Springbok Rugby History, Chapter 1

1891 TEST MATCHES
The three international matches were played in Port
Elizabeth, Kimberley and Cape Town and produced
4-0, 3-0 and 4-0 victories respectively for the British
team. At the time there
was no national selection
committee to choose the
South African teams. In the
1891 historic series, the
selectors were appointed
by the host center.
The South African
captain that was chosen for
the first ever international
match in Port Elizabeth,
was Herbert Castens, who
returned to Cape Town
from Oxford University.
Herbert Castens
Another player Alf
Richards, the brilliant Western Province fly-half who
was to represent his country in cricket, became a double
international.
TOUR ITINERARY
1891 BRITISH TOURING TEAM
FIRST TEST
3 Tests
(1) South Africa, Thursday, July 30, 1891
St. George’s Park, Port Elizabeth
South Africa 0, British Isles 4
Spectators 6 000
Referee: Dr. Griffin
Try: Aston, Whittaker, Con: Rother
A
lot was expected from the South African team,
and the crowd of 6,000 were not disappointed
in the football produced that day. It . is true that
Maclagan according to the practice in vogue in those
days, had to claim several penalties, all of which were
granted; it is also true that many marks were caught, and
dropped goals attempted, also according to the demands
of the game, but the dribbling rushes which were executed
with such success by both sides and which sometimes
covered the whole length of the field kept the crowd and
the ladies on their toes. (There were no stands in those
days.)
The Britons remained on the attack until Bissett led a
good rush down the field, and nearly scored. The next
minute the Britons were back, and Vigne, Boyes and
Guthrie defended well. Again the forwards broke away
with the ball at their feet and dribbled the whole length
of the field. It cost the Britons everything they knew to
keep the South Africans out, but when the South Africans
dropped a pass Clauss secured and kicked high. The
ball was mulled and the British forwards raced up liked
hares to boot the ball along. When the ball bounced right
it was picked up and Wotherspoon, Bromet, Clauss and
Whittaker all handled before the latter went over for a
beautiful try which Rotherham converted. 4 0.
After this first try the South Africans played like Trojans.
First Alexander broke away and the ball went from him
to Guthrie, Richards and Boyes. The latter’s pass was
unfortunately intercepted when a try looked certain. Then
Merry and Castens were stopped on the line, Maclagan
relieving after he had claimed a penalty. Bissett brought
the game back to the British line where the Britons
defended grimly. Just before half-time the play swung
up and down, but the South Africans more then held their
own.
Bill Maclagan - captain of the British
Isles touring team - 1891
SECOND HALF
During the interval the two teams received ‘’instructions
from well-known backers of either side”,
and enjoyed “lemons and sundry”. The advice given to
the British team, apparently, stood them in good stead,
for they were soon on the attack.· Castens and Little,
Springbok Rugby History - 1891 - 1996 1891 ©Published by Johan Jooste - Oubokrugby - 2021
1891
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