N.Z. MAORI TEAM BEATEN

Press, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 25301, 29 September 1947, Page 5

N.Z. MAORI TEAM BEATEN

WELLINGTON’S CONVINCING WIN > WELLINGTON. Sept. 28. W elhngton s Rugby representatives compensated for some inconsistent displays this season by a convincing win over the New Zealand Maori side by 29 points to 8 on Saturday. It was Wellington’s biggest win, also the heaviest reverse suffered by’ the Maoris during the tour; in which they won five games, lost two, and drew one, totalling 148 points to 75. With the exception of a fine display by the Wellington forwards, Ward being outstanding in line-outs and Lloyd giving one of the best all-round performances of the season, the game was disappointing. The Maoris failed to settle down to their traditional spectacular Rugby. They made every effort, but co-ordination was lacking. A major factor in the inability of the Maoris’ backs to move smoothly into action was the astute ‘’spotting” of Proctor. the first five-eighths, by Lloyd, the Wellington loose forward, who stood well infield in the line-outs and in rucks adopted the old wing-forward role. As a result. Goldsmith, the half-back, was frequently compelled to swing play back to the forwards, which did not suit the team’s tactics.

The Maoris had a very strong-running three-quarters line in Puke. Carrington, and Cherrington. All three made some electrifying dashes, but their opportunities were limited.

Ward, Lloyd. MacLeod, and Wills scored tries for Wellington. Jaeger converted two tries and kicked a penalty goal, and Wishnowsky converted one try. James and Bevan each kicked a field goal. Goldsmith and Puke scored for the Maoris, McCarthy converting one try. In a curtain-raiser, Wellington B beat Wellington Maoris by 30 points to 18.