The South African High Commissioner , who was in the crowd , approached the Springboks and successfully persuaded them to play .
On learning they would be facing a black player , the South Africans refused to take to the field .
The South African High Commissioner , who was in the crowd , approached the South Africans and successfully persuaded South Africans to play .
On learning they would be facing a black player , the South Africans refused to take to the field .