MAURI RUGBY TEAM’S BIG WIN IN VICTORIA AGAINST SOUTH STATES

Wanganui Chronicle, 23 May 1949, Page 6

MAURI RUGBY TEAM’S BIG WIN IN VICTORIA AGAINST SOUTH STATES

MELBOURNE, May 22 (Recd. bpm) —A crowd of 10,000, the second largest in the history of the Rugby Union code, saw (fie Maoris defeat Southern States by 35 points to eight. Tlie Maoris were accorded the honour of being the second international union side to play on the Melbourne cricket ground. Midway in the second half Couch dislocated his le.t shoulder and exchanged places with the winger, Cherrington. After the game the shoulder was reslipped into position. Couch says a similar acc.tient occurred to his right shoulder in New Zealand last year. He hopes to be Jit to play against New South Wales in Sydney on Saturday. The physique of the Maori forwards astonished the southerners. They outweighed the Australians almost by two stone a man. Despite the weight disadvantage, the southern hooker, N. Freckiington, was little inferior, whilst an English expoliceman held Blake in the lineouts. The superiority of the Maori forwards was established in rucking and from this the half-back set the backs moving. Orthodox tries followed. Kenny made an extra man on many occasions. Couch penetrated weak tackling opposite W. Moreland. Beasley made a successful wing debut, scoring three copybook tries. Cherrington thrilled by his iastness, frequently palming off K. Palmer. The ground was holding, the Maoris revelling in the conditions, featuring surefootedness, and neatness in handling, but their task was easy as their opponents were not notable for skill, though they were game tacklers. Oftimes the Maoris intercepted wild passes and converted defence into attack, with the forwards backing up. Mr. French, the Manager, will need to pay attention to the tackling of the Maoris, which was unsatisfactory, though no doubt they will do better under more testing conditions. The Mao-is play Canberra on Wednesday: Scores were:— Maoris 35 Beasley three, Couch two, Cherrington two, Taylor and Smith, tries; Kenny four goals. Southern States, 8; R. Keating a try, R Noble a goal, W. Morland a field goal.