THE BIG MATCH

Taranaki Daily News, 18 July 1921, Page 3

THE BIG MATCH

SOUTH AFRICA V. TARANAKI DRAWN CAME WITH NO SCORE HARD AND FAST STRUGGLE In a splendid game of rugby football, characterised by hard and fast play, with occasional flashes of spectacular work amongst the visiting backs, Taranaki drew with the South Africans at New Plymouth on Saturday, neither side scoring. The match was witnessed by a crowd estimated at between fourteen and fifteen thousand, which was roused to boundless enthusiasm by the intense struggle for supremacy. It was one of the finest and hardest games seen here, and its memories will be preserved m the notable history of football in Taranaki.

JHRANAKI HOLD SPRINGBOKS. AN EXHILARATING GAME. KEEN TUSSLE FOR SUPREMACY. 'Gould Taranaki hold the redoubtable South Africans? That was the question on the lips of facet supporters of the game in Taranaki during the whole of the week. But g. short time before there would have been only one reply —and that was a negative one. But there has been a great revival of the game since President McLeod brought into force his provincial scheme, whereby the whole of the teams meet each other, instead of 'being put anto divisions, and the men had settled down again after the war, which played havoc with Sooths 11 in Taranaki. So Selector Dan Malone had much improved material from which to select a fifteen. Again, it was known that the local •football authorities were taking the match with the Springboks seriously, and had arranged with the redoubtable “Skinny” Humphries (perhaps the cleverest exponent of the halLbauk game New Zealand has yet, produced) and ‘‘Charlie” Brown (captain of the New Zealand Service team that toured South Africa- in 1919) to coach and train the men for a week before the game. Besides. is it- not a fact that no internfrtionaL team. English, or Australian, has ever lowered the colors, in a match fct New Plymouth, of the men from the slopes of Mt. Egmont? Confidence in the ability of the Taranakians to hold the visitors’, whose ability no one minimised, grew, and when it rained on Friday, and the ground in consequence was soft and greasy on the morrow, few close observers believed the Springboks could repeat their performance of last Wedfeesday against the Yellow and Blacks. , A TITANIC STRUGGLE. That this belief was justified the result demonstrated —the game produced ft titanic struggle, hard, fast and keen ft-om start to finish, and, withal, clean. 4 more vigorous or determined gafhe has fkever before been seen in Taranaki — perhaps “in New Zealand”. The South Africans —big,clean-limbed, athletic fellows, good sports who play thp game in the right spirit, every one them—are a splendid team, and very earlv in the game demonstrated that •Taranaki, or any other New Zealand team, provincial or national, could not take any risks with them. They were tt vastly improved team to that which Bet Wanganui on the Wednesday, and Frith another game or two, and with &je gaining of a knowledge of our conations, they will yet be an even better team. That they failed to win on Saturday h by no means discredit to them. Far from tliat. They met one of the strongest — if not the most brilliant—defensive teams in the Dominion. They met ft team of forwards trained to the last Inch, determined and skilled in all points of the forward game and foot4. work, used to greasy grounds, resourceful in the scrum and close ‘work, full of paz-p —and wind—than which they cannot possibly meet better in New Zealand to-day. That appears, perhaps, a big claim to make; but ask any authority who saw* the game and he will confirm rhe opinion. DEADLY TACKLING. The South Africans also will never (have to submit to deadlier tackling. The collaring was one of the outstanding features of the match. It was simply (terrific, and enough to break the heart of a team of super-footballers. The Tananakians had learned their lesson (Well—“Go for your man, and go low every time”. They did. In a game {marked by many smart back passing rushes that swept along the field time after time, the Springbok backs were felled unerringly one after another, the Wing, the last to get the ball, being upended by the full back near the touch in goal or thereabouts just in time. The «WBitora, too, collared exceptionally well, trat Taranaki backs, unlike theirs, dad not play the passing game or attack, relying chiefly upon their forwards. The Springboks use their forwards to get. the ball and pass it out to their ftacks, who are the attacking and scoring elements. That, of course, is eortßect rugby, but it is not suited to a Soft and greasy ground. On Saturday {Wk- Springboks used their hands; TaraBaki used their feet. That was the difference in the modes of play, and ffor South Africa it proved fatal. On a flry ground and with one or two of their Itecks “cutting in” occasionally, instead . running across, passing swiftly and depending upon the fleetness of the Wings to beat the opposition, they would oe a formidable proposition. Indeed, teey were on Saturday. But for the Wonderfhl play by Kingston. Taranaki’s full-'back, and alao full-back for New Zealand, Taranaki would have fared ill. wac cool and collected, kicked Brith great power and precision, and gen•rally played a flawless game. No finer •xhibirion of full-back play has ever sreefi on any ground ijh the Do-

minion. “Dick” Roberts and his wings' were also very sound in defence. Roberts (captain) altered his scheme of plav from time to time to meet the developments of the South Africans’ play, and with marked success. “THE BIG BUCKS VERILY.” As the teams took the field, to the accompaniment of bag-pipe music by the Taranaki Highland Band, who were present in ell their gorgeous regalia, and -of a spirited air by the Citizens’ Band, the 14,000 to 15,000 people who lined the terraces and every available piece of ground, making a picture worth going many miles to see, it could be seen that the visiting forwards were much heavier than Taranaki’s. Two of them—Royal Morkel and Michau —were veritable giants, towering above the heads of the others, the former with his 17st. 21b and the latter with his appearing to l>e irresistible. So they were—for a time. Their purpose . was first observed on the line-out. Tpey shot up their mighty arms, grabbed the leather with one hand, wheeled round and shot It cut to the half-back. Michau, who trans ferred smartly to his confreres. This went on for a short time, to the advantage of the Springboks, whose backs, fed in this way, came tearing down the field, to be duly brought to Mother Earth, of course, by the home backs. Then the Taranaki forwards 'appeared to give up the idea of getting the ball on the line-out. marked the big men, and as soon as they got possession dashed for their legs and up-ended them. It saved the situation. THE SCRUM. But this was not the only danger averted. Against such a big -and solid lot of forwards many wondered how Taranaki would fare in the scrum. It was soon seen. hi the first two or three the lighter Taranaki players were siinply pushed back. Then something happened with the formation, and Taranaki held the big fellows and beat them repeatedly for the ball, notwithstanding that the visitors had a knack of spinning the oval occasionally when putting it in. The wise old head that was responsible for the training of the team bad anticipated this very disadvantage and had provided an effective counter. The greasy ground, after it became churned up, helped Taranaki, with its comparatively light and agile forwards. The Yellow and Black forwards more than held their own in the loose and scrambling play. Time after time they came through, with ball at toe, relieving their side from dangerous positions. They emerged like a wedge, with the power and pressure of a scrum on its feet. This style of play suited the day perfectly, and largely contributed to the result. The spectacular part was provided by the visiting backs, who, getting the ball from Michau, or some forward, or rei ceiving it direct from the Taranakians. i passed prettily, the ball spinning along I the advancing line of backs with clockj like precision. The backs have a rare I turn of speed, run strongly, and pass deftly and swiftly. They looked like scoring on many occasions, but the local backs went for and never missed their men. Taranaki backs attempted to pass occasionally when in the visitors’ twenty-five, but the half did not get the ball away quickly enough, and sometimes passed overhead, thus giving the opposite side an opportunity of smothering the effort and occasionally smashing through and quickly transforming the aspect of the game. A feature of the game was the splendid kicking of the backs of both sides. It was up to the highest rugby standard. In this respect all the Taranaki backs shone, Kingston notably. SOME CLOSE SHAVES. In the first spell Morkel, the fleet wing three-quarter, was thrown out near or on the touch-in-goal. They were close shaves for Taranaki. One of these occasions was just before the half-time whistle went. South Africa were on the line, and anything might have happened. It was a lucky let off. At one time the spectators thought a try had been awarded the South Africans, who raced with Taranaki men over the line It appeared clearly enough that a Taranaki man touched down first. The ball was taken out and placed in a position at goal by the Springboks. This apparent error on the part of the referee elicited expressions of disapproval from a section of the crowd, but others, who obviously desired to have fair play done by the visitors, set up a counter demonstration, effectually drowning the boohooing. This was the only unpleasant incident of the match. Later it became known that no try had been awarded, but a free kick for obstruction on the port of a Taranakian. The referee was as impartial as he was efficient, and, like a good referee, interpreted the rules in a way that allowed the play to proceed freely. In the first spell Kingston, from about half-way, let fly for the goal posts. The ball sailed like a bird straight for the centre, but fell short by about a foot. It was a fine effort* and deserved success. UNIQUE FEATURES. In the second half a unique incident ' occurred. Hickey got possession in the ‘visitors’ twenty-five near the side line

and potted a splendid goal, but the whistle had just been blown. One of the visitors had infringed, and the referee, using the advantage rule, waited to see if South Africa would gain any advantage, and as they did not appear to do so he 'blew the whistle just as Hickey was about to kick at goal. Hud the whistle been delayed a moment longer Taranaki would have had the goal. This was hard luck, .but it was not all on the local side.

In the last minute of the game Clarkson, the centre three-quarter of (the Springboks, who played a magnificent game throughout, made a splendid run, reaching within a few yards of the Taranaki line. Van Heerden, the fast hurdler on the wing, was in close attendance. There was only Kingston to beat, and there followed a smart piece of work. Kingston, who realised the issue at stake, got in between the two men. Clarkson had either to pass or turn at right angles and slip under the goal posts. Clarkson saw that Kingston must get Van Heerden if he passed, for he was in that position; whereupon Clarkson turned. It looked like a sure try—aud a well-deserved one. But he turned he slipped and fell, and the resourceful Kingston pounced upon the ball, his men rallied around him, ahd what appeared an absolutely certain try was averted. Thus Kingston, by an extraordinax’ily clever piece of strategy, saved his side from defeat. As soon as the ball reached the line the “no-side” whistle sounded, and Taranaki, who had fought a game in keeping with the famous traditions of the game in the province, emerged with their escutcheon untarnished from a match that will live in history as one of the hardest and most determined games ever played, and against a team of champions who will yet go far in New Zealand.

THE GAME.

DETAILS OF THE PLAY. THE FIRST SPELL. Taranaki won the toss, and defended the north goal, having the advantage of a slight breeze. W. H. Morkel kicked off for the Springboks, adopting the same tactics .as against Wanganui, kicking across the fleiv while I:is bunched pack came bearing down. West, however, took the ball, and returned to the line. Michau set his backs moving, but Tindall dropped a pass from Clarkson, and Sykes, securing, broke through and kicked. Van Heerden saved, as did also Clarkson in the face of a dashing rush by the Taranaki forwards, who early showed great spirit. Line and scrum work then followed in neutral territory, the Springboks holding the advantage in tte former, but in two scrums in succession Taranaki forwards not only held their own, but hooked the bull, Atkins lining. Then J. M. Michau, on the line, out, passed to Van Heerden, who lined in Taranaki’s twenty-five, but Campbell headed the local pack in a movement that transferred play past half way. Atkins lined near the visitors’ 25. Good line work by Morkel and Michau, aided by fast following up, saw Coutts smothered, but Atkins cut in and secured. Weepener was then prominent, but Kingston returned with a magnificent line kick. Tindall then set bis backs going, and J. P. Michau handed on to Morkel. who raced for the line, but Sykes came across and tackled gamely -a great save. The Springboks kept moving until King-’.cm snapped up a short kick from Tindall and lined near half way, and Taranaki supporters breathed again. Campbell and Masters led Taranaki to the fray, but the visiting forwards picked up, and their backs were moving nicely when Clarkson dropped a pass. A moment later Michau had them working again, and Morkel, on the wing, streaked for the line, only to be again laid low beautifully by Sykes, The visitors were penalised, and then Atkins passed the leather to Roberts, whose pass was intercepted by Van Heerden, and the flier transferred to Michau. Taranaki’s collaring, however, was deadly, each man being grassed as soon as he got the ball. Again the Springboks got going, but Weepener gave a bad pass, and Taranaki were able to clear, Caln, Campbell and McAllum being In the van. Morkel marked from the lineout, and lined at Taranaki's 25. The locals secured from the scrum, and some clever work by B. Roberts ,who followed up and smothered Van Heerden, saw Meyer cleverly find touch. After a spell of kicking to touch, R. Morkel and his backs came at It again, but each was taken before he got moving. Then an infringement enabled Royal Morkel to line. Taranaki forwards now took a hand, and a great rush, in which McAllum, Campbell. Cain, West and Masters were prominent, ended In Taranaki invading the visitors' 25, and, amidst great excitement, Taranaki pressed hard. Coutts failed to piejt up, but recovered well, and handed it to Campbell, who kicked, and, with Cain, charged down on the full back, who saved. Taranaki’s backs and forwards pressed hard. Atkins shot the ball out to West. Sykes was nearly over, <i>ut the visitors defended stoutly and saved. Amidst great excitement Taranaki kept up the pressure, and Sykes dived for the line with two or three Springboks on his back, and a scrum resulted. A dropped pass let the Springboks clear, but Coutts, a moment later, cut in and was held up close to the line. The visiting pack, led by Moesterdt aud Scholtz, cleared. B. Roberts fumbled, and the South Africans carried the play to half way. Coutts fumbled, but Kingston saved, and then Morkel! again got moving, and was taken by Campbell. Weepener kicked high, and In the resultant rush the Springboks forced the ball over the line, where Taranaki forced just in front of three Spring- . boks, a free kick being awarded for obstruction. Meyer had a shot at goal, the ball going wide.

A section of the crowd, thinking the referee had awarded a try, showed their disapproval at the decision, but the great majority vigorously applauded, effectually drowning the protestations. The next few moments were marked by interchanges of kicks, until, from a scrum, J. Michau passed to Tindall, who lined, and Fogarty and Rickey were prominent for Taranaki. A lucky kick by J. Michau .found touch at the corner, and from the scrum Michau, Tindall and Clarkson handled in succession, the latter being upended by R. Roberts. H. Morkell and Tindall were each prominent, but were taken successively by Sykes and Campbell. Kingston kicked well down field, Meyer taking well, but slipped, going out of touch at half way. The visiting backs still kept moving. Roberts failed to take. Kingston, however, vvas there, and

Another great burst 1 of passing through all the backs saw Morkell just thrown into touch In goal at the corner by Kingston, and again Taranaki breathed freely. Meyer failed to field the kick off, but recovered well and lined. From the line out the big forwards set their hacks moving, the ball travelling smartly to the other wing. Van Heerden, who was well clear, failed to take. Clarkson picked up. bu*. kicked too hard, the ball reaching touch-ln-goal. McAllum, Caln, and R. Roberts were next prominent, but Michau (half) lined nicely on two occasions, and Taranaki were awarded a couple of free kicks, Morkel lining the second. R. Morkel broke through, but was well taken, and then McAllum was prominent. Then the ball reached Kingston, whe kicked high. Hickey followed up and caught Van Heerden before he had got rid of the ball. Coutts saved, and centred, but the 1 Springboks were able to line. Then the ball reached Kingston, who, from outside hia twenty-five had a shot at goal, the ball going under the bar. and being forced. Ellis and Royal Morkel quickly led their forwards to the attack, the ball going out at half way. Another infringement by the visitors aided Taranaki, but Morkel and Kruger started the backs going again, throwing the! ball about in the centre of the field. Taranaki were aUle to intercept and line. Half-1

time had now arrived, but the referee did not hear the gong. Van Heerden dropped the ball at a critical moment. Another great passing bout by the visitdrs, and H. Morkel was again ■ collared on the corner by Kingston—another narrow shave. Half time then sounded. South Africa. ® Taranaki Q THE SECOND SPELL. R. Roberts kicked off. From the return kick J. I’. Michau followed up fast, but was smothered, play being carried to the visitors' 25, where Atkins transferred to Roberts, who handed on to Coutts, who was now playing second flve-elghths, Roberts having been moved up, but the latter's pass went wide, being intercepted by Clarkson, who kicked to half way. Kingston failed to pick up at first, but then beautifully lined. Hard forward play ensued. Fogarty was temporarily laid out. On resuming, Taranaki forwards gradually worked their way to th? visitors’ 25, McAllum breaking away with the ball at his toe. Hickey cut in, but was collared, and In an interchange of kicks Coutts lined near the tw ; enty-flve. Taranaki forwards, in,a loose rush, smothered Van Heerden's return, and Hickey, picking up, had a quick pot just as the whistle sounded for an infringement by one of the Springboks. It was hard luck, as the ball went between the posts. Taranaki kept up the pressure, Hickey trying to find the line near iho corner, and readied touch in goal. R. Roberts returned the kick off, and Taranaki, wfco were playing & great game, rushed to the visitors' twentyfive, where Atkins passed high to Coutts, who was able to line. Then R. Morkle! led his pack to half way, Sykes ultimately lining. A moment later R. (Roberts intercepted a Springbok pass and lined. Coutts aropped a pass from Roberts, and Weepener and Tindall removed play to half way. Back came Taranaki, and kept the visitors defending hard, Michau finally working the blind side of the scrum and lining nicely. Then Atkins passed to Coutts, who cut in nicely and passed to R. Roberts, wl o kicked down field, but. Meyer took the ball near the corner and got bls kick away well down field, just in time to beat Hickey, who had followed up fast. Taranaki were still' keening the visitors penned when an infringement let them through. Coutts again ctit In ahd passed to R. Roberts, who lined at the corner In some smart work Tindall was smothered, and the ball went out. Both backs and forwards pressed hotly. Coutts dived for ihe line, but was forced back, end Michau cleared, but line kicks by Sykes and Roberts kept them benned. Then Taranaki'.'? backs gave a great burst of passing, the ball reaching Hickey, who made a strong dash for the line, being forced out at the corner by three of the visitors. Atkins ran into the ruck, but a little later passed out the ball, failing to reach Hickey, fend the greens again cleared. Spratt was here temporarily disabled.

Fast following up by H. Morkel and Tindall had Kingston in trouble, aa\d he was penalised for hanging on to the leather, Meyer l aving a shot, which was .short. Kingston, taking well, ran up field and lined. Van Heerden fall&d to take, but Meyer saved by lining. The greens were now having the better of the game, throwing the leather about. Weepener was well taken by Roberts when dangerous. The leather was kicked across the field, but Van Heerden could not gather up, and Taranaki lined. The visitors again worked back to the twenty-five, and J. M. Michau, from the. line-out, set his team going, Clarkson slipping when cutting in Again all the backs took a hand, but good tackling by R. Roberts, B. Roberts and Hickey checked, and then' Clarkson passod forward Van Heerden was next dangerous, but R. Roberts brought him. down'. From a line out Michau was nearly over, being stopped just on the line: The greens kept the ball smartly moving, but Coutts again upended Van Heerden, who passed to Weepener, but the litter was also brought down by B. Roberts, and for a time the danger was passed until B. Roberts had to throw to touch to save. Kivel’ failing to take the resultant free kick, the greens came swarming down again, passing ib good style, until Atkins marked and kicked down*- field. Tindall slipped, but recovered, and passed to Clarkson, who kicked down field where Kingston again ran and gained much ground with *a great line kick.

.L P. Michau (half) was temporarily hurt, being cheered on resuming. Roberts lined near the corner from a free kick, and 'Aranakl attacked. From a scrum Atkins sent th« ball to Coutts, who passed to R. Roberig, tae latter kicking down field. Then Michau secured from the scrum, and B. Roberts was temporarily Injured in checking him. Atkins then sent the ball across to Hickey, who lined, but Van Heerden drove the locals back. Atkins again shot to Coutts, who dropped the ball, but Roberts picked un and passed to Sykes, who lined at the corner, where Meyer saved. Play hovered in the Springboks' territory, Kingston lining nicely, whilst H. Morkel was checked by Sykes. The ball was shot across to Hickey, who took and lined well. Taranaki forwards swarmed over the line, ball at feet, but Meyer was in time, to force. J. P. Michau gathered up the return on the full, and lined at half way, but Taranaki pressed them back for a while, until gradually the greens asserted themselves, and Taranaki were again defending. McAllum and Coutts broke away temporarily, H. Morkel being prominent in bringing play back by a good run until he was collared by Coutts. South Africa came with a rush, and J. M. Michau, in the van, crossed tbe. line, but Sykes dived for the ball and got there time, being momentarily winded. South Africa were now having the better of It, and Taranaki were hard pressed to keep their line clear. Clarkson kicked. Hickey failed to line, and Van Heerden tried to gallop, but Hickey got him, and from the line out Atkins marked, as did B. Roberts a little later. South Africa were throwing tWe, ball about In Taranaki country, and a determined rush looked dangerous, but Kingston was able to line. Then the ball was passed to Van Heerden, who, when taken by Hickey, passed to Michau, who centred. Scholtz and

L M. Michau charged down, but Kingston was able to save by forcing—a let off. A MTtle later Kingston marked in the face of the charging pack, arid lined near half way. Van Heerden was next prominent in a dash, but wa.B again up-ended. Meyer and Weepener here changed places. Kivell was responsible for relieving the pressure, but Meyer lined.

South Africa were now making strenuous efforts to gain the victory, and for a time It looked as If they would snatch success in the last few minutes, as tte backs were throwing the hall about in great style. The tackling, however, was still solid, and Atkins, and again McAllum marked on a couple of occasions and brought relief. Coutts lined near half way, but the visitors came again, and Clarkson kicked high. The ball rolled badly for Kingston, who, however, recovered well, and coolly lined. The yellow forwards cleared, Campbell, West and McAllum in the van. The latter also broke away, but an infringement let the greens back again, and Michau, and again Morkel, set sail for the line, but Roberts and Kingston brought them- down. Then Michau sent the ball out to Clarßson, who cut in and beat several men. Van Heerden was In attendance, and only the full back to beat when he slipped on the greasy turf. Kingston was between him and Van Heerden. It was a splendid piece of work, and almost resulted in winning the match for the visitors. McAllum kicked to touch past the twenty-five as time sounded, and, amidst a scene of great excitement, the game ended:—

South Africa nil. Taranaki

Mr. F. C, Atkinson, of Wanganui, controlled the game-

VISiTiNG MANAGER’S VIEWS. A VERY HARD GAME"I am quite satisfied with the game; our fellows played better than they have done since landing in Australasia.” This was the opinion expressed by Mr. Bennett, the visitors’ manager, when approached by a Daily News representative -after the game. The team, he Bald, showed much better combination than in previous matches. If. was a very hard game, but perfectly clean, and he was quite satisfied with the referee's rulings. “If the ground had ben harder there might have been a different exhibition by both sides. F. deu’f. say it wstild have fead# any clfferenc®

to the match. Your defence was so good, and I am not making any excuses on that point. We were fairly held, and our fellows enjoyed the game. The forwards played very well together—almost as one man. I think we lost chances through trying to pick up tbe ball instead of dribbling.”

Mr. Bennett added that as this was only the second game of the Springboks’ tour it was difficult to give a definite opinion on their play. They hoped, however, to put in their strongest team for the tests. TRIBUTE TO TARANAKI. MR. A. L. HUMPHRIES' OPINION. Undoubtedly the success achieved by Taranaki on Saturday was largely the result of the training and coaching the team has had during the past week by Mr. A. L. Humphries, ex-New Zealand half, and one of the finest tacticians the Dominion has ever seen, and C. Brown, also an ex-New Zealand half, who toured South Africa as captain of the New Zealand soldiers’ team. Mr. Humphries also gave the team a number of addtesses on the finer points of the game. The result of this was seen on Saturday, and should also be evident in future matches this season. In the course of an interview, Mr. A. L. Humphries stated that he expected the team to put up a great fight, but tte performance they gave was better than anything he had anticipated. They had been instructed to play a type of game which it was consiilered would at least prevent the Springboks from scoring against Taranaki, recognising that their attack should be much stronger than ours, and the result showed that those instructions could not have been carried out better. Every man 'in the team did his part to the letter. It will be recognised by all who saw the match that the defence shown by the Taranaki team was equal to that ever put up by any Taranaki team, the deadly collaring being the great feature. The forward work in the first spell, Mr. Humphries thought, was probably the hardest that has ever been played in Taranaki. This was not to be wondered at, as the two teams were playing an entirely different type of game, the Springboks depending upon their handling of the ball, while the Taranaki te(im were Dinning their faith on the boot. Ea,ct team was playing Its particular style of game with the utmost vigor, using every ounce of strength to overcame the opposition. Mr. Humphries considered the attack of the Springboks from their back division was much stronger than ours, but it was counterbalanced by the groat work of our forwards and the deadly tackling of the whole team generally. The Springboks, to said, are a great side, and It Is quite possible that during the tour they will not meet*a more stubborn defence than that put up by the Taranaki team on Saturday, although it is probable that with the New Zealand team, and perhaps one or two of the inter-provincial teams, they will have to meet an attack from both forward and back divisions, in which- case the.y would not have so many opportunities of attacking as they had on Saturday. He considered the South Africans are a very fine combination, showing great enterprise in every department, and are not afraid of taking risks In their efforts to score. It is .possible that when they get used to our soft grounds and reach the top of their form, they will be a hard proposition for any team. Their style of play will appeal to all New Zealanders, and owing to their sportsmanship both on and off the field, the team will probably be the most popular International team that has ever visited our shores. Taking the Taranaki team as a whole. Mr. Humphries was well satisfied with its performance, though some of them may not bo up to international form. Every one played to the best of his ability and did all that was expected cf him. DINNER AFTER THE GAME. On Saturday evening several members of the Taranaki team and officials of the Taranaki Rugby Union dined with the Springboks at the Criterion Hotel, when Mr. D. J. Malone (president of the Taranaki Rugby Union) presided, and briefly congratulated the visitors on their fine display. Captain Pinnaar responding. There was no set programme for the rest of the evening, the members being entertained by friends, whilst Wor. Bro. Morris was tendered a welcome by members of the Masonic fraternity at Robe Street Hall. VISIT TO THE MOUNTAIN. PICTURESQUE MAORI WELCOME AT WAITARA. Yesterday the visitors, together with members of the Taranaki team, officials of the union, and others, were motored to the Mountain House. Unfortunately the weather was npt favorable, and the rain prechided a good view being obtained. Nevertheless, an enjoyable day was spent. Luncheon and afternoon tea were served in the dining room of the hostel, which was opened specially for the day by Mr. H. Baily, secretary to tbe committee. The party then motored to W’aitara, where, at tiie invitation of the Maoris, they visited the new meeting hall that has been erected by the Te Atlawa tribe at Manokirikiri Pah, and were given a great welcome by the Maoris present. They were first greeted by hakas of welcome, and then the chief, KaraiCiana Tetupe, extended them a hearty welcome In the picturesque native language, being interpreted by Dr. Pomare. A band of Maori ladies from Mokau gave a poi of welcome, and this was followed by a poi by the Waltara ladles, to the accompaniment of a tuneful drum and fife band composed of a number of Maori lads. Captain Pinnaar then returned thanks in the Boer language, Mr. Du Plessis interpreting in English, Dr. Po-

mare again acting as interpreter for tbe Maoris. The Springboks sang a number of songs in their native language, after which tte whole party were the guests of the natives at afternoon tea, tastefully set out in the spacious new hall. Mr. McLefid, on behalf of the union, returned thanks for the hospitality accorded, as also did Captain Pinnaar, owh was the recipient of several (mementoes. The team returned to New Plymouth shortly after 0 p.m., and will leave by the mall train this unornlng for Masterton, where they meet Wriirarapa on Wednesday,