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The Gisborne Photo News

 

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The 1965 Springboks In Gisborne

The 1965 Springboks' tour of New Zealand got under way on a high note when the team spent four memorable days in Gisborne, enjoying the almost overwhelming hospitality and friendliness which the city is noted for, and climaxing with a superb display of power rugby in most adverse conditions at Rugby Park.

It would be difficult to decide which was the highlight of their stay, the match or the social functions, but either way, their visit was one which will be remembered for many a year.

Only one thing marred the 'Boks' stay, the one element which was beyond the power of the organisers - the weather.

Gisborne turned on one of its rare southerly busters, and throughout the four days suffered under heavy rain and cold temperatures.

The day of the game was no exception, but although the weather was unpleasant at its best, the tourists turned on a display of open rugby which at times bordered on the fantastic considering the wet conditions. Although held to eight points to three at half-time by the plucky combined side, the 'Boks poured on the pressure in the latter stages to swamp their opponents and run up a total of 31 points.

Off the field, the tourists impressed as very genuine young men, eager to mix and make friends.

In this 13-page feature, we picture the 'Boks during their four days in Gisborne: at their tremendous welcome at Darton Field, their first training run on New Zealand soil, the P.B. Rugby Union's official reception, the Gisborne Maoris' welcome, and, of course, the game at Rugby Park.

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Typical of the 'Boks' big running forwards, C. P. Goosen heads for the line with the ball held firmly in both hands. Goosen missed his try by inches, thanks to a devastating tackle by Doc Wi Repa, seen moving in at left.

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On arriving at Darton Field, team manager Mr Kobus Louw waves to the cheering crowd. Following him is team captain, Dawie de Villiers.

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Mr Louw and P.B.R.U. president, Mr Birnie Wolstenholme, acknowledge the crowd's applause during the introductory speeches.

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At the airport, de Villiers was presented with a bouquet of flowers by Joanne Malcolm. At rear is Sharon Baddeley.

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Keith Oxlee arrived well-laden

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At their first training run in New Zealand, tragedy struck the team when two of their star forwards were injured. Firstly, No. 8 Doug Hopwood injured his back and was rushed to hospital in obvious pain. Shortly afterwards, giant lock Piet Botha dislocated his shoulder. Hopwood is pictured above clinging to his captain, Dawie de Villiers, as other team members gather around.

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Coach Hennie Muller emphasises a point during training

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The team in training at Rugby Park

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Grimacing with pain, Hopwood is carried from the field.

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Top forwards of their day, and now coaches of the opposing teams, Richard White and Hennie Muller enjoyed reviving memories at the P.B.R.U. reception.

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Opposing captains Dawie de Villiers and Allan Rowlands caught in conversation

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P.B.R.U. laiason officer Paul Sceats with Springbok full-back Lionel Wilson

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Keith Oxlee autographs a ball for Boys' High School first XV captain Hori Houkamau

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Springboks M. Roux (left) and Nelie Smith (vice-captain) with Mr George Marsden

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Andy McDonald and Jan Ellis enjoyed a native food....sweet corn

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Backstage at the reception, 'Boks G. Brynard (left) and Jan Engelbrecht took a lesson in the haka from Savage Club members Peter Tombleson and Barry Ellis (right).

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At the Maori welcome, Mr Kobus Louw greeted Chief Te Kani Te Ua with a traditional Maori hongi.

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Syd Nomis and Jannie Barnard join in the fun

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Keith Oxlee meets one of the younger members of the Maori Concert Party.

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The scene at Rugby Park, taken from the score board during the first half, showing a Springbok attacking movement, which developed from a lineout on the 25-yard line, breaking down just short of the goal posts. Surrounding the field is part of the crowd of 13,000 who braved the inclement weather to watch the game. In the background is the new grandstand, which was built in 15 weeks to be officially opened immediately prior to the game.

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Mr Tom Pearce (right), president of the New Zealand Rugby Union, officially opening the new grandstand. With him are Messrs Kobus Louw, manager of Springboks, and Birnie Wolstenholme, president P.B.R.U.

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Cheer girls go through their routine

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Willie Weka, symbol of rugby on the Coast, goes for a romp around the field at Rugby Park prior to the game

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Willie Weka "buzzes" the Springboks

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Combined's full-back Haupai Henare caught in possession by Nelie Smith

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Speedy winger Wynard Mans heads for the second try of the match as Buff Milner makes a vain attempt to tackle him.

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Opposing lineout exponents Frik de Preez and Doug Fee jump for the ball.

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With ball under arm, Lofty Nel sets off on a run from a scrum.

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Drenched but cheerful, spectators huddle under coats and umbrellas.

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Stage one of a 'Bok try. Lofty Nel passes to Jan Barnard as he is opposed by full-back Henare. Coming across is flanker Doc Wi Repa.

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Stage two: Barnard crosses the line for three points.

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Combined's half-back Tuta Taare flicks the ball out with a spectacular dive pass

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From a ruck, Jan Ellis sets out for the 'Bok's second to-last try.

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After the game, two weary captains smile and congratulate each other.

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Unlucky member of the combined team, John Collins, who was forced to stand down because of injury, carried on oranges at half-time with masseur Howard Clare.

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During the visit, Combined half-back Tuta Taare and 'Bok wing Jan Engelbrecht became fathers. Taare later announced that he would name his son Jan Engelbrecht Taare.

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The day after the game, Sakkie van Zyl (left) and David Wale celebrated their birthdays.

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On the morning of the match, Willie Weka led a parade through Gladstone Road

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Bringing up the rear of the parade was this "Spring-bucker" crazy car

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Members of the combined team gathered in Gladstone Road to watch the parade