SPRINGBOKS WIN FINAL TEST

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLIII, Issue 20783, 19 July 1937, Page 6

SPRINGBOKS WIN FINAL TEST

MARKED SUPERIORITY IN FIRST SPELL AUSTRALIAN CRITICISM OF TACTICS United Press Association—By Eleele Telegraph—Copyright (Received July 18, 6.30 p.m.) SYDNEY, July 18. The Springboks won the second Rugby Test match against Australia by 26 points to 17. The margin does not reflect their convincing superiority in nearly every phase. The Teams The teams lined out as under: South Africa; Full-back, G. Brand; three-quarters, F. Turner, J. White, L. Babrow, D. O. Williams; half-backs. P. de Villiers, D. Van der Vyver; forwards. S. C. Louw, J. W. Lotz, H. Martin, L. C. Strachar, F. Bergh, P. Nel, G. Van Reenan, D. Craven. Australia: Full-back, R. Rankin; three-quarters, J. D. Kelaher, C. H. Towers, F. Hammon, F. O’Brien; fiveeighth, P. Collins; half-back, J. M. McShane: forwards, J. H. Malone, A. H. Stone. W H. Cerutti, V. W. Wilson, E. E. Hutchinson, A. J. Hodgson, R. L. F. Kelly, K. S. Wlndon. Victory by Half-Time The Springboks had victory in hand at half-time, having scored six tries to nil to lead by 26 points to 6. Thereafter they took passing risks but were never in danger though their line was crossed three times in the second half. For South Africa, Bergh, Van Reenan, Babrow, Turner, Williams and White scored tries, and Brand converted four. O'Brien, Hodgson and Kelaher scored tries for Australia. Rankin converted one try and kicked two penalty goals. The Springboks were without “Fanie” Louw in the front row. nevertheless his absence made little difference to their clearly superior packing. “Boy” Louw went into the front row and Craven packed in the last line. Their seven stalwarts were quite able to cope with Australia’s pack, consisting of six pushers and two break-aways—Hodg-son and Windon A scrum analysis showed that the Springboks won 19 and Australia 15. Even more marked was their superiority in the line-outs. Whether the ball -as thrown back or rucked through the Springboks invariably gained a greater advantage and were better supported by their backs whose knowledge of positional play was a feature of their victory. Half-way through the second spell Towers (the Australian captain) retired with an injured forehead. The Australian form thereafter definitely improved, the forwards rising to heights quite lacking in the first spell. Game of Tactics The Springboks early perceived that the Australian strateg. was built on getting the ball to Towers. The Australian captain was closely marked, and the Inside backs utterly failed to check the Springboks' attacks down the centre of the field. The first act in a dramatic first spell was the domination of close-rucking by the Springbok forwards. Within two minutes Bergh forced his w r ay over the line, following a five yards scrum The next try was similar, the Australian forwards being helpless against the close passing of Strachan and Van Reenan, following an in-pass from the winger. Williams. The next two tries were due entirely to the weak defence of Towers and O'Brien. From de Villiers’ rapid services Babrow was cutting holes in the Australian defence. The only chance the Wallabies had of stemming the tide was the Springboks' impel uousity. This was indicated by the tally of penalties through the game. The referee awarded 18 to Australia and 4 to South Africa. From two of these Rankin goaled Meanwhile the Springbok three-quarters had added two more tries. Australia's Better Showing In the second spell the Springboks generally endeavoured to give the ball air, although Brand was occasionally barracked for finding the line. Windon was pulled from the pack to replace Towers and was responsible for the three Australian tries. Comment on Form It would be invidious to single out the Springbok forwards, but “Loy” Louw, Lotz, Bergh and Van Reenan, who was limping in the second half, were superb Babrow a sparkling centre, was outstanding in an exceptionally sound back division. Brand was always cool. Alleged Illegal Tactics The Sunday papers refer to the fierceness of the encounter Between me Springboks and Australia. R. Greatorex, writing in “The Sunday Sun” says: To describe it as a fierce encounter is to be mild Punches were exchanged on numerous occasions and more than one player was stretched on the ground by tactics not recognised in the rules. Australia's defeat was due to faulty tackling. Mr Greatorex adds: “The Springboks will have something to worry about regarding the New Zealand tour. They will not be able to run up big scores in the first half agains the All Black teams, and if they fade at the end as they did yesterday, they will not be in it.”

“GAME FOR THE GAME’S SAKE” SPRINGBOK OBJECTIVE IN FOOTBALL United Press Association —By Electric Telegraph—Copyright (Received July 19, 12.35 a.m.) SYDNEY. July 18 Speaking at an informal farewell to the Springboks after the game, the captain of the team (P- J Nel) commenting on the different styles of football played by the South Africans and the Australians, said: “It is clear that the Australians favour a game that appeals to the spectators The Africans □lay the game for the game's sake, then for the players’ sake, and for the pectators’ sake lastly.” Assuming that W. E. Bastard is fit, the Springboks will have only eight forwards fit for the first game in New Zealand.