Classic Encounters - Wallabies vs Springboks 1963
We’re heading back in time today as we focus on a classic moment in Australian rugby history from almost fifty years ago, when the Springboks were defeated at home in consecutive Tests for the first time since 1896. The powerful Springboks were a dominant force in the game at the time with their massive pack and die-hard supporters. A total of 65 000 of them turned out at Ellis Park for the third Test in the series.
The previous game had been won by the tourists after their coach, Bill McLaughlin, famously changed their approach to the game.
"I’m sick of this ball straight to the 5/8 and kicking for touch" said McLaughlin.
"Australian teams have always been known for running the ball, and that’s what we’ll do from now on."
The third Test was to be their 21st match of the tour. Tours were incredibly long back then, at times spanning up to five or six months. The endurance of the players was incredible, and it’s a wonder they had anyone left after such a long time, with so many games.
The Wallabies did run the ball, as McLaughlin planned for them too, and they came away with the 11-9 win, thanks in part to two superb try saving tackles by the brilliant scrumhalf Ken Catchpole.
It was a fantastic win and this is a great piece of footage for you fans out there who love watching classic moments and series’ of the game.
Time: 03:05
Note: South Africa play Australia in Perth on Saturday. Check out our new Tri Nations page for fixtures, the points table, and then highlights from all the other matches.
| Share | Tweet |
posted by GMC at
4:52 pm | PERMALINK
Like this post? Use the like, share, and tweet buttons above to tell your friends!
12 Comments:
LOL...wow..shows you how much the players have changed, the present day back could have played in foward positions back then!
Great clip RD...keep them coming.
By
semperfimamba, at August 26, 2009 6:27 pm
that was a pretty nice drop goal considering the times
By
Anonymous, at August 26, 2009 6:49 pm
Yowza, defensive lines, what're them things? Reminds me of watching my little ones playing soccer ... everyone floods to the ball at all times. :-)
By
Bobby Nations, at August 26, 2009 7:20 pm
so much for "boring kicking rugby" comments of the modern day, here it is proven that even in the yester-years it was the more effective way of winning rugby, and that by the modern day "bleaters".
By
Anonymous, at August 26, 2009 7:28 pm
funny how the touch judges wear jackets back then
By
fantana, at August 26, 2009 10:05 pm
long live the mclaughlins!
By
Anonymous, at August 27, 2009 12:39 am
I found the committment of the players impressive, especially the Boks, they were just charging into rucks!
By
Canadian Content, at August 27, 2009 5:18 am
How can you not love the old stuff? :)
I dig it.. cheers. Great to learn about the history behind what's shaped the game as we know it today.
Funny how different Ellis Park was back then too.
By
Dave, at August 27, 2009 12:24 pm
Kicking a ball back then was like kicking a canonball....nice drop goal ...did it go over?
By
Unknown, at August 27, 2009 3:29 pm
i like how theres no nonsense of preparing yourself for a conversion. just give it a big toe-poke and see it fly over from the touchline. brilliant stuff
By
Anonymous, at August 27, 2009 10:21 pm
pulp fiction music
By
weiwie, at August 27, 2009 10:22 pm
Anonymous said... so much for "boring kicking rugby" comments of the modern day, here it is proven that even in the yester-years it was the more effective way of winning rugby, and that by the modern day "bleaters".
– Huh?! ... what a silly comment on so many levels. I can't even be bothered spelling out why, some heads are just too thick.
weiwie said... pulp fiction music
– So what's your point?
Anonymous said...that was a pretty nice drop goal considering the times
– It's a beauty but there were plenty of great long range kickers back then. I've even seen a clip of the NZ prop Ian Clarke (I think) kick a similar long drop for the Barbarians around about this time period.
Love these old clips RD, but you gotta wonder why there are so many lingering crowd shots when we just want to see how the game was played. Good stuff all the same.
By
Malcolm, at April 26, 2010 1:22 pm
Post a Comment
<< Home