SPRINGBOKS PREPARING FOR ALL BLACKS

Waikato Times, Volume 124, Issue 20845, 1 July 1939, Page 22 (Supplement)

SPRINGBOKS PREPARING FOR ALL BLACKS

Building Up This Season : Article By “Boy” Louw : Criticism Of New Zealand’s Play \ Incorrect Back Movements : Strong Springbok Backs : hew Forwards Required : Praise For Edrich’s Batting

South Africa is preparing for the tour of their country by the All Blacks in 1910 and it is generally recognised in the Union that this present season over there is a sort of building up season with the National selectors searching the country for new talent. The same thing applies in New Zealand but where, the Springbok critics can say with confidence that they have the material already for another very powerful side the same optimism does not prevail in New Zealand. Following their decisive wins in New Zealand the Springboks, last season, beat Sam Walker’s English side for the Rubber and their standard of play is a by-word wherever the game is played. They realise, however, that it will not do to sit back on their laurels and that they will have to have their best team out to meet the New Zealanders who will be doubly anxious to redeem the reputation they lost in 1937. Articles by prominent players and critics are already appearing in South African papers commenting on the prospects of the All Blacks and some of the opinions are well worth repeating. In the Outspan at the beginning of this season for instance, M. M. “Boy”) Louw, who has played in 18 Tests for South Africa has some comment to make on New Zealand’s chances and also on the prospects of his own team.

After eommentinir upon the keenness with which New Zealanders are looking forward to this tour in which they hope to retrieve their reputation “Boy*’ Louw says that there is no doubt th it Ne wr Zc .1 ind will send over a formidable combination and one that will he on the young side. He that, during the tour of Hie dominion they seldom met players beyond the age of *25 and after that ape he thought New Zealanders were under the impression they should retire. This, he considered, was one of New Zealand's biggest handicaps as they constantly had to build up a new side. There was one aspect of the All Blacks* game which did not impress the Springboks, continues the article, and that was their back play. If they do not alter they will be heavily defeated again. In the'first place the backs lined up incorrectly and the centres after receiving the ball cut in and back towards the forwards, instead of fanning the play out towards the wings and opening up the play like the South Africans.

result of the impending clashes between the representatives of the two greatest Rugby-playing countries of the world. However, as I see it, the issue will depend almost entirely on Iho ability, or otherwise, of our forwards to measure up lo the standard of the 1937 Springbok pack. And there is no reason why they should not.

“No only did we have an advantage against the All Blacks but also against the recent British team as with one or two exceptions most, of our Test players had played together over a period of years,” continues “Boy” Louw. “Many of our leading players retain their form and ability over a long period of years—they have given the game good service and the selectors cry for youth. They have openly stated* that only if all things are equal would they give youth his chance. However, bv 1940 most of the Springboks who played in New Zealand in 1937 may be too old for ihternatlonal games and the time has arrived when a new side has to be built up. Many of the Springbok backs of 1937 and 1938 are still fortunately young enough to give their best in 1940. Brand and Craven are doubtful starters but if Brand's leg injury stands the strain of this year he may turn out again but we will assume that they are both out. Turner would naturally fill Brand's place and besides him there are Williams. Resler. Harris. Lochner and De Wet —all of except Williams yet to reach the peak of their careers—while barring accidents, Williams should be as good as ever. But I can think of no-one, aj* yet, to take Craven's place.

“We now come to the forwards and here I do think that there will be many changes, for only Lotz, Du Toil and Sheriff are available if the score of age is taken into account. The 1939 season will be one of great importance to South Africa as it will be a building up season. T am satisfied that we have the material for another powerful side. 1 do not feel disposed at the moment to mention the young players who have caught my eye and I cannot answer the question.—Can we pick a pack that will hold its own against the All Blacks? But I will say to the younger players: To keep pace with the game to-day a forward must bo clever. He must have weight and speed. He must have dash and bundle the ball like a three-quarter. He must have a keen knowledge of the game. There Ts no room to-day in a first-class pack for a stupid forward. If we are to beat New Zealand we must have brainy forwards.’’

Waikato’s Fullback D. (“Jock”) Ensor, the 20-year-old Morrinsville player, who has been selected as full'back for Waikato against Auckland today, earned a reputation as a fullback when playing for Morrinsville against Waiuku for the Peace Gup last September. Morrinsville won by 11—6, Waiuku's points coming from two penalty goals. In club football Ensor has played at second five-eighths alongside A. J. Aitken, captain of the Old Boys team, and centre-threeqiiarter for Waikato. Good fullbacks were scarce in Morrinsville last year, and Ensor was played in that position in several subunion representative matches with success. Ulc played in the Waikato A and B trial match in May, but was passed over in favour of J. Ward, whose display against Auckland on June 5 did not come up to expectations. Ensor learned his football at the Morrinsville High School, where he played halfback, ‘but since moving up lo senior grade three seasons ago he has been played at iflve-eighths or

Another South African Rugby personality, J. Taylor de Yilliers. also commenting in the Outspan says: T do not think that we have much to fear from the New Zealand hack division as a separate entity. The nucleus of Ihcir 1940 team must come from the 1937 squadron who, if not eclipsed were, forced to play second fiddle to the Springbok flying squad. At wing threequarter the New Zealanders will have difficulty in finding a suitable reply for Williams. Bcster and De Wet while at stand off half Harris did not meet his equal in New Zealand. Loohner, the “find” of the tour, found many gap% in the New Zealand defence while with Turner also available they should be as good as they are every likely to meet. If New Zealand can muster a back division to eclipse these players I will take my hat off to them.

ullback. where his length of kicking nd sound tackling have been a feature

of his play. Four weeks ago Ensor injured a knee in a club garac, and has not played in club games since. Last Saturday he was selected as second five-eighths for Morrinsville against Taupiri, but did not play as he was not considered to be thoroughly fit. ■ Edrich a Grand Player In commenting on the match in which Yorkshire thoroughly defeated M.C.C. earlier this season. Mr Neville Cardus, one of the best cricket writers in the world adds that there is no getting away from the splendid and ruthless organisation of the Yorkshire team. Every man moves quickly to his place in the field —there is no vague wandering about. Even longoff seems aggresivelv in touch with j the batsman; the positions near the | wicket are occupied ferociously. Every i crouching gesture of Sellers (Captain) j is an ultimatum; the war is carried on without pause, without propaganda between overs. Verity, as ever, wheels his arm without a smile. In face of severe odds, technical and psychological. Edrich played a skilful and resolute innings. He declined to be bluffed. he stood up to Fellers, lie offered not a concession to Bowes or Verity. His bat seemed straighten than it was last year, his footwork cleaner. When the ninth M.C.C. wicket fell he launched a counter attack calmly and purj pose fully. He hit Verity for two sixes : in an over but possessed the intelleci tual power necessary for a long innings. On the strength of this innings alone, Edrich must be counted once more amongst the country's distinguished young batsmen.

It would be a brave man who at this early stage essays a forecast of the