Springbok Rugby History, Chapter 1

Second Test in Kimberley
THIRD TEST
3 Tests
(3) South Africa, Saturday, September 5, 1891
Newlands, Cape Town
South Africa 0, British Isles 4
Spectators 3 000
Referee: Herbert Castens
South African Team, Third International
Tries Aston, Maclagan, Conv. Rotherham
In the third international match played at Newlands
“the sympathy of the onlookers was all with England”.
Spurred on by this Britain remained on the attack for long
spells, and time and again Richards had to save. When a
scrum was formed in front of South Africa’s goal posts,
and the scene was set for a score Richards and Vigne
took play back, and again it was Richards who saved.
Within the next few minutes first Louw and then Duff had
to press down. The play from this point up to half-time
was fast and furious.
SECOND HALF
On resumption South Africa played much better and
it did not take them long to invade the British half. Here
Richards and then Versfeld tried desperately to find a gap,
but always there was Clauss in the way, who, incidentally,
“was playing like a vision”. Next it was Britain’s turn,
and one of their forwards actually went over, “but he
was ruled off-side by the referee and the public”. Here
the British team remained on the offensive, with Clauss
particularly dangerous, but South Africa’s defense held,
and McKendrick played grandly. ‘’Then followed such
a display of passing by the English backs as has never
been seen in South Africa; the bladder traveled from
one to the other and back again like lightning and it was
only the watchfulness of McKendrick, Hartley and Duff
which prevented a dropped goal or try.” When everything
looked like a drawn game Maclagan came into the line
and scraped home as he was tackled, Wotherspoon
converting. Within the next minute or two he repeated this
and scored an unconverted try right on time, winning the
match for his team by 4-0.
Springbok Rugby History - 1891 - 1996 1891 ©Published by Johan Jooste - Oubokrugby - 2021
1891
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