I was a mere youngster when I took part in the trials prior to the 1931/32 tour to the British Isles. I had only played for the Stellenbosch first team for a season and here I was, thrown in among the great Springboks of that time.

Ferdie Bergh was already an established player and a very good prospect to make the touring side, but not quite the certain selection he was to be for the rest of his career.

He came to me at half-time and said: "What have you got against me? Why don't you indicate that the ball should be thrown to me in the line-outs? Do you want me in the Springbok team or out of it?".

I replied: "Well that depends on you, its not up to me." "Then signal that the ball must be thrown to me!" he said.

After half-time I did guide the wing to send the ball to him on five or six occasions and each time he gathered it cleanly. He came to me after the game and asked: "How did I do?" and I replied: "You're a certainty for the Springbok team."

He made the team, went on to play in seventeen test matches for the Springboks, and became one of the best players of his time.