who looked beneath the surface could see that not only was rugby being 'tried out', but 'it is the question of the manhood of the nation, the physical and mental vigour of the parent stock and the sapling that has sprung from it', and realizing this 'it behooves the men of England to show that [they] ... are as good as ever they were' Another observer, an

As with the 1905 All Blacks, match commentaries noted the relative fitness and physical ability of the South Africans, and a number of reports discussed their impressive speed in comparison with British players. The Springboks sparked immediate interest and speculation as to whether they would match the amazing record of the All Blacks, although some thought they would not win their international matches.52 The South Africans' 'splendid physique' was noted at the outset of the tour.53 Over 9,000 spectators witnessed their first match on 27 September 1906 against East Midlands at Northampton which South Africa won 37-0. Press reports commented on how the 'vigour ofthe South Africans' game demoralised their opponents, who were unable to maintain the pace' .54 Inevitable comparisons between the Springboks and All Blacks appeared almost daily, especially after the South Africans' second match against Midland Counties which they won 29-0. The New Zealanders had only defeated Midland Counties 21-5. As the Daily Chronicle reported, 'The Colonials have met the cream of the Midlands, and have made them look like thin skim milk' .55 After suffering defeat against Scotland, the Springboks rebounded against Ireland and then secured their reputation by defeating Wales easily 11-0 in front of 50,000 spectators at Swansea.