Fullback part of historic tour

AFTER an excellent showing in the 1951 trials, Transvaal fullback John Ulrich Buchler was selected for the tour to the British isles and France in 1951-52 at the age of 21. He was the youngest member of the squad, and final survivor.

On the tour he played in 14 matches. He made his Test debut in the match against Scotland in Edinburgh which was won 44-0 by South Africa, a record score for Test rugby at the time.

He played in all five Test matches on the tour which were all won by the South Africans.

The 1951-52 team has been described as the best all-round Springbok team to tour Britain and France, losing only one of 31 matches on the arduous tour.

Border’s Basil Kenyon had been appointed captain of the team but an eye injury against North-East Counties in the eighth match of the tour meant that vice-captain Hennie Muller took over and led the Boks from then on.

Buchler played in all four internationals against the Australian team which toured South Africa in 1953 but missed the series against the British Lions in 1955.

He was then selected for the six-month tour of Australia and New Zealand in 1956 as a reserve fullback along with captain Stefanus “Basie” Vivier. Of the six Test matches on that tour, he only played in the second Test against Australia in Brisbane, won 9-0 by South Africa, and on the tour he played in eight games.

In his 10 Tests he was only on the losing side once when Australia won the second Test at Newlands 18-14 in 1953 and he finished his Test career with eight points, made up of one conversion, one penalty and one drop goal, all scored in 1953.

He was considered by SA Rugby Union president Danie Craven as being a very religious person with rock-solid defensive skills and a strong kick for touch.