SPRINGBOKS WIN

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVII, Issue 177, 28 June 1937, Page 7

SPRINGBOKS WIN

TEST WITH AUSTRALIA. KEPT POSSESSION OF BALL. A MAGNIFICENT PACK. (United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) SYDNEY, June 27. Following last week’s debacle against New South AYales, the Springbok Rugby team yesterday reinstated itself and thoroughly earned its victory in the first Test by defeating Australia by 9 points This margin does not reflect South Africa’s true superiority, for territorially it had the advantage for 60 out of the 80 minutes’ play. The teams were:— SPRINGBOKS. Full-back.—G. Brand. Three-quarters.—F. Turner, J. White, L. Babrow, D. O. Williams. Five-eighth.—D. Craven. Half-back.—-P. de Villiers. Forwards.—S. C. Louiv, J. W. Lot*, P. J. Nel (captain). M. Van den Berg, F. Bergh, L. C. Straclian, W. E. Bastard, M. M. Louw. AUSTRALIA. Full-back—R. Rankin (N.S.W.). Three-quarters.—J. D. Keilaher, T. P. Pauling, C. H. Towers, captain (N.S.W.). R. W. Dorr (Victoria). Five-eighth.—V. Richards (N.S.W.). Half-back.—J. S. McShane (N.S.W.). Forwards.—K. M. Ramsay, It. L. F. Kelly, K. S. AVindon, F. Hutchinson, W. H. Cerufti (N.S.W.), E. T. Bonis, V. Wilson, V. Birmingham (Queensland). For the Springboks Bastard and Bergh scored tries and Brand kicked a penalty goal. For Australia Towers scored a try and kicked a goal. The Springboks owed their victory mainly to the magnificent pounding tactics of the giant forwards and to better adaptation to the prevailing conditions. After a week’s incessant rain play began in fitful sunshine. The centre cricket pitch was a patch of treacherous slush, but elsewhere the ground was surprisingly firm. Toward the end of each spell, however, torrential downpours prevented expert handling. An analysis of the scrummages showed that the Springboks cut even, but their successful hooking came at periods when it was most needed. In the line-outs the South Africans had a clear advantage, and in this department Australia sadly missed Hodgson. The Springboks delayed the selection of their team until the last hour, and then wisely relied on the old hands. Given the advantage of the wind by Towel's —a tactical blunder —the Springboks immediately invaded the home twenty-five. Rucking fiercely, they compelled Australia to force three times in the first quarter of an hour. Only great cover defence by Towers, Pauling and Richards prevented tries. Craven, playing at five-eighth, and de Villiers, half, kept the Springboks on attack with judicious line finding, several screw kicks bearing the hall-mark of the traditional South African methods. Nevertheless the first try did not come until 27 minutes had elapsed. Then the big forwards passed and dribbled along tne left wing, brushing aside strenuous opposition. Strachan, tne last man to handle, passed when tackled a yard from the line. Bastard gathered and crossed the line to give the Springboks a 3—o lead. # That was the only score in the first spell. . Australian hopes were raised when Richards gathered from the ruck following a line-out, streaked through between Babrow and White in the midfield slush, drew Brand, and then passed to Towers, who scored and converted. Australia then led by 5 points For the remainder of the match the Springboks were in control. Tlie next try followed prolonged pressure, Bergh barging through a melee on the Australian goal-line. Brand and Turner had several attempts at goal from penalties, but the sodden ball precluded accurate kicking until Brand succeeded from in front of the goal 26 yards out. CRAVEN STAR OF BACKS.

Brand gave a cool display throughout and did not hesitate to find tlie line, whereas the Australian tactics remained open. _ The wing men, Turner and Williams, were not really fast, but Turner was much superior to Dorr on the day. Babrow and White (centres) are both deadly tacklcrs and effectively checked the efforts of the Australian threequarters. Craven was the star of the backs. He always handled De Villier’s diving passes with sureness and kicked grandly. He proved a lion in defence and a great supporter of the Springboks’ frequent forward rushes. It is difficult to single out any African forward. Strachan and Bastard are splendid spoilers, but always did thenduty in the scrummages and rucks. Bergh made magnificent use of his great weight. Boy Louw packed the last line and lived up to his world reputation in all its phases., Lotz was an effective hooker and was always on the ball, while Nel is a capable leader and conscientious. The attendance was 33,043 and the gate nearly £2200. . , . The Springboks’ captain, Nel, discussing yesterday’s game, said: “We won because our forwards were able to keep the ball under control. Our condition has improved. Our forwards were magnificent. The day called for ‘tight’ play and our weight counted.” The Australian captain, Towers, said: “The Springboks kept possession and had the ball nearly all day. They won on their merits.” Queenslanders predominate in an Australian fifteen selected to play the South Africans at Brisbane next Saturday week. The team is: Full-back, Walker; three-quarters, Kellaher, Towers Haves and Andrews; halves, Lewis and Horan ; forwards, Oxlade, Douglas, Blundell, Wilson, Bissett, Cerutti, Boms and Birmingham.