Match Details

New Zealand Maori

VS

Japan

65

McLean Park, Napier Kick off times: 2:35pm (Local) Sat 28 Jun 12:25pm (AEDT) Sat 28 Jun

22

Maori defeat Japan

New Zealand Maori recovered from a 22-17 half time deficit to defeat Japan 65-22 and maintain their 100% record in this year’s Pacific Nations Cup.

Although James Arlidge opened the scoring with a penalty to put Japan 3-0 ahead six minutes into the match, tries by Zar Lawrence and fly half Callum Bruce, the second converted by Bruce, gave New Zealand Maori a comfortable 12-3 advantage after 12 minutes.

But if the home team at McLean Park in Napier thought that this signalled the end of the Japanese challenge, they were severely mistaken.

First full back Bryce Robins and then wing Christian Loamanu scored tries for Japan, and although Tamati Ellison pulled one back for New Zealand Maori, Luke Thompson scored on the stroke of half time, with Arlidge converting, to give Japan a five point lead at the break.

The match was turned on its head after half time as substitute Hosea Gear scored three tries inside 23 minutes of the second half.

Dwayne Sweeney also touched down in the match-turning period after half time. With Bruce kicking all four conversions, New Zealand Maori led 48-22.

Lawrence, Bruce – both with their second of the match, and Jason Kawau scored late tries to set the seal on a remarkable turnaround from the break.