WILL N.Z. WIN THIRD TEST?

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Issue 212, 23 September 1937, Page 14

WILL N.Z. WIN THIRD TEST?

"Magpie. '')

If Mitchell Staiids the Strain All Blacks Should Carry the Day SPRINGBOKS' WEAKNESSES

(By

If expressed intentions are carried out, Eden Park, Auckland, next Saturday wili be taxed to accommodate the visitors let alone the residents of the Queen City. Previous Rugby encounters — and there have 'been many great oues — are dwarfed into insignificance in comparison with the great event next Saturday, the third and deciding Test between the Springboks and the All Blacks. Who will win? That is a question very difficult to answer, but the tremendous interest in the struggle is such that, even if the actual play does not reach the hoights, tbe sfectac'e will be watched with almost fevered gaze.

To be candid, I do not think tbe play will be wbat may be termed brilliant, but tbere is no doubting tbat it will be dreadfully keen, but not too much so, I hope. The captain of tbe Springboks has on more than one occasion mentioned that his men play tbe game for the game's' sake, and the words look very well in print, but in actual play it has been very evident tbat the Springboks in general are as keen to win as tbose Mr. Nel attempted to deride. If tbe desire to win was not evident, tbe game of Rugby would lose its appeal, but actions speak louder tban words, and tbe uttering of platitudes at times appears oddly out of place. At tbe moment of writing tbe actual fifteeen to represent New Zealand, and for that matter Soutb Africa, ia not known; perhaps tbe final decision in regard to botb sides will be dcferred, on account of tbe weather, to tbe last possible moment. Tbe form is exposed, bowever, and from tbe Springbok angle it does not appear as if tbeir Second Test back line can be improved on for^ tbe tbird. In regard to the forwards, tbere may be one alteration. On tbeir form it does not seem likely tbat Van der Berg aird Berg will be dropped, but Nel may be. The signs point to a place being found for Du Toit, wbo played so well against Hawke's Bay, and it may be found at tbe expense of Nel or Bastard. If tbe latter is dropped New Zealanders will bave reason to feel pleased, for be is indeed a great loose forward. Turning to the All Blacks, and discussing the forwards, there are many who consider that Lambourne should be left out and Pearce included in the front row. It would be sound if there was a guarantee tbat New Zealand would finish tbe matcb witb 15 men, but if Dalton, for instance, was injured, tbe side would be left without a specialist hooker. Neither Jackson or Pearce could fill tbe middle position, so for the purpose of a cover it can be taken for granted that botb Dalton and Lambourne will be in tbe cbosen team. On Saturday tbe man in the street could tell tbe world tbat Bowman bad been invited to train at Takapuna, too. It

is really wonderJrul bow tbese rumours get started. Tbe New Zealand paek looks like being the same as took the field in thc First Test. As for tbe rearguard, it is well to wait and see, but there will be changes for sure, and the line will be improved. Mitchell, following his successful tryout last Saturday, is sure to be in, but wbat a grave risk attends tbe experiment! Should be break down during the progress of ,the matcb the All Blacks will be in' parlous plight. Mucb depends on Mitchell whatever way one looks ajj 4^ problein. In general survey it can be said that the Springbok fifteen tbat took tbe field in tbe Second Test was mucb stronger tban tbe oue tbat was beaten by 14 men in tbe ; first. It can be accepted tbat for tbo j tbird tbeir play will be on a par witb tbat of tlie second. Against Hawke's Bay, tbe Springbok team, containiug most of its Test men, there being possibly but two or tbree exceptions, was fully extended. On tbat day I do not believe tbat they could bave beaten New Zealand, and at Gisborne tbeir play was far from perfect. Had Babrow been opposed reasonably well, tbe Springbok score would" bave been halved. So it can be taken tbat tbe South Alricans' form bas been well exposed, and they will be opposed witb one or- two men next Saturday of wliom they bave bad no previous playing experience. Tbe All Blacks at Lancaster Park were not at tbe bigbest | pitch, and they all suffered from sore- j ness due to training indoors all tbe week j prior to tbe mateh. Tbey will be mucb better prepared for next Saturday. As one wbo bas admired the constructive nature of the Springboks' play,-I am aware that tbey bave their weaknesses, and opposite a fast man Harris will prove to be one of tbem. Next Saturday is New Zealand 's chance to rise supreme; tbey bave tbe backs capable of mucb better performances than previously, and the forwards can hold tbeir own, witb a bit over wben tbe ball . is loose. Tbe menace of Brand* 's ' boot, of course, liovers over all, but if Mitchell stands tbe strain, I believe tbat New Zealand will win.