A MEMORABLE MATCH.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVII, Issue 219, 16 August 1937, Page 6

A MEMORABLE MATCH.

In what may well be regarded as the most memorable match yet played between New Zealand and South Africa the All Blacks won the first Test by a comfortable margin of points. After the Springboks’ convincing displays in Australia where only one match was lost—New South Wales proving their victors under atrocious conditions of weather and ground —and their successes in this country, there were mixed opinions as to how the All Blacks would fare in their first trial of strength. The South Africans have developed remarkably good combination as the result of the games in Australia and New Zealand ; everywhere they have played they have impressed with the virility in their forward line combined with clever passing and footwork, and with the speed and understanding of their backs. On the other hand the All Blacks had the advantage only of a few days in training. Their backs were untried as international players, though the forwards included doughty exponents of the code. When they took the field on Saturday there were silent hopes that they would vindicate the trust reposed in them and worthily did they uphold their country. Undei conditions which perhaps favoured them the All Blacks gave a magnificent display and emerged the conquerors of a splendid football team. Forward line and back line showed their superiority on the day; it was indeed manifest very early in the game and continued until the end, in spite of the fact that with the first spell balf over the All Blacks had lost one of their backs through an unfortunate injury. This meant the withdrawal of a man from the pack, and for the rest of the match seven All Black forwards had to struggle hard and mightily against eight burly Springboks. That they succeeded is a striking tribute to their Rugby prowess, to their spirit to _ meet adversity, and to rise superior to the occasion. It was a great test that was demanded of those seven forwards, all of whom share the honours with the backs for a magnificent performance. There were times when they were hurled back and their line was in danger, but always the backs met the attacks with certain defence. It is a matter of the greatest pleasure to Manawatu Rugby that in, the forwards was a Manawatu player who did great work on Saturday afternoon. The Springboks were just as great in defeat as in victory. Beaten tactically they commenced to throw the ball about, only to meet a rock-like defence. One' point will interest many people who saw the South Africans play at Palmerston North, and that is the penalties demanded from the team for scrum irregularities. Here it was noticeable that frequent breaches escaped attention, but in Wellington on Saturday the referee was alert, though never at any time was he other than just in his rulings. The magnificent victory will stimulate still further interest in these encounters between two great Rugby countries.