“Don’t Cancel First Match.”

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18468, 21 May 1928, Page 8

“Don’t Cancel First Match.”

AUCKLAND ADVICE TO ALL BLACKS’ MANAGER. NEW ZEALAND MUST -KEEP FAITH WITH SOUTH AFRICAN RUGBY BOARD. (Special to the “Star.’) AUCKLAND, May 21? In an editorial under the heading, “South African Rugby Tour,” Saturday’s “Star” says:— “A difficulty has arisen about the first match in the All Black programme, which, it seems to us, can be settled in only one way. Through unavoidable delays, the team will reach Cape Town some time later than was anticipated, and the men will have very little time to recover from the trip, to say nothing of getting practice before the date fixed for the first match. It has, therefore, been suggested that this match should be allowed to lapse and this week the New Zealand Rugby Union executive agreed to leave the question of playing the first match to the discretion of Mr Hornig, the team's manager. “Our own conviction is that this match should be- played at all costs, and that the New Zealand Rugby Union should instruct Mr Hornig accordingly. In the first place, (the opening match of a tour is never regarded as a real test of strength, and even if it were, and the All Blacks were beaten, it would still be their duty to play. “There are two important considerations to be borne in mind. One is that victory is not by any means the sole object of such contests and that, if circumstances demand it, teams must play matches even when defeat is certain. The All Blacks should have learned by this time the importance of the great, principle that should regulate all such contests, ‘To love ” the game beyond the prize,’ and we must not forget th&t the Springboks themselves gallantly gave us a lead in this respect six years ago by playing their first match very shortly after they landed in New Zealand. “But there is a second consideration of at least equal importance to be taken into account. This match has been placed on the programme after consultation between the New Zealand Rugby Union and the South African Rugby Board, and all the necessary preparations for it have been already made at Cape Town. The South African Rugby authorities have cabled to Wellington pointing out that the cancellation of the match would mean ‘intense and widespread disappointment.’ Thousands have arranged to come from great distances to see the All Blacks and large numbers of seats have already been sold. Not only will the general public be disappointed, but the local players chosen will be deprived of their only chance of meeting the All Blacks. Further, the South African Rugby Board points out that this introductory match is regarded by them not so much as a trial of strength as an exhibition and an opportunity for welcoming the touring team. We hope, therefore, \ that the New Zealand Rugby Union will give the team’s manager unconditional instructions to proceed with the match as originally arranged. “The result of the contest is of far less importance than the heces3ity for keeping faith with the South African Rugby Board and for maintaining unblemished New Zealand's reputation for a truly sporting spirit. “It is to be feared that, in the enthusiasm which this tour has evoked and in the keenness of the desire for victory, some of our footballers - are inclined to lose sight of everything but the hope of success and the fear of failure. Moreover, it may be suggested to some of our more fervid enthusiasts that the prospects of victory in the tests are not quite so impressive as they appear to believe. Our team is a good one, but it seems to contain very little of that indefinable and impalpable element, football ‘genius.’ It will be at some disadvantage im playing under strange conditions against such formidable opponents as the Springboks proved themselves to be Jo 1921, and we suggest that it would be well for all football enthusiasts in this country to walk warily and to talk discreetly till the tour is over.”