Maoris Outclassed By Auckland Team

Northern Advocate, 12 August 1948, Page 3

Maoris Outclassed By Auckland Team

Rugby

AUCKLAND. Thu. (Sp.)—The Maori Rugby touring team was outclassed by Auckland yesterday, being beaten by 83 points to 3. The Maoris looked tired and failed to combine effectively at any stage. v They had plenty of opportunities. Although Auckland gained the ball from the majority of scrums, the Mann hacks also had opportunities from these as well as from the line-outs and rucks.

For some reason—probably through adopting tactics used in Fiji—the ball was sent infield far too oftc-n. instead of going along the line to the threequarters.

As a consequence, J. B. Smith, the Maori captain and centre, had few chances on attack. Wild passing also lost some likely chances. J. Isaacs, L. Hohaia and J. Marriner were always 1o the fore in the Maori loose forward rushes, besides doing their full share in the tight exchanges. The two fullbacks, R. W. H. Scott, Auckland, and M. Kenny, both played well.

Scott converted six of Auckland's tries, and it was unusual tor him to miss the first conversion close to the posts. T"ies for Auckland were scored by Dovell. McLean, Boggs (2), Allen, McHugh and Christian, Kenny kicked a penalty goal for the Maoris.