MAORIS SEAT BLACKHEATH.

Taranaki Daily News, 7 January 1927, Page 10

MAORIS SEAT BLACKHEATH.

A FINE DISPLAY. , (From Our- Own Correspondent). London, Nov. 15. The Maori Rugby team have played their second and last match in London, and they had the satisfaction of beating Blackheath. Indeed, under wretched conditions they gave perhaps the best display of their tour. The Prince of Wales was present, and he went on to the field, and was introduced to the members of both teams. He has few opportunities to watch the rugger game, but it is one which, because of its risks, appeals to his imagination, and he was delighted with the play of the Maoris. The tourists just miss being a really great team owing to a weakness in the centre of the threequarter line. The wings, Falwasser and Phillips, are most dangerous, but they are starved for want of opportunities, and on this account the scoring power is reduced. Forward the men are typical New Zealand players, and they are unfortunate to have behind them backs who cannot make the fullest use of their chances. So far as the professional New Zealand League tourists are concerned, their internal troubles appear to be over, and better results are now being achieved. It is understood that there is a possibility of several of them staying in this country, and with this end in view a big effort is being made to amend the agreement so far as it relates jo the residential qualification of Colonials. If this is not done in time, the men will return home, and will then ■have to be brought back at considerable expense. NOTES AND NEWS. On the day prior to tin match against Devon the Maoris were the guests of Lord Mildmay at his residence at Flete, about 12 miles from Plymouth. They had lunch at the castle, and spent a pleasant afternoon looking over the grounds, stables, etc., following later with a “sing-song.” While in Cardiff, the team was taken through the castle there. This castle is one of thirteen owned by the Earl of Bute, and is magnificently furnished. The library alone contained books to the value of hundreds of thousands of pounds, while the decorations of some of the rooms are magnificent ftoe room is decorated entirely with 22 carat virgin gold leaf. During their stay at Cardiff, the Maoris also visited Newport to see the match between Oxford University and the Newport Club. In spite of bad weather during the week the ground was in good condition, and Newport ran up a score of 33 points to 7 try means of fine passing movements. V. Griffiths, who played an outstanding game against the Maoris, was tho beat back on the field, and made brilliant openings again and again. The defence of the ’Varsity backa was very weak at times, this fact adding greatly to Newport’s success Newport's score consisted of nine tries, one of which was converted and a potted goal, while Oxford scored a converted try and a potted goal. In my opinion this game showed clearly the effect of the new Welsh rule, by which no player may advance ahead of the front lino of his forwards in the scrummage until the ball is clear. Newport obtained most of the ball, and the backs were well away before Oxford could smother the movements. The rule eaters for the backs only, and makes the half-backs position comparatively easy. /The scrum might as well be done away with except for a couple of players with such a rule in operation. The following players are on the sick list: J. Stew-art, broken nose; W. Potaka, sprained ankle; and W. Barclay, sprained back. They are all unfit to play. In addition several of the players are suffering from various injuries, but continue to play in spite of doctors' orders. Rika, Tatana and Olsen have been suffering from cauliflower ears. Bell has returned to the team after a spell tn hospital.