Underrated Romania Scores First Off

The European champions of rugby were somewhat underrated when they commenced their New Zealand tour in Gisborne. More than 10,000 enthusiasts saw the Romanians first match on New Zealand soil at Rugby Park. They defeated the home team by 19 to 12.

The Romanians line up on the field prior to the game before the very large crowd. From left, Alexandru Pop (captain), Georghe Daraban, Georghe Dumitru, Dumitru Masat, Constantin Fugigi, Constantin Dinu, Mircea Munteanu, Vasile Turlea, Mircea Paraschiv, Mihai Nicolescu, Georghe Nica, Mihai Bucos, Petrica Motrescu, Ion Constantin and Radu Durbac. Hospitality for the Romanians was laid on in the usual generous Gisborne fashion and this included a Maori welcome at Poho-o-rawiri.

Barney Tupara issues the challenge to manager Ovidiu Marcu who is escorted at Poho-o-rawiri by Elder Ivan Kere-kere.

Female members of the Poho-o-rawiri Maori Club taking part in the first action song.

Male members of the same club in the first haka.

Members of the Romanian team look on with much interest and some trepidation as the challenge takes place.

Speakers at the Maori Welcome for the Romanian rugby team are

Elder Moni Taumanui.

Elder Puriri Ereata.

Messrs B. Te Puni

H. Ngata.

I. Vodano-vich

A. G. McHugh.

The slight translation problem from Maori to English to Romanian was overcome with great good humour by all concerned. Father Henry Tate (right) made sure nothing was lost in the translation from Maori to English especially.

Junior Waihirere Maori Club members performing their poi and action song

Lytton High Maori Club members doing their haka.

Romanian manager Ovidui Marcu with the handsome carving presented to the visitors by carver Moni Taumanui (right).

Georghe Daraban makes friends with a young warrior as

does all the team with the performing parties.

On to the game however, and Romania had its work cut out to beat Poverty Bay who, but for better use of their extensive possession, could well have beaten the visitors.

The Poverty Bay forwards' weight is a bit much for the Romanians.

Romanian lock Georghe Daraban shows his agility in getting to the line-out ball.

The much vaunted gift of flowers from the visiting team. Romanian captain Alexandru Pop at left and Poverty Bay Ian Kirkpatrick at right.

Poverty Bay first five-eighth Graeme Thompson receives the pass from halfback Hona Huriwai and takes off.

Huriwai in kicking form.

Halfback Huriwai again as he comes around after his opposite number, Mircea Paraschiv.

Hona Huriwai comes around the Romanian line to score Poverty Bay's second try.

Quick action by P.B.'s Terry Schraft as he gets the ball to halfback Huriwai.

Alastair Swann converted both of Poverty Bay's tries.

All Black Lawrie Knight at No.8 put in some telling work for Poverty Bay.

Enthusiasts Teddy and Matilda Henry, and "Toot" Lincoln and Api Crawford were among the large crowd cheering on both sides.

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The Gisborne Photo News

No 255 : September 10, 1975

Underrated Romania Scores First Off