SOUTH AFRICAN TOUR.

Wairarapa Age, 24 May 1928, Page 5

SOUTH AFRICAN TOUR.

FIRST MATCH TO BE PLAYED AS ARRANGED. MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE ’8 DECISION. WELLINGTON, May 23. The New Zealand Rugby team is to keep to the original itinerary drawn up for the South African tour, despite the fact that the Euripedes may be a few days late in arriving at Capetown. The Management Committee of the New Zealand Union decided to-night to cable to tho manager of the New Zealand team and also to the South African Union that they approved of the opening match of the tour being played on May 30. The following cablegram was received from the South African Itugby Union:—“The following is the material part of our wireless' message to Mr Hornig on the .19th: ‘Ship expected at Capetown early on Sunday. From a sporting aspect it is vital that the fixture should stand. Its cancellation means bitter public disappointment and a great loss. ’ Tho following reply was received: ‘Pleased to play first match as arranged if we arrive Sunday.’ ” “The more I think of it, the more I am satisfied that we should play the first match,” remarked Mr Dean. “The South African Union has gone out of its way to make all arrangements for our team and I Think we should fall in with them if possible. The South African Union has arranged an easy match for the opening and it does not matter greatly whether we win . the opening match or not. I move that we cable to Mr Hornig that we have decided that the opening match as arranged should be played and that the South African Union also be cabled to to this effect. Mr E. Wylie agreed that Mr Hornig should be cabled to, but considered that the final decision should rest ■g-ith the manager. Mr Dean: “What does it rialter if we do lose the first match? The South African Union has offered to put tho match off until the Thursday.” Mr E. McKenzie: “We should certainly play the first match if it entails no hardship upon the team.” Mr A. C. Kitto: “We do not wish to lose a match if we can help it.” Mr Dean’s motion to the effect that Mr Hornig should be cabled to. that the New Zealand Union approved of the opening match against the Country Clubs at Capetown being played and that a .copy of the cablegram be sent to the South" African Union was carried. An amendment by Mr E. Wylie, leaving the decision to the manager, lapsed for want of a seconder.—(P.A.) ARRIVAL AT DURBAN. UNBOUNDED HOSPITALITY SHOWN. (Received Wednesday, 11.45 p.m.) DURBAN, May 23. A rousing welcome was given the All Blacks on their arrival at Durban today. The team landed in excellent fettle and were glad that the tedious trip of five weeks had ended. The team practised on the Durban .ground this morning. Great admiration was expressed for the style of the New Zealanders. The party was-met at the wharf by the Mayor and officials of the Rugby Union. The official luncheon was a great success. Wonderful enthusiasm was shown. Tho “Natal Witness” is emphatic that the New Zealanders will lose the two first games, also the Transvaal match. Tho Springboks expect the All Blacks to win the first test but lose the others. Botha Reid, the 1905 Springbok, said after the first six games tho Africans will have learned all the New Zealanders can teach them. The newspapers devote pages to the arrival of the team. Everywhere tho team goes they are cheered and jubilantly applauded. Hospitality is unbounded. The team was overwhelmed with the spontaneous reception. The team, weighed, average thirteen stone,, the backs list lOlbs, and the forwards 14st 31bs.—(Australian Tress Association).