The Game
It Will be Long Remembered

When the Fijians took the field at Rugby Park for their match with Poverty Bay, there were 10,000 spectators packing the stands and the embankment. They were about to see one of the most entertaining games of their lives.

The visitors set out from the start to open up the play. Their fast–ranging backs, with a gift for unorthodox tactics, specialised in long, accurate passing, seldom kicked for touch, exploited "up and under" moves instead, and generally kept the game moving at a bubbling pace which delighted all who had come to see them.

As though inspired by this light–hearted approach to what so many New Zealand Rugby fans have come to regard as a serious business rather than a game, the Poverty Bay team rose to the occasion, and for the most part matched the visitors with a sparkling display.

The score, a draw at 14–all, was an appropriate finish to the game.

Domoni throwing in the ball

Dawai and Rowlands leading their teams on–field

Domoni in full flight: in front of him, Brian Johnson, Paul Cowan and Don Green.

The teams lined up before the match. The Poverty Bay team: A. Rowlands (captain), M. Wooster, P. Cowan, J. Strang, David Green, J. Kingi, B. Jones, R. Henderson, H. Lardelli, J. Stevenson, Don Green, M. Cossey (vice–captain), S. Rutene, M. English, B. Johnson.

Nabaro (with ball) and Cawa leaping high in lineout.

Plane passes low over field during scrum. Note two spectators on roof of stand.

The Fijians presented their haka at both start and finish of game. Referee, standing left of group, was Mr T. J. O'Dwyer.

Cossey, making determined bid for line, is well tackled by Levula. In support of Cossey is Sonny Rutene, P.B. half–back. Fijians at right are Cawa and Mucunabita.

Levula coming across to intercept Cossey, with Dawai in support.

The Fijian half–back, Mucunabitu, sending away a dive pass. Player at left is David Green.

Crowd was well–pleased with exciting game

Radrodro takes kick at goal

The team manager, Mr Ackroyd, and forward coach, Mr Bill Carrington, briefing Fijian team at half time.

The scene at the end of the game, with the Fijians repeating haka

Two of the Poverty Bay team who played outstanding games against the Fijians––Alan Rowlands, captain of the side

Paul Cowan, the full–back.

A welcome concert was staged in the Opera House by the Waihirere Concert Party and supporting artists. This picture shows the Mayor, Mr Barker, extending a welcome to the visitors.

"Sorry to leave this place", was typical comment of Fijians as they boarded plane after week's stay here.

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The Gisborne Photo News

No 37 : July 25, 1957

The Game
It Will be Long Remembered

No 37 : July 25, 1957

The Game It Will be Long Remembered

The Game
It Will be Long Remembered