England no match for second-half NZ Maori fightback

FT New Zealand Maori 35 England 28

England’s five-match tour ended with defeat to the New Zealand Maori after an enthralling clash in Napier.

Martin Johnson’s men dominated the first half and led 28-17 at the interval with tries from Steffon Armitage, Danny Care and Chris Ashton plus 12 points from the boot of Charlie Hodgson.

But the Maori had already served notice of their intent by hitting back from 13-0 down to take the lead with two brilliant tries from Hosea Gear and captain Liam Messam.

And Gear completed his hat-trick as the hosts kept England scoreless in the second half to celebrate their centenary with another famous victory.

Dan Ward-Smith came on to become the first Maori to play for England against the native New Zealanders.

He joined an England pack that was dominant and another powerful scrum set up a chance but Delon Armitage’s long-range penalty skewed wide.

England struggled to release the pressure in the closing exchanges and were penalised for offside, allowing Maori replacement Willie Ripia to extend the lead to four points.

Ripia left England requiring a converted try to win and they blew two golden chances.

After England had won a penalty, Geraghty’s kick to touch went dead and when Foden launched a searing break, he chose to chip ahead instead of passing to Armitage and the ball again slid over the dead ball line.