A HERITAGE OF SPORTSMANSHIP

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 168, 6 October 1927, Page 10

A HERITAGE OF SPORTSMANSHIP

FOR the past fortnight sporting interest in New Zealand has been almost completely absorbed by the All Black trial matches, and now the team has been selected. The Rugby expert—and in this fair land his name is legion—examines the team with a critical eye, notes the weaknesses and peculiarities of this player and that, and then agrees, with his peers, that this latest All. Black side is eminently qualified to represent a country that has vastly enriched the traditions of the Rugby game. The twenty-nine footballers who are to wear New Zealand’s sombre colours on the sunny fields of Africa have been awarded the penultimate guerdon in one of the most exacting of sports. They have undergone a searching series of tests, and. now are entitled to a distinction which only clean living, a clear eye, and the finest qualities of physical courage can win. Expressed in momentary exultation, their pride and gratification may be pardoned. Those sentiments having passed, the men must inevitably feel that the honour extended to them carries serious, even grave, responsibilities. They are following in the footsteps of mighty Rugby warriors. Other teams, in other years, have won New Zealand high renown, and the unblemished record of the 1924 side was a crowning achievement that sets all its successoi-s an elevated mark, and confers on next year's tourists the responsibility for maintaining New Zealand’s prestige as a leading sporting nation. But the team has even higher obligations than matters of records, wins and figures. Earlier New Zealand Rugby sides bequeathed a heritage to be guarded with infinitely greater care. Good sportsmanship and modest deportment helped them, more than their prowess as footballers, to impress the overseas public. It is better to be a good loser than a bad winner, and if the unexpected happens next year, and South Africa proves too strong for the fine side New Zealand is sending over, then this country will have to acknowledge with the All Blacks, that the Springbok is better than, we thought.