Rugby: Maori end tour with win

New Zealand Maori have beaten Canada 32-19 in the final match of their short tour of Europe.

There was little to excite the good crowd at the Oxford University ground, although there was plenty of niggle and both Romana Graham and Tim Bateman spent time in the sin-bin.

The Maori outscored Canada two tries to one with Andre Taylor crossing in the first half and Charlie Ngatai dotting down in the final minutes but it was Willie Ripia who proved the main difference. The first five-eighths scored 20 points from six penalties and two conversions.

Canada, who are coached by former All Blacks fullback Kieran Crowley, scored in the 73rd minute when Ray Barkwell crashed over from close range.

New Zealand Maori Coach Jamie Joseph will be satisfied to have finished the tour on a high with a second win, after losing their opening match against Leicester before bouncing back to defeat a RFU Championship XV last Sunday.


New Zealand Maori 32 (Andre Taylor, Charlie Ngatai tries; Willie Ripia 6 pens, 2 con) Canada 19 (Ray Barkwell try; James Pritchard 4 pens, Connor Braid con) HT: 19-9.


- nzherald.co.nz

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