Fast, Open Rugby Pleases Big Crowd

Chronicle (Levin), 19 July 1948, Page 3

Fast, Open Rugby Pleases Big Crowd

Press Association)

(Per

NEW PLYMOUTH, Juiy 18. Grand footbali was seen at New Plymouth by a crowd of 13,000' when the New Zealand Maori team defeated Taranaki by 13 (two converted tries. and a penalty goa'l) to 9 (two unconverted tries and a penalty goal)°in a fast, open game in fine weather. All round the Maoris were slightly better. Territorially there was little between the teams, one of the features of the game being the swiftness with which the scene of play clianged. The Maoris appeared more dangerous on attack except when Taranaki forwards got going in looso dribbling ruslies which- the Maori forwards did not relish. The Maoris were also adept . at this type of play. but .Used it primar-. ily as a means of obtaining control of the ball_so that the backs might be fed. The lieavier Maori forwards h&d a .sliglit advantage in both scrurus and iineouts. The Maoris repeatedly manoeuvred the Taranaki backs into passing the ball so that when the wingers obtained it tliey had at least two or three men to contend with. ■Mai} for man there was little between the b^cks but -the team work aniQng the Maoris was superior. Tries were seored for the Maoris by Smith and Proctor, Kenny convorting both and kicking a yienalty goa,l. Taranaki 's tries were scored by Roper. and O'Byrne who ;also kicked a penalty goai. • ■ > ;; v • .