THE MAORIS TOUR

Taranaki Daily News, 24 November 1926, Page 2

THE MAORIS TOUR

EASY WIN AT CLERMONT-FERRAND. FORWARDS GIVE BACKS CHANCE. (From Our Own Correspondent.) Paris, Oct. 14. In defeating a team representing the Central Plateau to-day by l(i points to three, the Maori Rugby team obtained its eighth consecutive victory in France. The match was played at the municipal stadium, Clermont-Ferrand, on one of the finest football grounds I have seen, it was obvious that a great deal of attention had been paid to keeping the turf in order, and it was .certainly in excellent condition. The day was very hot and close, and about 5000 people witnessed the match. From the kick-off it seemed clear that the Maoris would have no difficulty in securing another win, and for the first ha If-hour they showed fine combination, back and forward. The forwards were at last getting their share of the ball from the scrums, and giving the backs a chance. During the second spell play was patchy, the Maoris appearing to be content with a comfortable win. The Maori backs showed up well individually, but the passing was inclined to be erratic, and once or twice the ball went right through to the wing threequarter with very little ground being gained. A five-eighth of the Cooke type is needed, and who knows but that he may still reveal himself? Falwasser and Lockwood both showed up well on the wings, the former making several thrilling runs. Mete played ap excellent game, being very safe as usual, and making numerous openings for his backs. It is a pity he has not more pace, as lie is a very promising player. Potaka, Shortland and Wineera all played solidly, and Bell easily retained his reputation as a wing forward. Of the forwards Rika, Manihera, Ta-tan a, Haupapa and Stewart all played well. Rika is a fine all-round player, and is playing very, consistently. The French team, with a few exceptions,' gave a very unimpressive display. Several of the players were apparently very inexperienced, and have a lot to learn of the finer points of the game. Puec-h was easily the best forward. and he was especially successful in the line-outs, where lie used his height to good advantage. The serum half, Boucheron, was very smart in getting the ball away from the scrum, and of the other backs Nougal and Simon were beet. The 'Maoris attacked immediately from the kick-off, and from several serums in the blue half the Maori backs got going, Mete being prominent in making two good openings. Good defence by Marmayou and Savy, however, kept the blacks out, and after Falwasser had mulled the ball the centre booted through. Potaka ran back, and, picking up, elected to find touch instead of forcing. A line-out and a scrum near the black line were followed by a great run by Potaka, who passed to Falwasser, but the wing was well tackled. The Maori forwards were still having success with the scrums, and Short-land twice sent his backs away, but the inside men were unable to get through the French defence. Then from a scrum Bell made a good opening, and sent Falwasser away, the wing side-stepping the fullback to score an excellent try. Potaka failed with the kick. Maoris 3, Centre 0.

Play continued in (blue territory for some time, the only incidents of note being an unsuccessful attempt at a goal from a mark by Potaka. and a forcedown by the Centre. From the dropout the Centre regained possession and punted, but Shortland, running back, fielded brilliantly, and passed to Phillips, who found touch. From the lineout the blue backs made a good run, Simon centring, but Phillips marked. The Maoris returned to the attack, and Mete and Phillips both made good runs through the Frenchmen, but' the movements ended with the originators. A counter-attack by the Centre was, however, almost successful owing to the bad tackling by the New Zealanders. A five-yard scrum was ordered, Manihera giving relief by dribbling away to the twenty-five. Here Falwasser made a great solo run of 50 yards, eluding several tacklers, but he was forced out at the blue twenty-five. The Maoris continued to have the upper hand until half-time, which sounded without further score. Maoris 3, Centre 0. Five minutes after resumption a loose rush by the Maori forwards ended in Haupapa passing to Manihera, who scored. Potaka converted. Maoris 8, Central 0.

A pass from Potaka to Falwasser went into touch close to the French line, but the Centre obtained possession and punted. Phillips fielded, 'and made an excellent attempt at a long pot at goal. From the drop-out Falwasser made a good run and centred, and then Lockwood obtairied possession and got over, but instead of touching down continued his way and. eluding several players of the Centre, placed the ball under the bar. Potaka had no difficulty in making the score: Maoris 13. Centre 3. After a period of quiet play, a sudden counter-attack by the blues left Hue a clear field, but Phillips overtook him on the line and prevented his forcing. The referee, however, ruled that Punsola, who was waiting for a pass from Hue, was obstructed, and awarded a penalty try. There was no conversion, the score being: Maoris 13, Centre 3.

The blacks continued to have the better of the game, and from a scrum Bell kicked across to his backs, where Lockwood picked up and, threading his way across the field through the whole of the French rearguard, passed to Stewart. Falwasser was handy for the next pass, and scored his second try, diving over in the corner. The kick was too much for Potaka, and the game ended with the scoreh Maoris 16, Centre 3. During their stiLV at Clermont-Ferrand the Maoris were allowed the use of the very fine tepid swimming pool of the Montferrand Sports Association. The pool is the gift of M. Michelin, of motor-tyre fame, whose works are. in the city. On Wednesday evening a carnival was held in honour of the,Maoris, several of the players taking part in the events. Dick Pelham, the well-known Auckland swimmer. and. ex-New Zealand 440 yards champion, won the 100 metres open race in Imin lOsec, and also took part in the diving contest. In the 250 metres relay race (five swimmers) the Maoris entered a team consisting of Pelham. Love, Phillips and Haupapa. Pelham swimming twice. The New Zealand team gained second place in this event. It is surely up to the French Rugby authorities to supply their plavers with more substantial nether gear. The game st Clermont-Ferrand was stopped on no less than four occasions to -allow players to don fresh shorts.