SPRINGBOK VICTORY IN AUSTRALIA

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLIII, Issue 20784, 20 July 1937, Page 12

SPRINGBOK VICTORY IN AUSTRALIA

SYDNEY NEWSPAPER COMMENT United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph Copvriaht SYDNEY, July 19. Commenting on the Rugby football test South Africa v. Australia, “The Sydney Morning Herald” says: South Africa has fulfilled expectations by beating Australia in a fiercely fought game. South Africa demoralised the Australian backs in the first half, and established a lead that even the valiant efforts by Australia in the second half could not overcome. South Africa used shock tactics to blast the defence; it spent speed, strength and spirit with

the prodigality of the thriftless—its backs, with long passes, were faster than the speediest Australian’s feet, and produced situations which made defence seem ludicrous. The sweeping rushes of the Springboks back-line were magnificent Rugby, yet every one of the rushes that ended in a try was the result of pitiful Australian attempts at tackles. Mr A. S. Bradshaw, writing in “The Daily Telegraph” says. “Not since England played the All Blacks at Twickenham, in 1925, have I seen such rough-house tactics, employed in an international match in any country. The Springboks were not by any means blameless, but they were undoubtedly highly provoked.” Mr Sid King, writing in “The Telegraph” says: Forgetting that the fight of the test was won by the Springboks by a superlative display of fast, open football, Craven, who was given a roving commission, was a tactical thorn in the side of the Australians. Until their forces were spent by injury, and their condition gave out, the South Africans gave a taste of match-winning qualities. The Australians’ backs consistently stood two deep, and as the Springboks were masters at gaining possession, it was inevitable that South Africa should score with some freedom.