THE MAORI ALL-BLACKS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 3554, 26 October 1926, Page 2

THE MAORI ALL-BLACKS.

SWANSEA FIFTEEN BEATEN

WELL DESERVED VICTORY.

London, Oct. 23.

There were twenty thousand spectators at the match between the Afaoris and Swansea, and the conditions were ideal for play, which was often brilliant, but mostly confined to the forwards, who controlled the game. The Maoris won by 11 points to 6. Swansea opened nervously, wild passing spoiling several chances. Bell scored a nice try for the visitors, which Potaka easily converted. D. Hopkins kicked a lovely penalty goal for Swansea. Then Potaka kicked a penalty goal for the Afaoris. Hopkins kicked a second penalty goal. Then in the last few minutes Pelham the Afaoris’ fullback, following up smartly, scored the easiest possible try. The Afaoris fully deserved their victory. On the general run of the play their superiority was even greater than the scores indicate.

Swansea played with great dash, but little skill. Their passing was extremely weak and much below the Welsh standard. Hopkins was the only man in the rear division doing well. The forwards showed to better advantage, but they were too much inclined to pick up the ball.

Potaka and Pelham were the outstanding men of the Afaoris’ back division. The forwards were sound, and held their opponents throughout. The crowd was disappointed with the Swansea form. Some feeling was introduced into the game in the closing stages by players on both sides, but the match generally was certainly not rough. There were a few stoppages and it was also remarkable for the fewness of the penalties. The Maoris’ kicking was miles ahead of Swansea’s, which was repeatedly short, in finding touch.