N.Z. MAORI TEAM

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29179, 13 April 1960, Page 26

N.Z. MAORI TEAM

Tour Of Tonga And Samoa

(New Zealand Press Association) AUCKLAND, April 12. There are few surprises among the 23 players chosen tonight for the New Zealand Maori Rugby team which is to tour Tonga and Samoa in May and June. One notable omission is M. H. Raureti, of Waikato, a centre three-quarters who played against the Lions last year and was regarded as a certainty for the tour.

The selectors have recalled two first five-eighths, E. H. Whatarau (Counties) and J. D. P. Taitoko (Wellington), who have not come into serious consideration for New Zealand Maori teams since they played for the Maoris against the Springboks in 1956. The team seems, apart from Raureti’s omission, to be the strongest possible. Two newcomers, H. Parkinson and W. Maniapoto, both of Bay of Plenty, are big forwards of considerable promise, and R. Wirepa, of Wellington, looks a solid prop. The team, chosen by Messrs W. Barclay, W. Sparks, T. Macdonald and T. Anderson, is:—. Full-backs: —M. Walters (North Auckland), M. Herewini (Auckland).

Three-quarters: T. Reedy (East Coast), H. Phillips (North Auckland), J. Wairiki (Auckland), D. Mathieson (Taranaki). Five-eighths:—E. J. Thompson (North Auckland), E. H. Whatarau (Counties), J. D. P. Taitoko (Wellington), S. Rutene (Poverty Bay). Half-back: —G. Jones (Horowhenua). Loose forwards:—-J. Grbich (Wellington), M. V. Bevan (Wellington), W. Nathan (Auckland), H. Parkinson (Bay of Plenty), H: Paiaka (King Country). Locks:—J. Porima (Waikato),M. H. Davis (Waikato), W. Maniapoto (Bay of Plenty). Props:—A. Pryor (Auckland), R. Wirepa (Wellington). Hookers: —W. Wordley (King Country), B. K. Jones (Manawatu). The selection of Wairiki depends upon his securing a favourable medical report on his broken jaw. The team will assemble in Auckland in the first week of May and will sail by the Matua.