Rugby League 32-2 WIN FOR FRANCE IN FIRST GAME OF N.Z. TOUR

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29262, 21 July 1960, Page 21

Rugby League 32-2 WIN FOR FRANCE IN FIRST GAME OF N.Z. TOUR

<Neio Zealand Press Association)

HUNTLY. July 20. After a good deal of rain Davies Park, Huntly. was soft for the opening match of the French Rugby League team's New Zealand tour against Waikato today. Winning by 32 points to 2, France showed that it will be very hard to beat on its New Zealand tour. Some of the handling and passing of the French team was remarkable. The conditions were worse than any encountered by France on its Australian tour. The teams were: France.—L. Poletti; G. Benzausse, B. Fabre, C. Mantoulan; A. Peducut, A Jimenez: J. Guiraud; A Marty, R. Eramouspe, J. Barthe, A. Boldini, A. Vadon, M Waikato.—O. Hinton; G. Caywood, R. Tait, A Berryman; R. Spiers, B. Porteous; G. Farrar; B Barrakat, D. Solomon, N, Smith, D. Dow. R. Shearan, A. Lindop. France soon started the scoring with a good try by Guirand after a movement in which an overlap was used to advantage. The width of passing by the French backs, and their strong running and clever backing-up soon brought two more tries. The first was scored by Benausse and the second by Mantoulin after a kick ahead by Benausse at the end of a passing rush. Even the slippery ground, part of which was covered by straw, could not neutralise the clever footwork of the French backs. Soon they swung into action again, and Fabre bolted away for a try in a handy position. Guirand converted to give France a 14-0 lead. After Hinton missed a penalty kick Waikato stayed on attack

for a few minute*. Waikato pressed hard after a dropped pass by France inside it* twentyfive. but could not penetrate the solid French defence.

Waikato's point* came with a penalty goal by the captain. Berryman. The Waikato defence had tightened up. and France found much more difficulty in penetrating. Waikato had another turn on attack and several determined rushes took place Just before half-time, at which tr« score was France 14, Waikato 2. The second half began in misty rain. Solomon showed up in a solo run and the home team nearly scored. The rain became heavier, and a moderate wind favoured France.

After some indecisive play in the front rows in a Scrum the referee called them to order.

Soon France went further ahead with a try by Marty, which Guirand converted. A brilliant run by Fabre put France strongly on attack. In spite of the slushy ground Fabre changed direction very adroitly. A minute later Guirand scored a try to give France a 22-2 lead.

A devastating run by Barthe in France’s 25 started one of the best movements of the day. It was finished by Poletti. who moved up smartly from fullback. Guirand converted.

In the final stages play went up and down field with neither side able to finish oft movements, but just before the end France went further ahead with a try by Marty, converted by Guirand.