THE SPRINGBOKS.

Taranaki Daily News, 21 July 1921, Page 5

THE SPRINGBOKS.

defeat wairarapa 18 POINTS TO 3. SPECTACULAR. PLAY. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Masterton, Last Night. The Springboks met Wairarapa and Bush at Mast rton this afternoon in glorious weather. The ground was in good condition, although sight rain fell the previous night. The attendance was over 8000, and the “gates” slightly over £3OO. The teams were:— South Africa.—.J. D. De Villiers, C. Du P. Meyer, W. C. Zeller, W. Sendin, S. S. Strauss, J. Tindall, W. Townsend, M. Ellis, J. W. Van Rooyen, IL Du Plessis, R. Walker, F. Mellish, Royal Morkel, J. Oliver, T. B. Pienaar (captain ).

Wairarapa and Bush.—G. B. Booth, M. Galvin, R. Booth, A. Torrance, F. Booth. L. Smith, O. Sievers, A. Donald, Harvey, C. Ba con, W. Knowles, M. Strachey, R. JSmith, Matson, J. Donald (captain). Referee, Mr. T. Jones, of Daunevirke. The game opened with an attack by the visitors, who were in excellent mettle, and within it. few minutes Stranes crossed the line, De Villiers converting. South Africa « Wairarapa 0 Attacking again further scoring was prevented for some time by the splendid defence of Matson (the Wairarapa full-back). Wairarapa'.- tackling was superb, and although the opposing rorwards were undoubtedly superior, Wairaiapa put up a good defence. The quick passing rushes of the visitors were much admired, as also were their ex cellcnt combination and spurts of brilliant individual play. They also had the advantage in running, easily outpacing Wairarapa, and in this manner obtained their second try, Strauss successfully evading the yacks and again crossing the line amidst much excitement. De Villiers converted. South Africa ....... 10 Wairarapa 0 Wairarapa continued their tackling tactics with 'the intenl/on of wearing

their opponents down. Play was interrupted for several minutes to Sievers receiving a nasty knock, but he was able to continue to play. Wairarapa just missed a goal •from a penalty 1 iek by' Torrance, and in the succeeding play the home team pressed the visitors in their territory, but the visitors resumed the offensive and play’ was soon transferred down field, where an utiempt at gqal was frustrated by 'Donald. Wairarapa held the visitors, finally turned the tables and compelling the Springboks to force down. Play was again suspended owing to Walker receiving a knock on the head. He was applauded on resuming ith a bandage on his head. Wairarapa continued to i press, and being awarded a free kick in the vi_-inify of South Africa’s goal, mulled a seemingly easy attempt. Shortly afterward.- Meyer obtained the leather and crossed the line -after e fast run, again outpacing the backs. The try was not converted, and the spell ended:— South Africa 13 Wairarapa 0

On opening the second spell, De Vil Hers quickly put the hall out well up field, and a few . minutes later, iroin a penalty, had an unsuccessful attempt at goal from half-way. The Booth brothers, by clever pa-sing, nearly reg istered a score, hut the superiority of the Springboks’ backs was again demonstrated. Shortly afterwards, however, in another smart passing nish, Torrance, evaded the backs and got through, registering Wairarapa's only *core. A fat son's attempt was unsuccess- ; fill; South Africa rv...,. 13 Wairarapa 3 Wairarapa’s captain (Donald) received, a nasty smack, but continued to play. Wairarapa were now playing a good defensive game, and on occasions pressed the visitors, but every time the visitors were too good for them. Just a few seconds before the bell Sendin crossed, the try being converted by De Villiers, making the score:— South Africa 18 Wairarapa 3 The- score is a fair indication of the relative merits of the teams. • Wairarapa played a good game, but wore undoubtedly outclassed, particularly in getting the ball to the backs. In tackling the Wairarapa forwards put in good work, particularly Donald and Bacon. \