I went to the game in Toronto today. 30-9 for the Maori. Here is a report from the Rugby Canada website:
http://www.rugbycanada.ca/index.php?lang=en&page_id=10&news_id=134
It was pouring rain leading up to the match, and it rained lightly for the first 15 minutes before clearing up. Real NZ weather. I stood on the sideline and the Maori came right past me as they ran onto the field. Some very big lads, especially Ron Cribb, Carl Heyman, and captain Paul Tito. The backs were a bit smaller than I expected - not tall, but very muscular and fit-looking.
The Maori were very impressive, especially their pace and passing ability when they got out wide. Canada held their own in defense and set pieces, but we aren't as good with the ball - we didn't put phases together, and didn't do well with opportunities to run.
I didn't buy a program until halftime, because it was raining at the start and it would have just gotten wet. But even with the program I had trouble identifying players during the game, except for Cullen and Cribb who I recognized from TV. I realized after that Rico Gear and Troy Flavell had played, and I liked Willie Walker's game. I stayed around after the game, at Ozbash's suggestion, and was able to put player names to faces better using the pictures in the program. The players stayed on the sidelines after the game and signed autographs for kids and others. They were very approachable, as Ozbash said. I spoke to a few and shook hands and said "good game" to them, but didn't have any long conversations with players.
I did talk to an official of the tour, wearing a black Maori blazer. He said the tour had gone well and they were returning home the next day. I asked him if some of the players here had a chance to get into the All Blacks for the WC, and he said it was possible, and that they still had a chance to shine in the NPC comp. I also eavesdropped as a Canadian media guy interviewed the Maori coach. He said he liked the atmosphere where the players could mingle with the crowd after the game. He said in Super 12 teams just leave the field and go to the dressing room and the fans don't see them. He also said something about possibly working with the Tongan team in the WC, but I didn't hear it all.
I'd say the Maori were very good representatives of their country, and I'm sure they have helped the game in Canada. There were 4000 fans at the match, and I saw a lot of young Canadian players there. There were also a girls team with USA Rugby track suits on - I think they played the Canadian girls in a preliminary match. These would have been under 17, I think. There was also a boys game involving an American team. I didn't come early to watch the preliminary games because of the rain.
I almost forgot, I was right on the sideline for the Haka. It was different from the All Blacks haka. The words were in the program along with an explanation of its origin. It seemed longer and better "choreographed" than the AB's - I mean the players were more in unison. It was great to see - the crowd loved it.
Given that Canada is ranked around 12 in the world, I wonder where the Maori would rank if they could play as a national side. Or a NZ A side, which could be a bit stronger I suppose. They'd have to be at least 8th in the world, I would think.
I had a good time, and it was good to see world-class players up close. If anyone wants to know more, please ask.
