VISIT OF THE SPRINGBOKS.

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 419, 28 April 1937, Page 2

VISIT OF THE SPRINGBOKS.

Some of the Chosen, Competition for Places was Exceptionally Keen. Interesting Pen Pictures.

The Springboks team, the announcement ot which was eagerly awaited, appears to have been selected largely according to the expectations ot South African observers ot the game. The players underwent an extensive series of trials betore selection and competition for places was exceptionally keen. There have been many flrst-class players offering and the team promises to be fast, with the forwards a heavy pack. The following is a list ot the prin-

clal players and their records. I PHILIP NEL (Natal): Forward. The captain of the team. First appeared for Natal in 1921 while still a schoolboy at Maritzburg College. Played for Natal against the British team in South Africa in 1924; for the 1 Springboks in all four test matches against the New Zealand All Blacks in South Africa in 1928; in all tests for the 1931 Springboks in Great Bri- ■ tain; and in the tests against the Australian Wallabies in South Africa

in 1933. He captained his country in one of these latter matches. Age 33. Height, 6ft. 2ins. Weight: 14st. 21bs. DANNIE CRAVEN (Cape of Good Hope): The outstanding half-back in South Africa, is vice-captain of the team. Learnt his football as a schoolboy in the Orange Free State. Has played for Stellenbosch (25 miles east of Cape Town) Unversity since 1930. Was a member of the 1931 Springboks team which toured Great Britain, losing only one game out of 26. Played against the New Zealand AU Blacks in South Africa in 1928, and the Australian Wallabies in 1933. Age, 25. Height, sft. Sin. Weight, 12st. 121 b.

M. M. LOUW (Western Province): Forward. First played for Western Province in 1924, at the age of 18, anl turned out against the British team in South Africa in the same year. Has earned a reputation for an outstanding and tireless rucker. Was first choice among the forwards for the 1931 Springboks’ tour of Great Britain. Had previously played in four tests against the Australian Wallabies in his home . country in 1933. Age, 30. Height, 6ft. 6ins. Weight 15st. 61b. S. C. LOUW (Western Province): A very fine all-round forward. Plays in the front row. Was a member ot the 1931 Springboks’ team in Great Britain, and played against the Australian Wallabies in South Africa in 1933. Age 27. Height, 6ft. Weight, 13,st. 131 b. . FERDIE BERGH, Griqualand West: Forward. Came into prominence with Stellenbosch University. Played for Combined South African Universities against the New Zealand All Blacks in South Africa in 1928. Was a member of the 1931 Springboks in Great Britain, playing in all the international matches. Played in all tests against the 1933 Australian team. Is a giant of a forward, and many consider him the best in this country. Age 29. Height 6ft. 3in. Weight, 13st. 31b.

GERRY H. BAND (Western Province): Full back. Was first choice for the full-back position in the 1931 Springboks’ team in Great Britain, and played in every test, as well as in 18 of the other 26 matches. A most versatile player, he made a creditable showing as a winger against the All Blacks in South Africa in 1928. Was full-back against the 1933 Australian team. Age, 29. Height, sft. lOln. Weight, list 111 b.

JIMMY WHITE (Border Province): Centre-three-quarter. Was a surprise choice for the 1931 Springboks in Great Britain, but on tour justified his selection, and played in the Test against Wales. First played for Border Province in 1930. Played against the Wallabies in 1933. Age 25. Height sft. Ilin. Weight, 13st. 31b.

P. J. LYSTER (Natal): Winger. Strong runner and solid defender. Played against the Australian Wallabies in 1933. One of the stars of the team. Age 24. Height, 6ft. Weight, 14st. 21b.

P. de VILLIERS (Western Province): Half-back. Has represented Western Province many times and played for the Springboks against the New Zealanders in South Africa in 1928 in the three tests. Was a member of the 1931 South African team in Great Britain, and played against England. He also represented his country against the Australian team in South Africa in 1933. Though small and light, he is wiry. Age 31. Height sft. 7in. Weight 9st. 101 b. KOFFIE HOFMEYR (Western Province): Centre-three-quarters. Played for Western Province last year as a colt, with Babrow as second fiveeighths. Although young, he will probably be depended upon in test matches. LUCIEN BABROW (West Province): Centre three-quarters. Still little more than a Colt. Combines well with his team mate, Hofmeyr. D. O. WILLIAMS: Wing three-quar-ters. "Baby” ot the 1931 side. Powerful winger, who will take a lot of stopping once in his stride. Stands more than six feet, has a vicious fend, can side-step and swerve with the best. Always runs straight. Age 23. DENDY LAWTON (Western Province): Wing three-quarters. Trifle slower than Lyster, but his side-step and fend compensate for any lack of speed. Spectacular dashes for the line are his strong point.