SPRINGBOKS TROUNCED

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 452, 21 June 1937, Page 6

SPRINGBOKS TROUNCED

N.S.W. WIN CONVINCINGLY Tourists’ Disappointing Display Press Association —Copyright. Sydney, June. 20. On a field comparable with that on which the deciding test between the Springboks and the All Blacks was played in 1921 the South African tbctics failed against New South Wales before, a crowd of under 8000 spectators, most of whom were members. It was a most disappointing Springbok debut at Sydney. Five tries to one represented their deficit and their strength under the day k conditions. Rain pojired throughout the mUtch and the ground in parts was ankle-deep in slush.

In the second, spell the Springbok pack was without Watt, who was injured, but he returned to the field after 20 minutes. Bester retired, necessitating a rearrangement of the back line. After the gUme Nel, the Springbok captain, said he desired to make no excuses'. New South Wales had played better under the conditions. The Springboks’ faults were fundamental. Their defence was woeful. EVen Brand: 'at full-back speculated instead of going down on the ball when pressed. Van der Vyver, •Hofmeyr and Bester were similarly guilty, but the pack was mostly to blame. The famous united heave of ■the forwards, who were a stone a man heavier than New South wales, was anticipated.

An analysis of each half showed that New South Wlales was predominant. Line-outs definitely favoured New South Wales, which won 17 to 15. Twelve were doubtful, but New South Wales made, the most advantage from opportunities in the resultant loose rucks.

The condition of the New South Wales players wtas not the only factor in the Springboks’ downfall. It was surprising to see the big South African forwards beaten in the dribbling art, refraining from jumping in the line-ouk and indulging in round-the-neck tackles on a dlay when solidity was •demanded. Louw Brothers Outstanding. Boy Louw and. Fannie Louw were easily the best South African forwards on the day, Lotz was »a good all-rounder, apart from the fact that he was a Epecialis-t Looker. Van ReenJan was handicapped by the rearrangement of the team but he was not as fast as wias anticipated. Watt impressed most in the firtt spell in rucks as well as open play which New South Wales demand jI. it is extremely, doubtful if Nel will make the best of the Springbok pack Cihven failed in defence. Hie long passes of the admittedly heavy ball enabled Hodgson and Windon, the New South Wales wings, to disturb Van der Vyver, and Richards anti Pauling often dapitalised the chances. It would not be fair on the day to criticise Turner and Brookryk, the wingers. They could not be blamed for the debacle.

The match was a triumph for the Waratah aaptain, Johnny Wallace, who adopted the principle of keeping the heavyweights moving.