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“HONOUR TO PLAY MAORIS’
Dr Craven’s Tribute
“If anybody thinks South African Rugby team is going to mix it with the Maori team on Saturday they have a surprise coming to them,” said Dr Danie Craven, the manager of the Springboks, speaking last night at a concert in the Latter Day Saints Hall.
“There will be no feeling coming from us,” he said. “Let us clear the air and let us look forward to a good game,”
Dr Craven said that the South African Rugby Board had been unanimous that the 1956 Springboks should play the Maoris.
“We know the Maoris’ splendid record and what they have done for Rugby in New Zealand; we respect you for that and it is an honour to play against you,” he said. “On Saturday we intend to see what we can do with you- or what can you do with us.”
There had been a lot of talk about rough play, but if anyone in New Zealand could point the finger at the Springboks, Dr Craven said, he would like to hear about it. “You have got to judge these South Africans by what you see of them,” he said, “not by what you have read.” |
