Maoris set for venture into valleys

Press, 26 October 1982, Page 40

Maoris set for venture into valleys

NZPA Swansea The passion of the Welsh valleys is standing ready to supplant the sophistication of Cardiff as the New Zealand Maoris prepare for their next match against Maesteg early Thursday morning (N.Z. time). The club which is rarely visited by touring sides, has been awarded a game against the Maoris to celebrate its centenary year. Its recent form sugges'ts it is ready to throw a strong dose of traditional valleys rugby at the tourists. Maesteg’s no-nonsense approach saw it finish sixth behind the big names of Cardiff. Pontypool. Swansea. Bridgend and Llanelli in last season's Welsh club championship and it recently handed Cardiff a 31-24 defeat. Its approach to the game possesses little of the supposed style and sophistication — some would say lack of imagination — 'which marks the game in Cardiff and some of the other larger Welsh towns. “They’ll hoof the ball down the field and chase like mad." was the rather disparaging view of Maesteg’s offered by one Cardiff forward more accustomed to popping his head out of a maul to see Gareth Davies’ kick, carrying play 40 metres down field. Maesteg is unfortunate in that its two most noted players are both doubtful for Thursday. The full-back Gwyn Evans, who kicked a record 48 points for Wales in its five internationals last season, aggravated a rib cartilege injury during a club match

last week while its Wales B No. 8 John Thomas, is also doubtful with a similar injury. Evans is most noted as a goal-kicker but he showed a measure of expertise at coming into the line in his first full season for Wales. Nine New Zealand Maoris will make their Welsh tour debut in the match against Maesteg. The selection panel of the manager. Waka Nathan, the coach. Percy Erceg, and the captain. Paul Quinn, have opted to play all those who did not take the field in Saturday’s 17-10 win over Cardiff with the exception of the prop. Scott Crichton, and the lock. Jim Love. Crichton, who is recovering from an ankle sprain, is in the reserves. Love is recovering from a hamstring strain and was not considered for selection, along with the full-back. Warren McLean, who suffered a knee ligament strain on Saturday. The team is Andy Baker (Waikato), Kawhena Woodman (North Auckland). Victor Simpson (Canterbury). Robert Kururangi (Counties). Steve Pokere (Southland). Tu Wyllie (Wellington). Paul Blake (Hawkes Bay), Colin Cooper (Taranaki), Paul Quinn. (Wellington) or Frank Shelford (Bay of Plenty), Miiah Melsom (Waikato), Hud Rickit (Waikato), Paul Tuoro (Counties). Bill Bush (Canterbury), Felix O’Carroll (Taranaki). Kevin Boreovich (King Country). Reserves: Richard Dunn (Auckland), Eddie Dunn (North Auckland), Mike Clamp (Wellington), Carl Baker (Wairarapa), Scott Crichton (Wellington). Bruce Hemara (Manawatu).