of the provincial team became more significant. Local

The fortunes of the provincial team became more significant. Local media gave much coverage to the team, its players and its results. Regional pride was staked on the performance of the representative Xv. A major reason for this new emphasis was to be found in Natal's failure to retain some political autonomy in 1910. When South Africa was united, Natal's preference for a federal system was defeated and a union was established. But separatist feelings were still strongly expressed.64 In 1910 Natal adopted an official blazer and in 1912 succeeded in getting its first player, L. Randles, selected as a reserve to the national squad. The strength of the representative XV and the efficiency of its administration were all held to reflect on the province more generally. With its rise in status, the sport now received special treatment. In 1910, for example, a British touring team played in Pietermaritzburg and the mayor requested businesses to close early to accommodate popular interest in the game and to ensure a sizeable crowd.65 From this point on, administrators concentrated less on promoting the game inside the province, and more on getting the best representative team and ensuring its best possible performance. A manager was now employed to coach the team while engaged in Currie Cup duty.66