They Play For The Game's Sake

Manawatu Times, Volume 60, Issue 174, 26 July 1935, Page 6

They Play For The Game's Sake

"When the 1935 Maori llugby team arrived in Australia the promise was made that if their football did not please the spectators it would be due to no fault of the New Zealanders. They started their tour with a good win against Warwick, but three days later, when they met Queensland, their ranks had been depleted owing to an outbreak of influenza. The Maoris, however, started brilliantly to lead 17—11 at half-time. Then they fell away in condition and were eventually beaten 39—22. According to the Australian papers, the margin rather flattered Queensland and this was borne out in the second game last Saturday when Queensland Avas beaten 15 —13 in a thrilling game.

On the day the Maoris Avere definitely improved and the Press of Brisbane ventured the opinion that they should finish their tour Avithout further defeat. Their brilliant play had given a much-needed fillip to the game in Queensland and if for no other reason the tour has been Avell worth Avhile. It has always been recognised that the Maoris play Rugby football in a fashion all their own and that nothing more picturesque and thrilling can be imagined than their best football. As Sir Joynton Smith puts it, the Maoris play with the abandon and the glee of grown-up boys, to Avhom the game is as natural as playing at Avar.

The team plays NeAV South Wales to-morroAv and this game may prove one of the biggest tests of their tour. The cornstalk selectors have left nothing to chance, for a very strong side Avill be fielded, and the fact that the New South Wales Rugby Union sent Messrs. J. C. BlackAvood and S. C. King to Newcastle to spy out the talent there to stiffen the State team Avas an undoubted compliment to the proAvess of the Maoris.

Whether the New Zealanders are victorious to-morroAv or not does not really matter, but if they can get a fair share of the ball their opponents will find them very hard to stop and the spectators Avill witness «a match Avhich Avill thrill them as they have never been thrilled before.