Westhuizen, White, Waring, Craven, Francis, Williams, and Gray among the backs, and “Boy” and Fanie Louw, Strachan, Berg, Nel. Geere, Bierman, and Phil Mostert are still playing, and all will keenly pit their skill and their experience against the new men who will be fighting for places in the team. Others have had international experience against the Wallabies in 1932 and during the tour of the Argentine. Gray thinks it unlikely that players will

“save themselves” for the trials, stating that occasional games or halfhearted play are more likely to result in injuries than regular play" all out.”

“I have also heard it said that ‘dirty’ Rugby is creeping in, and it may be that on occasions over-keen-ness has led to certain unpleasantness,” the writer continues. “The remedy for this lies in the hands of the referees, who must stamp out any incidents as soon as they start by taking a strong line again offending players. I do hope, also, that they will assist the players in keeping the games as open as possible, thereby making them very much more attractive. Appraisal of Position “There is more in Rugby football than winning a game, and the last New Zealand team in Great Britain built up a great reputation for their attractive style of play, and in spite of defeats in two internationals, left behind them a great name. With the exception of Manchester, the captain, and Oliver, the vice-captain, who, I understand, have more or less reached the end of their careers, most of the side will be available in 1937 to meet the Springboks. “They will be seasoned in experience, and will have the advantage of having played together before the having played together before and therefore of knowing each other’s style of play. At home they will be very formidable, and we have already had a taste of what the Wallabies can do when in form. A great, although strenuous, tour lies before those fortunate enough to be selected and able to make the trip.”