A Terrific Rugby Trio by Kara Puketapu It must be most gratifying to followers and players of Rugby to see so many Maoris achieving high honours in the code. The year 1962 will be remembered from the Maori Rugby viewpoint as being one of the finest ever. Two of New Zealand's best loose forwards on the international field, Waka Nathan and Victor Yates, were Maoris, and then eventual recognition was given to the brilliance of Mac Herewini, a first five-eighth with a glorious future in the sport.

Provincial Teams Also Nor is such prominence to be found only on the international plane, for there are also to be found strong and continual challenges by increasing numbers of Maori players for position in provincial teams. To recall a few, there were: Porima, Raureti (Waikato). Maniapoto, Walsh, Herewini, Pryor, Nathan, Rangi (Auckland, holders of the Ranfurly Shield). Nicholls, Taitoko (Manawatu). Walters, Yates (North Auckland). Tapsell, Orme, Taiaroa (New Zealand Universities). Mahupoka (Wairarapa). These are only a few of them; there were dozens more. In the East Coast, Hawkes Bay, Counties, King Country, Taranaki, and the other provincial sides Maori players were present in large and representative numbers. New Zealand can boast of having many excellent Maori rugby players right down to Club level.

Among ‘Greats’ of 1962 In picking out the ‘greats’ of 1962 it would not be permissible to go past the northern quartet of Walsh, Herewini, Yates and Nathan. All but Walsh, a past All Black of some distinction, made the 1962 New Zealand team that toured Australia and played the Australian touring side in New Zealand later in the year. I feel that Walsh was most unlucky in not being selected to an All Black side this year. He has been the pivot and ‘nursery man’ for the brilliant Herewini—a combination upon which Auckland shield successes must have rested strongly. As individuals, this year's All Black trio proved themselves as true internationals. Victor Yates, though his form was not what it was in 1961 against the Frenchmen, still showed that he will be a very strong contender for the British Isles tour in 1963–64. Mac Herewini, even if he keeps only reasonable form, can ‘pack his bags’. The same can be said of Waka Nathan, and perhaps there will be other Maori players on the scene as well next year. The trio are an example of the trend in Rugby which I discussed last March in ‘Te Ao Hou’. Maori backs have always been a feature