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Salient. Victoria University Student Newspaper. Volume. 34, Number 10. 1971

Ian Dunn on Rugby

Ian Dunn on Rugby

A Rugby club fielding 17 teams and provided with the social facilities such as those enjoyed by our members should be titanic in strength—but this is not the case with the Vic club. The press openly speculates about the A's chances in the Hardham Cup—outsiders from other clubs describe the B's and the C's as the poorest such varsity teams they have seen for years and an ever-growing army of reserves for these teams includes players whose talents should not be allowed to languish like "some Village Hampden yet unborn" on the sideline.

A student's first priority is clear—studies are paramount. It is when second priorities are fixed that the vague boundary between sport and social life becomes almost indistinguishable. Rugby as one of the finest team games available offers an unrivalled opportunity to experience the type of comradene which the RSA assures us is only available to those who have fought wars overseas. (Which of course is baits.)

It is a fifteen-man game where 14 of the side are depending on the 15th not because they have to, not because they must do, but simply because they want to. That is the essence of team spirit and if you wish to play for a team it is your responsibility to present yourself in a degree of physical fitness which will ensure you last eighty minutes of match rugby.

Rugby should not be played to get fit—that sort of twaddle went when the playing-fields of Eton ceased producing those enlightened exponents of a colonizing civilisation which made Hitler's solution to "the Jewish question" resemble a garden party. Those who talk loudest and longest about not having enough time to train are those frequently seen in establishments which promote brewery profits!

One side enjoying early success is comprised entirely of students, some of whom are taking as many as five units. The members of this team would never qualify for Mick Bremner's skinheads but these same footballers all attended their regular practice at 8 pm following "Procesh" and after participation in those activities which are an integral part of that day. This is just one example of the loyalty of these players to each other, which loyalty is epitomised on the football field. Their enthusiastic playing of "true varsity football" has brought praise from Mick Bremner himself and their victories have been tribute to their attitudes to the game. These young men, the majority of whom have yet to turn 20, reflect great credit on their team, the club and themselves. It is to be hoped that their position in the grade at the end of the season will be an adequate indictment of those older footballers who have chosen to devalue their abilities by playing in grades which are beneath their individual talents and personal dignity.

I would be unfair if I were to describe these older players as members of "social" teams—rather. I prefer the circumlocution "those foot-ballers who play for sides which do not have regular and organised team training sessions". Those players should remember that they are "selling themselves short" and, albeit of secondary importance to cheapening their own image, are not helping the Club.

The form of the Junior 1st, 2nd and Under 19 sides is encouraging for the future, but the picadors have already commenced their blood- letting activities on the body of Victoria University Rugby, and the matador is poised for the moment of truth—so you more experienced players remember your obligations to your team, your club, and above all to yourselves, by playing in as high a grade as your abilities permit.