THE SPRINGBOKS’ VISIT.

Taranaki Daily News, 23 September 1921, Page 4

THE SPRINGBOKS’ VISIT.

The departure of the South African footballers, after a successful, aiyl, it would seem, >i pleasant sojourn in the Dominion, affords a fitting opportunity for

emphasising the desirableness of friendly visits between representative teams from the different Dominions in various

sports, as a means of promoting intercolonial goodwill and knowledge. The Springboks were heartily welcomed on arrival, and received an enthusiastic send-off on their departure. While here they proved themselves the best of sports, and on all occasions played the game in a manner worthy of the best traditions of the Empire. The Spring,boks proved (Well

worthy of the beet teame New Zealaud could put -in the field. Id view of the remarkably fine record during their stay in the Dominion, Taranaki may feel gratified that they succeeded in making a draw with the Springboks. Though our recent visitors had no new developments of Rugby play to spring upon Dominion competitors, they certainly demonstrated the importance of fitness and co-operation in winning matches. Naturally they had the advantage of combination that can only be secured by members of a team playing together, instead of being brought together from all parts of the country for each match. They were a formidable combination, and there can be no doubt of their enthusiasm for the game or of their fine sportsmanship. These features of the tour mainly account for the record crowds that were attracted wherever the Spingboks played. The visit of these redoubtable players should stimulate Dominion exponents of the game to making efforts to improve their play; to be not only loyal to their clubs, but animated with zeal and determination to excel; to eliminate slacknes&s, and to aim at “playing the game” whether they win or lose, ever remembering that it is the spirit in which the game is played that counts for more than the result of the play itself. Unfortunately the N.Z. Rugby Union did not always show to advantage, and until it has an executive committee that can set the example of good management it can hardly be expected that the be§t interests of the game will be promoted. Now is the time to put things in order, and the visit of the Springboks will be doubly serviceable if it leads to the mending of faults that ought not to exist. From, an Empire point of view the friendly contests for supremacy between the Dominions are well worth cultivating. It would seem that the Springboks experienced as much pleasure in New Zealand as they undoubtedly gave to the people, and their next visit will be anticipated with the keenest appreciation.