Rugby Shorts
The South Africa Springboks tour of the UK came to a disappointing end when they lost 6-0 to a Barbarians side composed of match winners on this day in rugby history in1961. It is considered one of the Baa-Baas best victories.
The unusually hard fought match, however, instilled a mutual respect from both teams and before returning to South Africa the side presented the side a mounted Springbok head. With no clubhouse, the Barbarian displayed the gift at Penarth's Esplanade Hotel.
--- The official gear of the Barbarians is available at the World Rugby Shop. And make sure you have official Springboks rugby jerseys as well. Get in the Gear! ---
The Springboks, captained by Avril Malan, brought a take-no-prisoners, forward oriented game plan with intimidation a key element to the UK and it proved successful with wins over Wales, Ireland, England (twice) and Scotland under their belt.
The focus was such that the side took part in little socializing that accompanied most tours so they were not very poplar by the hosts.
The Barbarian pack played a well disciplined game and largely responsible for the win but it was the bone-crunching tackle by Swansea full-back Haydn Mainwaring's on captain Malan that was left a permanent memory in the fan’s minds.
Rugby Birthdays
1988 - Eoin McDowell, Irish rugby player
