Kokiri 19 - Te Puni Kokiri

RAU TAUFiji and TongaFiji first toured and playedNew Zealand Mäori in 1939,returning the hosts’ tour of theprevious year. Of all opponentsfaced, the Fiji team has playedNew Zealand Mäori most timeswith 29 games, New ZealandMäori having twenty wins totheir credit. Tonga issecond in terms of games playedagainst New Zealand Mäoriwith 15, of which New ZealandMäori have won 11. Not only arematches extremely physical, theyare also great advertisements forthe sport as both Fiji and Tongalike to throw the ball around,much like New Zealand Mäori.Source: New Zealand Rugby MuseumMäori with spears, Fiji, 1948.Source: Kiwi BlakeClowning around on the sideline, Fiji, 1948.Source: Kiwi BlakeHenry Phillips chasing Joe Levula in 1957.Source: henry PhillipsSource: Bell Whänau–1931Led by Southland stalwart Wampy Bell,New Zealand Māori lose against Australia atPalmerston North.Source: New Zealand Rugby Museum–1934Jack Ruru tragically dies while captain ofTe Tai Hauauru. The following year hismother gifts a memorial cup to be played forin conjunction with the Prince of Wales Cupand the Te Mori Rosebowl.Source: Nepia Whänau–1935Tour of Australia, an excursion that registersrecord gate takings and draws the Australianpublic back to the game of rugby union.They defeated NSW, 2-1. Captain GeorgeNepia, Charlie Smith and Jack Hemi wereamongst those who swapped codes to playrugby league.TE PUNI KÖKIRI | KÖKIRI | Höngongoi – Hereturiköka 201013