THE SPRINGBOKS

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLIII, Issue 20786, 22 July 1937, Page 11

THE SPRINGBOKS

ARRIVE AT AUCKLAND A WARM WELCOME By Telegraph Pres? Association AUCKLAND, July 21. The Springboks arrived by the Wanganella, after an exceptionally calm trip, and were welcomed by officials of the Auckland and New Zealand Rugby Union. The team is keenly looking forward to the Dominion tour, and this afternoon held a practice. Mr P. W. Day, manager, said they played some very hard games in Australia, with the result that there were a few crocks in the side, but he expected all would soon be fit. He hoped to have good games in New Zealand. It would be absurd to say they did not want to win. They would do their best, although they realised that they would be up against a stiff proposition. He considered the warm welcome at Auckland meant half the battle to a touring team. Mr P. J. Nel, captain, said he was disappointed with the standard of play in Australia, which was not high, outside Sydney, and certainly not up to the standard of the Australians in Africa in 1933. The Springboks had not come to teach New Zealand football, but hoped to show New Zealand a few things, which would benefit them.

Mr D. H. Craven, vice-captain, said the tests In Australia were very hard matches. He considered Kelleher, Richards and Rankin the best of the Australia backs, and Hodgson the best forward. He was impressed with the lack of Rugby atmosphere off the Australia playing grounds, and said that Australian play was moulded on lines to make an exhibition. The Springboks played the game for the game’s sake, and would play open when It could. J. Mill's Opinion J. Mill, the All Black half-back in 1924, who returned by the Wanganella, said the New Zealand forwards would have to put their full weight Into the scrums to match the powerful Springbok forward division.

There are eight visitors on the injured list. Du Toit, who fractured his vertebra, has made a remarkable recovery. He will probably be training next week, and will be available for the third match of the tour. Bastard will be out at least another' week. Van Reenan, who injured his hip, has made a quick recovery, but may not be fit for Saturday’s match. Lawton will be out for another eight days. The others are recovering rapidly. The manager of the team said despite the numerous injuries in hard games, all greatly enjoyed their stay in Australia. The people were very hospitable, and the Government had extended railway facilities and other privileges. The crowd to see them off on the Wanganella on Saturday night must have been a record for Sydney. Official Welcome A crowded audience greeted the Springboks In the Town Hall. A warm welcome was expressed by the Deputy Mayor, Hon. B. Martin, Mr W. T. Anderton M.P. (representing the Government) , Mr T. McNab (Mayor of Mt. Eden, representing local bodies), Mr T. M. Meredith (president of the New Zealand Rugby Union) and Mr Harry Frost president of the Auckland Union).

Replying, the manager of the Springboks, Mr Day, expressed thanks for the great welcome. They had had a restful trip across the Tasman after a strenuous tour in Australia. All were eagerly looking forward to their New Zealand experiences. P. J. Nel said they had not come to teach Rugby football to New Zealanders, who knew too much about that already. However, each might learn something of mutual benefit. They would try to live up to the standard of the 1921 Springboks. Should New Zealand beat them, they would be the first with congratulations. The people of both countries took great interest in Rugby, which was a strong mutual bond between South Africa and New Zealand.

The audience heartily cheered the visitors.