BRITISH TO PLAY MAORIS’ TEAM.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 19116, 8 July 1930, Page 6

BRITISH TO PLAY MAORIS’ TEAM.

CONTEST SHOULD BE VERY SPECTACULAR. (Special to the “Star.”) WELLINGTON, July 8. There is every prospect of the game between the Maori and the British Rugby teams, to be played at Athletic Park to-morrow afternoon, being one of the most spectacular of the tour. The Maoris invariably provide football of an entertaining order, and they are looking forward to this contest as an event in which they must give of their best. They have been to the Horowhenua district for final preparation for the match The British team is also anticipating a bright, enjoyable game to-morrow, aqd, knowing the quality of the Maori footballers, they are expecting strong opposition. The following teams have been selected for to-morrow's big match:— Great Britain. Full-back—J. Bassett. Three-quarters—A. L. Novis, C. D. Aarvold, T. E. Jones-Davies, J. Morley. Standoff Half—H. M. Bowcott. Scrum Half—R. Spong. Front Row Forwards—D. A. Kendrew, D. Parker, H. O’Neill. Middle Row Forwards—B. 11. Black, J. L. Farrell. Back Row Forwards—F. D. Prentice (captain), G. R. Beamish and Jones. Maoris. Full-back—G. Nepia (East Coast). Three-quarters—J. Ruru (Hawke’s Bay), R. Pelham (Wellington), R. Watson (Taranaki). Five-eighths—T. Robinson (Taranaki), K. Ropata (Marlborough). Half-back—H. Harrison (East Coast). Wing Forward—R. Bell (Southland). Forwards—R. Oxley (Wanganui), R. Wanoa (Hawke’s Bay), W. Reside (Wairarapa), M. Kahu (Auckland), Toby Robinson (Canterbury), J. Leach (East Coast), J. Gemmell (Hawke's Bay). Emergencies—Forward: T. Reid (East Coast). Back—E. Howell (Poverty Bay). Mr F. Sutherland, of Auckland, will be the referee.

After the game to-morrow, the Maori people are to give a complimentary dinner to the teams, and this function will be followed by an entertainment on a large scale in the Town Hall. Representatives of many tribes will be taking part in this event, which, it is stated, will be the best of its kind seen in Wellington for over twenty years. CHANGES PREDICTED IN N.Z. TEST TEAM. (Special to the “Star.”) AUCKLAND, July 8. It is believed here that Lucas, Oliver, Steere and Hazlett are likely to be replaced for the third test, unless Lucas succeeds Oliver. Against the latter theory is the present rumour that Minns has received a telegram to hold himself in readiness. Another Aucklander mentioned as having received good news from the selectors is L. Knight despite the fact that he was not among the thirty-three players who paraded for the final trial at Wellington on June 11. Aucklanders will not be surprised to see Lilburne back in the team, with Innes a possibility. Harvey’s chances are favoured for lock, as Alley, like Knight, was not in the final trial. The best lock in New Zealand, however is considered to be Wanoa (Hawke’s Bay) and he seems the likeliest of the Maoris to be selected, unless Wednesday’s game at Wellington unearths new three-qu-" ers. FIXTURES ARRANGED FOR N.Z. LEAGUE TEAM (United Press Assn.—By Electrio Telegraph—Copyright.) (Received July 8, 10.30 a.m.) SYDNEY, July 8. The New South Wales Rugby League has fixed certain dates for the New Zealand tour, as follows: August 4—V. Metropolis. August 9—V. New South Wales. August 13—V. Combined Universities. Clark, the New Zealand player who was ordered off on Saturday, is not playing until next Monday. Brosnan, the Australian, did not appear. Mr Neill has been appointed referee for Saturday’s match against New South Wales. Timms and Tittleton, who were injured, and Mr Wetherill, who is suffering from inflammation of the ear, are not going to Bathurst, where Meyer, Pearce and Jones are making their first appearance. Strong remarks were made at the Rugby League executive regarding the inactivity of the Board of Control affecting the tours of New Zealand, and it was decided that the New South Wales and Queensland committees should confer with the touring managers with a view to a regular programme, helping in the development of the game in both countries.