Impressive Maori storm back to stun Japan
Impressive Maori storm back to stun Japan
RugbyHeaven | Saturday, 28 June 2008
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ON THE RAMPAGE: Maori wing Zar Lawrence rips through Japan in Napier.
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New Zealand Maori brought out their running game again and produced a powerful second half performance to thrash Japan 65-22 in their IRB Pacific Nations Cup match in Napier on Saturday.
With some questioning the Maori approach over the opening rounds of the tournament - goodness, some were even questioning their rights - they returned to their traditional attacking play at McLean Park. Their second half effort brought seven tries.
It was far from one-way traffic though.
Japan had scored right on halftime to lead 22-17 at the break, three tries apiece.
The visitors had been tireless on defence and taken their chances superbly.
But the Maori cut loose in the second half and kept Japan scoreless in a match marking the first meeting between these two sides.
Wings Hosea Gear (3) and Zar Lawrence (2) enjoyed the ball going wide as the tries mounted.
Loose forwards Tanerau Latimer and Liam Messam lived up to the spotlight that has been on them over the past week following Richie McCaw's injury.
Ross Filipo edged Jason Eaton in the locking race where there could be an All Blacks' chance as well.
The win keeps New Zealand Maori unbeaten in the tournament and on course to meet Australia A in the decisive final round across the Tasman
New Zealand Maori 65: Hosea Gear 3, Zar Lawrence 2, Callum Bruce 2, Tamati Ellison, Dwayne Sweeney, Jason Kawau tries; Bruce pen 6 con.
Japan 22: Shaun Webb, Christian Loamanu, Luke Thompson tries; James Arlidge pen 2 con.
HT: 17-22
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Tipping ladder updated.
