Maoris beat Fijians

Press, 1 September 1980, Page 19

Maoris beat Fijians

PA Rotorua The New Zealand Maoris recovered from a shaky start to defeat the touring Fiji rugby side, 22-9,-at rotorua on Saturday. For the first 20 minutes .the Fijiians were camped in the Maoris’ half and - their failure to score' in this period of domination may have cost them the game. ■ Sensing they had -been. let off the hook the Maoris

stormed into the Fiji half for one of the first times in the match and were rewarded with a try to their No. 8, Dail Atkins. From a scrum, two metres out from the Fijian line, Atkins detached and crashed over-, to score. The try was converted by Richard Dunn and against the run of play the Maoris were leading by six points. This boost was all the Maoris needed and five min-

utes later they scored again, During the latter stages of the half the Maori' forwards stamped their dominance on the game with the big lock. Jim Love, and Paul Tuoro outstanding. Scorers:-New Zealand Maoris: Fred Woodman, Dail Atkins, Frank Shelford tries; Richard Dunn 2 penalties and two conversions, 22 Fiji: Senivalati Laulau a try. Samisoni Viriviri a penalty and a conversion, 9.