South African Public Not Players Blamed

Chronicle (Levin), 6 September 1948, Page 7

South African Public Not Players Blamed

Press Associationj

(Per

AUCKLAND, Sept. 5. The action of various bodies m passing resolutions criticising the enforcea omission^of Maori Rugby players from " the New -Zealand team to- tour South® Africa next year was deprecated by the Captain of the New-Zealand. Maori team and , the 'AU Black of 1946 and 1947, J. B. Smith, in an interview, 'states the New; Zealand Herald. Smith, who by general consent would be one of the ^irst players chosen in a fully representative New Zealand team, ' s,aid that, although Maori players were disappointed that they could not be selected for tl^e South African tour, they understood and appreciated the position. They realised that the ban on Maori players in the team was not due to any action of the New Zealand Rugby Union or the South African Rugby Board, but was really'a question of national policy so far as South Africa was concerned. "I piayed against South African Army Rugby team in the Middle East, and there was a good feeling of fellowship between the South African players and myself on and off the field," Mr. Smith said. "This feeling would probably apply among players during the tour of South Africa, even if; Maoris were included in the New Zealand team, but it would not be likely to apply so far. as the South African public were concerned, especially on the social side of the tour. Any Maoris in the team would then probably be i placed in an uncomfortable position."