Fijian Footballers

Attract Australian Crowds

THE touring Fiji Rugby Union players have been scoring an unprecedented number of points against Australian teams and draw ing an unprecedented number of people through the gates to watch them play.

They won six of their first seven matches to May 31. scoring an aggregate of 262 points against their opponents’ 71; and it appeared likely that after another two matches the tour costs of £15,000 would be more than covered. The remaining eight matches would make what the Rugby Union treasurer called modestly a “financial success” out of the tour.

The Fijians’ only loss to that date was to NSW, 13-16. In their other six matches they defeated South Harbour (Sydney) 24-11, Metro politan 11-8, Newcastle 28-15, Southern Districts 64-0, Toowoomba 69-5 and Queensland 53-16.

They could score still higher totals when they meet weaker teams in Melbourne and Adelaide, where Rugby plays second fiddle to Australian Rules, and in the NSW country towns Tamworth, Wagga and Orange.

Leading try scorer in those first seven games was centre George Cavalevu, with eight. Centres Biu and Taga and winger Dewai each scored four. But the highest scorer was half-back Vatubua with a total of 58 from 23 goals, two penalties and two tries.

As indicated by their scores, the Fijians had trained and played themselves into top form for the first test against Australia on June 5. Their 69 points against Too woomba were the highest for any match in either of their tours. They ran them up with a speed and power that surpassed any previous form, even though the team was not the strongest they could field.

The giant, hard-playing- but sporting visitors are even more popular with Australian fans than they were in 1952. They will draw their biggest crowds in the three important test matches. Their last match before the first of these was to be against Brisbane under flood lights on June 2.

JUNE 7: Fiji lost the first Test to Australia, 19 to 22.

The Australian Rugby Union will more than likely send a team to Tonga in August.

Tongan officials have sent an in vitation, asking the players to pay their own fares but promising them “a wonderful time.”