BETTER DISPLAY.

Waikato Times, Volume 121, Issue 20261, 2 August 1937, Page 8

BETTER DISPLAY.

TOURING SPRINGBOKS

DEFEAT OF TARANAKI. MARGIN OF 14 POINTS. (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) NEW PLYMOUTH, Saturday. The touring Springboks gave a much better display when they met Taranaki to-day on a dry ground and they won a bright match by 17 points to 3. There was a record crowd of 20,000 present, and with Taranaki putting up a great fight the crowd was in an uproar. At half-time the tourists led by 6 points to nil. and in the second half they Increased their lead though they were hard pressed several times.

Seoond Spell. South Africa attacked on resumption and it was not long before they increased their lead, Bester intercepting to score a comparatively easy try. The kick failed. South Africa was gaining possession from the majority of scrums and the game was mainly confined to the forwards. The visitors’ next points came from a spectacular movement initiated by Babrow, Willians fending off Collins to cross at the corner. Brand’s attempt failed. Immediately after kicking off Taranaki broke through. Brown transferring to Sullivan, who carried on to pass to Smith, who opened the home account. The kick, from a difficult angle, failed. Springboks .. ..12 Taranaki . . 3 With 15 minutes to go South Africa was awarded a free kick and Turner had an unsuccessful essay at goal. The home backs then took a hand and Sullivan, with Hunter and Wetton in support, transferred play to the African twenty-five. Taranaki was awarded a free-kick right in front of the posts but the attempt was wide. The venue of play was changed in a flash when, as Taranaki was battling away at the Springboks’ line, Turner brilliantly Intercepted to score an easy try. Springboks .. .. 17 Taranaki .. .. 3 The end came with no alteration to the score— Springboks .. ..17 Taranaki . . . . 3 HARDEST GAME YET. FIERCE OPPOSITION. (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) NEW PLYMOUTH. Sunday. “ Jt was certainly the hardest game of the tour.” said D. Graven, vicecaptain of the Springboks, after the match. “ The play of the Taranaki forwards was astonishing and the South Africans did not expect such fierce opposition.” The captain, P. J. Nel, said it was a good, hard game fought in the best of spirits. J. L. Sullivan, the Taranaki captain, said it was one of the cleanest big games he had played in. He doubted if the Springboks, on the form so far displayed, would be able to beat the All Blacks.