FOOTBALL.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXIII, 13 October 1926, Page 10

FOOTBALL.

MAORI TEAM IN FRANCE. By Cablo —Pr«»» A«acl»t:on— OopyrleM. Australian and -N.7-. Cablo AssoMatian. PARIS, October 11. Newspapers describe tlie Maoris’ form as disappointing to the public, "'ho escpectod the sains class as the last, famous AH Blacks. “Le Petit Parisian” says their strategy was rudimentary. Several papers condemn spectators [ making an uproar because the referee '■ gave the Maoris a free kick, from which they scored. I “Le Journal” describes the incident 1 as a disgraceful outburst of sporting jingoism. LAGK OF RESTRAINT. ■ MAORIS’ CHIEF WEAKNESS. I .. ‘ LONDON. October 11. The “Evening News” Paris correspendent says the Maoris’ chief weakness is lack of restraint, 'i'he forwards are formidable, especially in the loose, but the lack of cleverness, wild kicking and passing spoil many chances. • If they curbed their recklessness, their , play would improve 100 per cent. The back play lacks inspiration. It is too stereotyped. The team does not spare itself, and plays a robust, good-temper-ed, clean, sporting game. DEFEAT ADMITTED. (Received October 12, 7.40 p.m.) LONDON, October 12. The Paris correspondent of the “Daily News” states that the Maoris depart for London to-morroiv, and return to Paris on December 4. Barclay admits that the team were beaten because they played badly. This i.s attributable partially to French cooking. They wore out of sorts, and six were really indisposed.