MAORIS WIN

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29223, 6 June 1960, Page 12

MAORIS WIN

28-6 Victory Over Samoa

(N.Z. Press Association—Copyright)

APIA, June 5. The New Zealand Maoris defeated Western Samoa on Saturday in the first Rugby match ever played between the two sides by 28 to 6.

The Maori team was: M Walters: H. Phillips, M. H. Raureti, T. Reedy; E. J, Thompson, S. Rutene; G. Jones; J. Grbich; W. Nathan, J. Porima, W. Maniopoto; H. Paiaka, R. Wireta, W. Wordley (captain), and M. H. Davis.

For the Maoris there were tries by Phillips (two), Grbich (two), Nathan and Raureti, while Walters converted five tries. Samoa’s score came from tries by Mila, Vili and Gage. It was a hard game played under ideal conditions and on a firm ground. The Maoris tired noticeably towards the end when the heat began to take its toll.

Samoa today was captained by the former Wanganui Collegiate half-back, Pulusila. He led the team in fine fashion and it offered the Maoris the sternest test they have had in Samoa.

The game was a solid struggle in the forwards. The Samoan backs were better on the insides but the Maoris had a definite advantage in the three-quarters where Phillips was outstanding. He made some magnificent runs and scored two tries.

Walters again was safe at fullback and his kicking played a major part in the victory. Raureti played well at centre but was over-shadowed by the brilliant McFadyen for Samoa. Of the Maori forwards Grbich was the best, with solid support from Nathan and Paiaka in the loose play. In the tight Davis was an honest toiler, ably supported by Maniopoto and Wordley. Wordley today did not monopolise the scrums as he did on Wednesday and although the Samoan hooker, Nickel, weighs only 11 stone he played a grand game. The best try of the match came towards the end of play when Grbich playing at extra full back, picked up a kick through by Samoa and broke clear. He kicked ahead and caught the fullback. Phillips was on hand to dribble the ball over and score a fine try. The Maoris used their backs sparingly and were inclined to tighten up the play, especially late in the game. The score perhaps flattered the visitors and next Saturday’s second “test” is sure to be an interesting struggle.