MAORIS ON TOUR.

Auckland Star, Volume LVII, Issue 237, 6 October 1926, Page 7

MAORIS ON TOUR.

RUGBY TEAM AT HOME. THE BREACH WITH WALES. BOTH SIDES HAGGLING. LONDON, October 5. Mr. Frank Mitchell, in an article in the "Morning Post," says Rugby football is a game which requires good solid pluck, and the Welsh Union's rule has taken away a part of the game taat needed pluck and ability. It cannot be difficult to be a scrum half if the opponent is not allowed to molest him. The Maoris are right in objecting to being asked to play rules which have not been sanctioned by the International Board, says the writer. The matter of referees, iowever, is different. How can the Maoris know about the Welsh referees, he asks? It is astonishing that the Maoris have entered such a protest, and it can only be surmised that they are not being given the best advice. A little sportsmanship and a ' little less haggling would soon put the matter right. I The decision of the Welsh Rugby' Union has widened the breach with the Maoris. Although the union will permit I the clubs to agree to the selection of a referee it insists upon the use of the: off-side rule to which the Maoris have objected. lt is expected that the cancellation' of the matches in Wales is now unavoidable, but Mr. Wray still hopes that an amicable settlement will be reached. Recent games have taken a severe toll of the Maoris. J. Gemmell broke a small bone in one of his ankles at Lyons. S. Gemmell has water on the knee, the result of injuries received in the same game. Tae wound sustained by Barclay at Narbonne necessitated it being sewn up with four stitches. W. Robinson suffered a slight concussion of the brain. DECISION TO PLAY. (Received 1 p.m.) LONDON, October 5. It is announced that the Maoris will play under Welsh rules.—(Sydney "Sun."}