It is unlikely , given the attitude of the Otago Rugby Union to the Natives before their departure , that they would have dismissed the allegations if incriminating evidence had existed . The side was back to full strength following the return of their suspended players when the side faced Otago in Dunedin . The Natives outscored their opponents five tries to two , and won 11 – 8 . The side 's star player and half @-@ back , Keogh , stayed in Dunedin when the team departed for Christchurch . The side faced Hawke 's Bay , who were touring , in Christchurch , and handily defeated them 13 – 2 . The Natives ' play was praised by The Press : " ... the wearers of the black passed with remarkable accuracy and quickness between their legs , over their shoulders , under their arms and with their feet " . The side then faced Canterbury on 17 August , who they thrashed 15 – 0 . The report published in The Press said of the Natives ' performance :