SPRINGBOK TEAM

Grey River Argus, 23 September 1937, Page 5

SPRINGBOK TEAM

FOR SATURDAY Very Little Change [Per Press Association]. AUCKLAND, September 22. Selection of the Springbok fifteen has not yet been announced, but it is likely that Saturday’s team will consist of the following players: — Full-back: G. H. Brand. Three-quarers: F. G. Turner, L. Babrow, J. White, D. O. Williams. Fly half: T. A. Harris. Half-back: D. N. Craven. Forwards: Front row, S. C. Louw, J. W. Lotz, M. M. Louw; Middle row, B. A. Du Toit, P. J. Nell, M. A. Van Der Berg, L. C. Strachan; back row, W. F. Bergh.. This backline is the same as that fielded for the second test. In spite of the brilliant displays in recent matches of some of the other centres, especially Hofymeyr, it appears certain that White will be retained as outside centre. White’s deadly tackling and fierce determination will most likely be used to combat the speed and penetration of Mitchell who is the probable New Zealand centre.

In the forward division of the Africans, it appears that Bastard may have to be dropped in favour of B. Du Toit, who is considered one of the greatest loose forwards that South Africa has produced. Du Toit has made a remarkable recovery from a serious injury to his spine, which he suffered in Australia, and he is now playing as well as ever. He packed down in the middle row during to-day’s practice. Nel, the captain, must be regarded as a certainty, as his leadership is indispensable.

YESTERDAY’S TRAINING. AUCKLAND, September 22. The Springboks trained at Eden Park, this afternoon, for the first and last time before the final Test. The All Blacks also had a final wo”k-out. The Springbok selectors find that Du Toit is available, and they are faced with the problem of dropping a player in his favour. Three locks are available, Nel, Bergh, and Van Den Berg. With the inclusion of Du Toit, either a flanger or a lock must be dropped. It is expected that either Bastard or Van De Berg will be the unlucky one. Ten thousand railway travellers are expected to come to Auckland for the Test. The first thought of many of the travellers will be to get something to eat, and to cater for their needs very elaborate arrangements have been made by the refreshment branch. The coffee room will be opened as a cafeteria, and the dining room, which has been closed for some years, will be opened as a breakfast room. To avoid any confusion as to which train and what platform they are to leave by on their return, all passengers will be supplied with a circular stating the exact time of the departure of the particular train by which they are travelling. Handbills, describing various facilities available at the Auckland station, will be distributed, and in addition consideration is being given to the installation of a loud speaker on one of the arrival platforms. Information concerning, the Department’s arrangements will be broadcast from the passenger foreman’s room, and the crowds will be directed to waiting trams and taxis. AUCKLAND, September 22. The All Blacks held their final practice at the Training College Grounds to-day, while the Springboks trained at Eden Park.

The Springboks will have their last training to-morrow.

INSURANCE AGAINST RAIN POLICY FOR £3OO AUCKLAND, September 22. Insurance against wet weather for the third test match between the All Blacks and Springboks has been arranged by the Auckland Rugby Union. A policy has been taken out for three hundred pounds at approximately nine pounds per centum, payable in the event of ten points or more rain being registered between 9 and 12 o’clock on the morning of the match. SPRINGBOKS’ VISIT TO N. AUCKLAND. WHANGAREI, September 22. The Springboks regret having to refuse the Whangarei invitation to play a cricket match here, as arrangements will not permit the fulfilment of such an engagement. The players are feeling the effects of the hard tour, and most members, said Mr A. De Villiers, are suffering bruises and minor injuries. Mr De Villiers stated they would have liked to see Kauris in Northland, but the end of the tour was in sight, and everyone was busy preparing for the trip home. The team leave Auckland for Whangarei on Tuesday morning, and as many as possible will make the trip.