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Springbok Tour - When the tour came to town

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Description: Manawatū Standard article about the 1981 Springboks tour and the role protesters played in the anti-our movement. The Springboks vs All Blacks game on 1 August 1981 in Palmerston North was marred by protest, conflict between rugby supporters, anti-tour protesters and the police. Thousands of people demonstrated, clashing with rugby supporters in several locations. National anti-tour protest groups Hart and Mast organised local protest marchers. The showgrounds were barricaded with large containers and fences topped with barbed wire to keep out opposition to the game.

The game was attended by more than 20,000 spectators. It was a close game, won by the visitors 31-19.

Many felt the game should not have gone ahead. A week earlier, the game in Hamilton had been stopped by protesters marching on the rugby field. Police wanted no repeat of a stopped game. Those opposed to the tour included activist Penny Poutu, local councillors, local All Black Bob Burgess, and unionist Roger Middlemass.