"N.Z. WILL WIN"

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Issue 195, 3 September 1937, Page 14

"N.Z. WILL WIN"

Cliff Porter Confident of the Second Test FORWARD SUPERIORITY High scoring by the Springboks in their last four matches has not weakened the conviction of Mr. C. G. Porter, former New Zealand captain, that New Zealand will win the second Eugby Test. He reaffirmed this view in an interview with a Taranaki reporter. He hopes that the groand will be hard and fast for the mateh on Saturday. If it is he considers "the New Zealand pack will run the South African forwaxds into the ground and lay the foundation of a decisive win! " The New Zealand backs, too, in his opinion, will give a spfendid display if th8 conditions are suitable for open football. Mr. Porter admitted that the New Zealand forwards played with inspiration in the first Test, inspiration that could not be expeeted again, and that a sfronger Springboks team would be selected. Against those factors, however, he pointed out that in the Wellington game the All Blaeks were playing together for the first time and in that match were able to get an understanding of each other ''s play which would improve the team's combination. In addition they had the psychologieal advantage of confidence given tliem by a victory, while the Springboks would take the field knowing they had to win the game to have a chance of winning the rubber. Questioned about tho strengthening of the South African side, Mr. Porter agreed that the backs would be deiinitely improved by the inclusion of Harris, who was a man that might trouble New Zealand. He did not think that it wonld be possible for the South Africau pack to be so changed as to sacrifice loose forwards, who could not beat the All Blaeks at their own game, for a more solid type who would donnnate the .scrummaging. in his opinion the Springboks had not the forwards who could do this if the pacit that played in the first Test could not-