When a test between the Springboks and Wallabies turned a Test into a boxing match
Long before TMOs, a 1937 Test between the Springboks and Wallabies descended into an extraordinary brawl.
In a 1937 rugby Test between the Springboks and Wallabies, the match turned into a chaotic, boxing match. The chaotic atmosphere was sparked by the Wallabies' premeditated ambush of Springboks' scrumhalf Pierre de Villiers. De Villiers, who was the smallest player on the field at just 62kg, was found unconscious after a ruck and had to be carried off the field by a furious Boy Louw.
The match became infamous for its violent clashes, with Springbok prop Harry "Kalfie" Martin tackling Wallaby Aubrey "Awesome Aub" Hodgson, leading to a series of punches and uppercuts between the two players. Newspapers were filled with photographs of the "Battle of Sydney Oval", but the Boks went on to win the match 26-17. Despite their rivalry, the teams had a history of bad-tempered matches, including the first Test of the series where the Boks won 17-3.
However, the two teams met again in the final match, with Boy Louw being knocked unconscious and his brother Boy Louw carrying him off the field. The match ended with Boy Louw questioning Fanie Louw's number, indicating the violent and chaotic state of the game.
Written by urgent.news from IOL's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
