New Zealand Maori’s claim Pacific Nations Cup
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The New Zealand Maori team claimed the Pacific Nations Cup after a 21-18 win over Australia A yesterday. Australia A almost clinched a penalty in the final minutes but a Mark Gerrard conversion attempt fell just below the crossbar. A draw would have provided Australia A with the Pacific Nations Cup as they received two more bonus points through the earlier four rounds. The New Zealand Maori’s clinched victory just prior with a try to Thomas Waldrom just three minutes from the final siren.
In other games Samoa defeated Japan 37-31 in Apia and Tonga claimed their first victory of the tournament with a 27-16 win over Fiji in Nuku’alofa.
The New Zealand Maori finished on 21 pts, Australia A 20 pts, Samoa 10 pts, Fiji 10 pts, Japan 7 pts and Tonga 5 pts.
Pacific Nations Cup Round 4
Round 4 of the Pacific Nations Cup took place on the weekend with only two teams remaining unbeaten after the weekend the Australia A side and the New Zealand Maori’s.
Australia A triumphed easily over the Fijian side 50-13 in Brisbane. Australia had too much experience and firepower for the Fijians. Samoa were too good for Tonga winning 20-15 and the New Zealand Maori blasted Japan off the park 65-22. The Cup will be decided with the blockbuster match between Australia A and New Zealand Maori on the 6th July in Sydney.
Pacific Nations Cup Round 3
The third round of the Pacific Nations Cup was played on the weekend with Australia A smashing Tonga 90-7. Fiji defeating Japan 24-12 in Tokyo and the New Zealand Maori’s trimphing 17-6 over Samoa.
Australia A were dynamic with Stephen Hoiles scoring 4 and Drew Mitchell 3 tries respectively in a 14 try effort by the team against a lacklustre Tongan side. All eyes were on Timana Tahu who delivered a solid performance at inside centre to push his claims for a spot on the Wallabies bench. Fiji came from behind to beat Japan 24-12 in Tokyo. Fiji were down 9-3 at half time but dug deep to score three converted tries in the second half to beat a tenacious Japan. In the other encounter the New Zealand Maori’s ground out a hard fought win 17-6 over a spirited Samoan team.
Australia A and New Zealand Maori’s are the only undefeated team while Fiji with two and Japan with one win represent the other teams who have registered victory.
Pacific Nations Cup Roundup
The second round of the Pacific Nations Cup was held over the weekend. Japan were far too strong for Tonga winning 35-13. The New Zealand Maori held off Fiji to win 11-7 and Australia A beat Samoa 20-15.
The Australian A side beat Samoa in Apia in terrible conditions. Samoa came hard at Australia A in the second half and they were lucky to hang on for the win. Samoa as expected came out hard and pummelled the Australian A side, both sides scored two tries a piece. The difference in the end was the boot of Mark Gerrard.
Japan meanwhile lead 12-6 at halftime against Tonga after they sustained heavy pressure in the first 20 minutes. Japan blew Tonga away in the second half scoring four tries in what was a convincing 35-13 victory.
Australia A and the New Zealand Maori’s remain the only two unbeaten teams after two rounds. Fiji and Japan both have one win and one loss and Samoa and Tonga are yet to register a winner.