DECISIVE HALF HOUR

The first half ended 0–0 and it was not until about 15 minutes after the interval that the first points were scored. From a scrum just inside the Maori half the ball went out to Lacaze on the left wing for France; he moved to about the Maori 25 and centre-kicked, to where Domenech, Crauste and Moncla charged; from the ensuing pack Moncla dived across and was awarded a try. Albaladejo attempted to goal, but the kick was disallowed. (The circumstances regarding this attempted conversion are still discussed today and there is no doubt that injustice is bound to occur occasionally unless a way is found to overcome the language difficulty.)

This score by the Frenchmen (3–0) seemed to make the Maoris try harder. First Walsh, then Yates made a break and always there was the relentless driving by the Maori forwards. About 7 minutes before the final whistle, from a scrum 15 yards from the French line and to the left of goal, the ball came back to half-back Marshall, a long almost balloon pass to Herewini, who, finding the way blocked, stopped and threw a long pass to Walters, travelling at speed on the blind; Walters moved through a gap towards the corner play, drawing the defence as he moved; then Ransley moved up on the inside of Walters taking a reverse pass at speed and dived over for what the crowd at McLean Park thought was one of the finest tries ever. This was what the crowd had been waiting for; hats, coats, papers were thrown into the air as the people acknowledged their team's effort. With the score now 3–3, everyone settled to watch Walters attempt to convert from about 3 yards from the sideline. It seemed too much to expect from this North Auckland art

The Frenchmen try to crash through the solid Maori defence. The Maori players are (left to right) W. R. Wordley, G. Koopu, H. Maniapoto, H. Piaka and J. Porima. (Russell Orr Studios)

teacher. Then suddenly the flags were up; pandemonium broke loose—we were leading 5–3 and about 3 minutes to go. Maori Rugby had been reinstated; we had beaten the Frenchmen.

FORWARDS WON THE MATCH

Press criticism on the game has been in my opinion unnecessarily severe. I do not think the game was unduly rough and I think the key to the Maoris' victory was that they had the fitter and stronger forward pack. The dominating feature of the match was the tremendous drive exerted by the Maori forwards. Maniapoto, the lineout anchor, fiery and fast, was always a threat to the Frenchman; Nathan and V. Yates, both superbly fit men, constantly harassed the French back line, and always looking for an opportunity to turn defence into attack, Wordley solid and dependable at all times, Piaka, Koopu, Walker and Porima all contributed to making this one of the mightiest Maori forward packs for many years.

The back lines were fairly evenly matched, but Walsh and Thompson made some penetrating bursts, with the few opportunities that came their way. Walsh and Walters were perhaps the pick of the Maori backs, Walsh, the Captain and perhaps the youngest “old” international Rugby representative ever, doing grand work on cover defence, while Walters, ever reliable as the last line of defence, showed his prowess was not confined to orthodox fullback play. Ransley and Yates showed dash on the wings and were always sound on defence. The link between Marshall and Herewini was not always sound, but they too showed great determination, especially on defence.

The match was truly an effort by the Maori team to regain the prestige which had slipped during the South African and British Isles tours of New Zealand. They tried tremendously hard at all times and succeeded, not by brilliant back play, but by determination and dedication to a task, which many thought was beyond them. Those of us who made the trip to Napier will always have vivid memories of this second encounter.

A reunion was held late in October to mark the thirty-year anniversary of Tawera Maori School whose roll has now 190 pupils.

⋆ ⋆ ⋆

The great East Coast mountain Hikurangi is now known to be exactly 5,753 feet high—the fifth highest in the North Island—the four higher ones being Egmont, Ruapehu, Tongariro, Ngauruhoe.

⋆ ⋆ ⋆

A £12,000 university scholarship is to be established as a memorial for Dr Maharaia Winiata. It will be worth about £600 a year and will be devoted to furthering studies in Maori sociology or education. Students must be of Maori descent to qualify for the scholarship.

The decision to set up this scholarship was taken at a conference of Maori leaders in Auckland last July. It is supported by Maharaia's home people at Judea; organizer of the appeal is Mr John Waititi, supported by a twelve man committee appointed by the conference.