THEY'RE AWAY!

NZ Truth, Issue 1174, 31 May 1928, Page 14

THEY'RE AWAY!

Rousing Greeting To AH Blacks " (By ' Cable. — From "N.Z. Truth's" Special South African Rep.) The All Blacks completed their 1400- miles overland journey to Capetown and are anxious and eager for the first match. M J. BROWNLIE was embarrassed "*• overwhelmingly by the enthusiastic welcome on arrival.. The only clothes with him were those he was wearing, m common with the rest of the team having left his luggage during a hasty departure from Durban. The sporting action of W. Hornig m declining the offer of the South African board of a special train involving an outlay of £ 600, enabling the team's arrival ., yesterday afternoon, together with the typical modesty, ' magnificent physique and personality of the players, created the most favorable impression throughout the country. THE PIPE-OPENER This week's opponents, the Country Districts, are a useful,, rugged combination, but are not expected to extend the All Blacks. A more severe test will be Saturday's match against the Town Clubs, which are practically at full strength. The Western Provinces, champions m South African Rugby, will include nine potential Springboks. . ; It is reported that- some thirty men suffering from "All Black fever," spent an uncomfortable night- recently when the booking of season tickets was thrown open by the Western Province Rugby Union for the Newlands Rugby ground. The booking ■ carried . with it the privilege of being able to re-book the same seats for All Black matches. The plan opened at 9 o'clock m the morning, but the previous evening at ten minutes past ten, the first enthusiast staked his claim outside the booking office. . It was a cold, bitter night, but this'j did not prevent the enthusiasts from assembling and sleeping on the doorsteps. The Transvaal Rugby authorities hope that their new ground will hold 33,000 persons. The prices at the test match against the Air Blacks will be as follows: 400 special reserved enclosure, £2/2/-; 2900 grandstand, £1/1/-; 3000 concrete stands, 15/-; 3000 three stands opposite grandstands 15/-, 10/- and 7/6; 19,000 standing room and admission to grounds; 2/6.