SPRINGBOK TEAM

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 405, 12 April 1937, Page 5

SPRINGBOK TEAM

DOMINION TOUR PLAYERS A MAGNIFICENT PACK. Expected To More Than Uphold Past Traditions. Press Association —Copyright. Cape Town, April 11. Following a week’s trial matches, in which 90 of South Africa’s leading Rugby Union players participated, the Springbok Rugby team to itour Australia and New Zealand is' announced as follows: Full-backs. Tuner, G. Brand. Wlng-threequarters. D. O. Williams, A. D. Lawton, Lyster, Broodryk. Centre-lh re equarters. Bester, White, Hofmeyr, Barrow. Stand-off Halves. Van Der Vyver, Lochner, Harris. Scrum Halves. D. Craven, De Villiers. Forwards. J. Lotz, S. C. Louw, M. M. Lottw, Jennings. Sherriff, Martin, P. Nel, N. Van Den Berg, F. Bergh, Watt, Strachan, Duitoil, Bustard, G. Van Reenan. Turner and Brand are two outstanding full-backs. Turner is also a useful wing and Brand a good' centre. It is likely that Philip Nel, who captained the Springboks against the Wallabies, will again be captain, with Craven vice-captain. Heavy Forwards. The forwards’ weights range from 1921 b to 2151 b., but Bergh is 2271 b. The centres are a forceful quartet and likely to improve as ithe tour proceeds. The wings are speedy and thrustful, especially Williams, whose displays' during the itrials were most impressive. The question of stand-off halves gave ih e selectors a great deal of trouble, as there if no Bennie Osier in the offing. Certain, of those selected should acquit themselves admirably. However, Craven and' Pierre De Villiers are two experienced scrum halves who have represented -South Africa in many previous matches. De Villiers is notable for his partnership with Osler. The forwards are magnificent spec! mens—heavy, speedy and excellent at handling the ball. It. is expected that the team will more than uphold the high traditions of Souith African Rugby. Eleven of the players are from Western Province.