Cribb back to his best, says Te Pou

New Zealand Maori coach Matt Te Pou has declared blockbusting No 8 Ron Cribb back to his best as the tourists work on giving Canada another hiding in Toronto tomorrow.

The former All Black No 8, who battled injury for much of the past two years, has been the star of the Maori tour, which ends with a second "test" against the home side.

Cribb was chosen after playing just two matches this year and with no Super 12 form due to a serious knee injury he suffered last year, but has shown no ill-effects in the oppressive heat.

"He's played extremely well, he's fresh after about 12 months off," Te Pou said yesterday. "He's very lively and really enjoying his rugby."

Te Pou had no hesitation in selecting Cribb yesterday for his third match in seven days, making two changes from the Maori team who hammered Canada 65-27 a week ago.

Halfback Brendan Haami replaced David Gibson, and flanker Wayne McEntee replaced Germaine Anaha.

Haami and Gibson were promised a match each, and McEntee took his chance during Thursday's 52-11 win over a Canadian All Stars team to displace Anaha.

Willie Walker and Glen Jackson were bracketed at first five-eighths, with Walker due to undergo a fitness test on a lower back strain.

Te Pou is elated at his team's efforts on a tour which has been dogged by stifling heat, high altitude and long hours of travel as Rugby Canada tries to spread the game to all parts of the country.

"It's been a huge challenge with the heat. It's been unbelievable," Te Pou said. "They were perspiring so much on Thursday before the game I had to bring them back into the sheds and they couldn't wait to get in at halftime."

Te Pou expected similar heat tomorrow for a game which again has a mid-afternoon kickoff.

The Maori have scored 18 tries in their two matches, but Te Pou is still awaiting a cohesive effort between the backs and forwards.

"We struggled in the midfield and bombed at least four good try-scoring chances. We can't afford to do that."

fusixpoint

New Zealand Maori: Christian Cullen, Shayne Austin, Rico Gear, Norm Berryman, Joe Maddock, Willie Walker or Glen Jackson, Brendan Haami, Ron Cribb, Wayne McEntee, Troy Flavell, Paul Tito (capt), Kristian Ormsby, Carl Hayman, Slade McFarland, Joe McDonnell. Res: Scott Linklater, Deacon Manu, Warren Smith, Germaine Anaha, Jackson or Walker, David Gibson, Bryce Robins.

- NZPA