Rough Rugby

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31092, 22 June 1966, Page 12

Rough Rugby

Sir,—lt may turn out that you are cast for a triumphant king; it may be for a slave of defeat. What does that matter to a good, clean player? You may lose the game; but why should you mind that? It is your play that matters, not the score that you happen to make. “If you can meet with triumph and disaster and treat those two imposters just the same, you’ll be a man, my son,” says Kipling. The cheat, the treacherous, the unscrupulous, are soon forgotten; their memories rouse repugnance. It says much for man and for the power of divine goodness that the influence of good men is mightier still. In the history of New Zealand Rugby, radiant names like Bob Deans, George Hart, Don Clarke, and Wilson Whineray should be an inspiration to all players to play the game in a spirit of rare abandon and friendly rivalry. The Lions are our guests. What about it, New Zealand? —Yours, etc., W. J. BAXTER. June 21, 1966.

Sir, —Your timely and forthright denunciation of rough play on the Rugby field might not have been evoked had those Who control and publicise the game been doing their job. Coming out here 12 years ago, a life-long Rugby enthusiast, one looked forward to a feast of vintage football in the home of the famous AU Blacks. Two or thre: seasons watching provincial and club matches were enough to provide sad disillusionment, the last straw being an almost unbelievable display of uncontrolled temper on the part of an All Black, which most people, including the referee, seemed to take as just part of the game. Perhaps there is too much of the competitive spirit abroad, and starting far too young, to the detriment of the time-honoured traditions of good sportsmanship. To their credit, however, the schools play hard enough, yet keep it clean. —Yours, etc., ILAM. June 21, 1966.

Sir, —I have listened to broadcasts or watched telecasts of Rugby for some time now, and though I am still not sure what a “tight head” is, have enjoyed them. But I listen and look no longer. I am ashamed. No doubt some onlookers get a vicarious thrill from seeing opponents battered in the sacred name of sport, but I cannot believe that the majority do not feel a bit uneasy. I am sure the referee does. After all, he might be the next victim. Advocates of overseas tours are fond of prating about the “international good will” generated. New Zealand's image must be getting a bit tarnished in that respect. However, your leading article, and the words of a sports writer in a weekly journal encourage me. Perhaps strong action will be taken by Rpgby administrators, so that, if we win matches, it will be because we play good Rugby.—Yours, etc., A VOICE FROM SUBURBIA. June 21, 1966.