Description
An Introduction to Springboks Rugby Shirt 1953
Springboks Rugby Shirt 1953 South Africa. Our inspiration. The Ellis Rugby Rugby Shirt is inspired by the famous alternative 1953 Springboks Rugby team who played Australia in a four-Test series. The team was captained by Hennie Muller.
South Africa v Australia Test Series 1953
The 1953 Four Test series with the Australian Wallabies began at Ellis Park, Johannesburg. It drew a crowd of 72,000. And the Springboks won comfortably by 25 points to 3. They scored five tries through Salty du Rand, Tjol Lategan, and Buks Marais. Also, Hansie Oelofse and skipper Hennie Muller.
The Wallabies bounced back for the Second Test at Newlands Stadium, Cape Town. They surprised their hosts defeating them by 18 points to 14. While both teams scored four tries each. It was the accurate kicking of Ray Colbert and Eddie Stapleton that made the difference.
South Africa then secured the series with wins over Australia. The Third Test at Kingsmead, Durban by 18 points to 8. Finally, the fourth Test at the Crusader’s Ground, Port Elizabeth. Winning by 22 points to 9.
Legendary Springboks Captain – Hennie Muller
The Springboks Captain was the legendary Hennie Muller. He is famous for introducing a new style of play for a number 8 forward. This was after the post-war years. He was nicknamed, ‘Windhond’ or greyhound. When he first entered test rugby in 1949 he was arguably the fastest back-row forward in living memory. His speed was already legendary. And he put it to good use. He was an excellent and intelligent footballer who could run well. Handle the football like a back. And, also kicked with either foot. He Captained South Africa in 9 tests.
Hennie Muller’s Springboks of 1951/52 was a team on a mission. They would go on to complete a clean sweep of victories over the four Home Unions and France. But no single display would match their destruction of Scotland in the first international of the tour on November 24. In a game that has gone down in South African folklore. Described as the ‘Murrayfield Massacre’. Muller crossed for one of the nine tries that were scored in a vintage display of powerhouse rugby. The Springboks ran out 44-0 winners, a scoreline that was almost unheard of in its day.
Muller’s performance was a master-class of back-row play. With the intensity, you would expect from a man who admitted that he stopped talking to his wife. He did this three days before a Test. Because he was thinking about what he was going to do during the match.
Manufacturing
The Springboks Rugby Shirt 1953 South Africa. Manufactured from satin touch 100% cotton, the jersey features a detailed applique Crest. Please note we use Ecru colour, rather than pure white to create a vintaged aged look to the garment. Other features include a herringbone finish on the vents and tape on the neck opening. Also, we offer a vintage South Africa Rugby Collection.
Available in S to 5XL.
This product includes our unique ‘Story-Teller’ microchip. Scan the garment label on the front, just above the hem. A message will appear on iPhones, tap the icon and the video will launch. Android Smartphones often scan better if the back of the phone is placed over the label. Once the chip is detected the video will launch automatically on your phone.
Please note: The Ellis Rugby ‘Story-Teller’ is an additional feature to our garments. We will not accept returns. Or supply replacements if the tag does not work, or stops working during the garment’s life.
Here’s the video you will see, telling the story behind the garment –