The Manawatu Herald TUESDAY. JULY 12, 1921. THE SPRINGBOKS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 2301, 12 July 1921, Page 2

The Manawatu Herald TUESDAY. JULY 12, 1921. THE SPRINGBOKS.

CONSIDERABLE .interest is 'icing manifested throughout New Zealand in the tour of the African Springboks. Many are of the trillion that the New Zealand colours will go down before the hefty South African rugbyites. We do not share this opinion. Rugby is New Zealand’s national game —it. is inherent in us —it is psychological. From infancy to old age we imbibe it. It is not breathed in ’the national life of our visitors. Fancy any other country in the world adjourning a sitting of Parliament in order that our legislators should witness a game of toe-hall! Such is a fact, and indicates the general interest taken in this manly winter sport. Jt follows, of course, that what one set of men can accomplish in tins branch of sport another set, by careful study and combination, can equalise, but it’s the spirit -of the thing which counts. The South African giants may win several of the provincial matches, but that they will carry off the laurels in the test- matches we very much doubt. The Sydney Bulletin, commenting on the Springboks, and comparing their initial efforts against New South Whiles with the brilliant showing of the Maorilnnd against a pretty similar combination last year, says it is obvious that South Africa these days, like Australia, is well below par. The result of the first contest with Wanganui to-morrow will he awaited with much interest. Whatever happens, the visitors will find that our boys and the public aro not only good sports, but will make their visit an enjoyable and memorable one, and will result in strengthening the bonds of Empire.