HARD RUCKING OF MAORI FORWARDS IS DEFENDED IN SYDNEY

Wanganui Chronicle, 31 May 1949, Page 5

HARD RUCKING OF MAORI FORWARDS IS DEFENDED IN SYDNEY

(N. Z. P. A. —Copy rifih t. J SYDNEY, May 3 (Rec. 6 p.m.)—The Maoris manager, Mr. S. Heather, today defended the hard rucking forward play of the team against New South Wales last Saturday. He claimed that the tactics, though vigorous, were perfectly legal and fair. “We are used to playing that type of football,” he added, “and will continue to play it. That is what forwards are for. In 1937 the Springboks played the same type of football as ours.”

The referee, Mr. L. C. Tomalin, said: “It was hard, vigorous rucking. If the ball is there the players are entitled to go for it. The Maoris were not like our fellows, who were halfhearted with their raking.” He spoke to only one Maori during the game and also cautioned one New South Wales forward.

In the Sydney “Sun” the Rugby writer, E. W. Kann, said he supported the view of Messrs. Heather and Tomalin that the Maori tactics were legal and that the “squeal” from the New South Wales camp was unjustified.

Roy Cawsey, chosen as half-back in the first Test match between Australia and the Maoris next Saturday, said he did not blame Burke for his showing. The New South Wales breakaways were at fault.