THE SPRINGBOKS.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVII, Issue 207, 2 August 1937, Page 6

THE SPRINGBOKS.

Palmerston North and the large district of which it is the centre will join in welcoming- the South African Rugby football players who arrived in the city this afternoon from Taranaki. Memories of the very fine band of men who came here in 1921 are retained by many citizens who were privileged to see them play Manawatu in one of the very best matches ever witnessed on the local ground. The 1937 Springboks are worthy successors in every respect to that great combination. Backs and forwards alike are proficient in high degree in the Rugby code, and they have proved at Auckland, Hamilton, and New Plymouth that they can play a game attractive to New Zealand spectators. It was said of them after the game at Auckland which they won hy 19 points to five, a score that might have been bigger so surprising were their movements and so alert were they to take advantage of them, that playing their first match in this country they might have been excused if they had played cautiously; instead they played the kind of game the people wish to see. Them is, therefore, a very happy prospect in store for the Rugby loving public at the Showgrounds on Wednesday afternoon given suitable conditions. To oppose them has been chosen a side which will do credit to the Ma.nawatu Union, and in the contest itself prove that it possesses fleetness of foot, football intelligence and proficiency in each department which will be a good match for its opponents’ prowess. Our visitors have come here primarily to play football, but their tour has another and not the least interesting and valuable aspect. South Africa and New Zealand ore both members of the world’s greatest Commonwealth of people, and it is fitting that each should know the other better, realise each other’s problems, and create a stronger bond of friendship if that is at all possible. Both are outstanding' Rugby countries, and this great game has been the medium for creating personal contacts which must lead to ripe friendships and fruitful interest, to the advantage of each country.