Benjamin Beukes van Niekerk was perhaps the unluckiest man of the Tour, as he appeared in only five matches, and it must have been a pretty miserable winter for him, although he never seemed to lose his boyish smile and was probably as good a tourist as any. He was 'duty-boy' on the first Sunday at Eastbourne, and I recall his concern, even early in the morning, for poor Keith Oxlee who was suffering from toothache. Had not Bennie suffered from a series of injuries he would have been one of the most colourful playing charactcrs of the Tour, for, although not a big man as centres go, he was quick and had a good eye for an opening. He tackled well for his size, and if he enjoys better fortune in South Africa he should still make a Test side. When he came on tour he was a university student.