BIG RUGBY CLASH

Evening Star, Issue 19783, 6 February 1928, Page 14

BIG RUGBY CLASH

TOUR OF AFRICA NEW ZEALAND V. SPRINGBOKS WORLD SUPREMACY. With the finalisation of the programme of matches for the New Zealand Rugby team in South Africa this year, interest in the tour is increasing. Advices from South Africa state that special arrangements are being made for meeting the needs of New Zealand enthusiasts who propose to see the matches with the Springboks, and word also comes from England of the interest being taken fhoro in the big clashes to decide the Rugby championship of the world. Writing from England. Mr Len MTvenzic, ox-Wellington city councillor, states (says the ‘Post’) that there never has boon a football tour to cause so much excitement as that which New Zealand is making shortly to South Africa. “ All men from South Africa,” lie writes, “arc taking a very keen interest in Now Zealand’s selection, and are now trying to make their business arrangements fit _in with tho fixtures in South Africa. They all seem very confident of Africawinning, and consider that the nature of the Springbok ground will he trying to our team after several strenuous games. South Africa is leaving nothing to chance, as it is recognised that whichever side wins can claim to he tho prouder side of the world. ENGLISH FORM NO GUIDE, “It will ho a complete test of the different scrum formations, and much will depend upon which side secures possession of the hall. Tho English teams cannot be taken as a guide in that direction, as the game here is not entered into by the team with the same spirit and will, as is tho case in New Zealand and South Africa. Back play in England to-day is.much below its old standard. In watching the match between Wales and the New South Wales team, it was surprising to note the lack of combination behind the Welsh scrum, and also the extremely weak tackling. Had there been any organisation or concerted action Wales would most likely have won. The game, from the point of view of standard of play, was disappointing. 1 mention this to show that our representatives can be prepared for much harder trials than the present players have met so far.” “THE GREATEST SIDE.” An interesting article regarding the coming Rugby tour, written by (J. V. Becker, in a' South African paper, is forwarded by Mr W. H. Preston to the ‘ Post.’ The writer states that, reading between the lines of tho numerous newspapers sent to him from New Zealand, it is perfectly clear that it is the unanimous opinion that the New Zealanders have never been as strong as they are at preensfc, and that the 1928 All Blacks’ side is the greatest Rugby combination the world has over seen. Reference is made to an interview in which Mr E. McKenzie, chairman of the New Zealand Selection Committee, stated:—“After having seen the trials and the interisland juatch, 1 do not think that Rugby football in New Zealand was over at a higher standard than it is to-day.” Tho writer thou deals with the efforts made to scour the country for the very best team. WHAT OF SOUTH AFRICA? “ Now in contrast to flicso exhaustive methods one asks oneself what we have done and to what extent are wo ready to meet the All Blacks next year,” states the South African writer. “Remember that not only is their side complete, but all tho men arc particularly warned to keep in condition for the opening of next season; and thereafter there is the combination which a touring side naturally acquires, an overwhelming advantage in favor of all touring combinations. “To piy mind the Currie Cup tournament should have been played on the old system at tho end of last season, and thirty men warned to keep themselves in training during the present cricket season. Unfortunately, nothing like this is done, and from the tonring sides which wc saw in tho Transvaal during tho last season I can find no justification for optimism. “ From Press reports it appears to be suggested by the Selection Committee that certain trial games should be played in Durban next year prior to the first test. There are many objections to this proposal. Tho first, of course, is that it leaves matters very late, and secondly, there will be the more practical difficulty of the jnen getting leave for the lengthy period required. With tho period of travelling it will mean that the men will have to get leave at least for three weeks for these trial games and thereafter, with the inclusion in the tests, they will require a further period of from four to five weeks, and how many employers have wo in the country who will be prepared to release their men for this period on end? TOURNAMENT SUGGESTED. “ As I have said, it is unfortunate that nothing in tho nature of trials was held last season, ami if I may venture a suggestion I would propose that the South African Rugby Board be asked to decide forthwith to play a Currie Cup tournament on the old system, at, say, the middle of April of next year. All unions would then have plenty of notice to keep ready, tho chibs would have two weeks to play their matches prior to the selection of tho provincial side. With the interest worked up in the forthcoming All Blades visit, such a tournament would undoubtedly raise a tremendous public following, and could be made a financial success. The Selection Committee would then have the whole of our available Rugby talent before them; thirty men would ho provisionally selected, and we would have tho situation of resisting tho All Blacks well in hand. At the end of the tournament n match of South Africa versus the Rost could be played. GETTING THE TEAM SPIRIT. “In addition, ail the provincial sides will have had the advantage of playing together and building up some sort of combination to pieot the ronibinaion of the visiters. The venue is a matter of indifference to me, but it would be wise to select a centre capable of making it a paying proposition. It is doubtful whether Ellis Park would be ready to accommodate a big crowd. If it is, then Johannesburg would probably bo the best centre. If not, then Capetown should be selected. At any rate, the suggestion is one worthy of consideration.”