Australia, Fiji Draw Three-All In Test

Press, Volume C, Issue 29555, 3 July 1961, Page 14

Australia, Fiji Draw Three-All In Test

MELBOURNE, July 2. Fiji forced Australia to a tltree-all draw in the third and final Rugby Union test which finished with a brawl among both sets of forwards at Olympic Park yesterday. The match was generally the Fijians way and they were unlucky to finish the series without a test win. Australia led 3-0 at halftime, then Fiji levelled the scores with eight minutes of play left. The match was a punishing display of high tackles by the Fiji side which showed more determination than in

(N.Z. Press Association-Copyright)

the Brisbane and Sydney tests. The Australian full-back, R, Phelps suffered a possible broken nose—his fifth in his football career—when he was late tackled by the Fiji winger, J. Levula. This happened in the second half when Phelps did not have possession of the ball. Australia was without its regular five-eighith and goal kicker, J. Dowse and winger, T. Magrath. Dowse had withdrawn because of an ankle injury and Magrath was declared unfit earlier in the week because of a shin injury The centre, B. Ellwood, took over the goal-kicking but missed aU four of his attempts. This cost Australia the chance of a clean sweep in the three tests rubber. Levula scored his first try in a test match against Australia and this try gained his side the draw. Levula toured Australia in 1952 and 1954 and played in most of the tests but had not scored a try against Australia. Once again his unorthodox play thrilled the crowd. He was given a caution late in the game for talking back to the referee, Mr R. Vanderfleld. Scores:— Australia: J. Lisle, a try. Fiji: J. Levula, a try. Canterbury Maori Team Chosen The Canterbury Maori Rugby team to play the Hurunui Sub-union at Rugby Park on Wednesday, at 2.30 pm, is:— Backs.—G. Waterreus; B Tai, T. Miller, M. Dick; E. Tutairangi, R. Taiaroa, F. Delamore, S. Poi, T. Rutene. M. Taiaroa, R. Stubberfield Forwards t-R, Wainohu, W Flavell. S. Rarere. N. Karauria, F. Jackson, R. Christie. J. Thompson, D. Couch. D Shaw, H. Stuart. D. Murray, A. Warriki. Those not available ring Rakena, 62-689. Malvern Training Squad The following Malvern Rugby Sub-union players are asked to attend training at Darfleld on Wednesday, July 5, at 7.30 pm.: G. Kenney. S. Clucaa, P. McGrath, B. Smith, P. Rice, M Milliken, L. Innec, J. Waite. R Wilson. J. Gunn. J. Hotop. S. Mitchell. K. Laney, J. McNamara, R. Adams. F Adams. R. Irvine, H. Mitchell. M. Calder, J. Feast. D. Eaatmond. Any player not available please Ring 32K. Sheffield —Advt.