New Zealand Maori scored three tries within 10 minutes to help them clinch a 32-17 victory over Ireland; Ireland will play four more matches on their tour to New Zealand as they search for their first win in the country; Watch all 14 summer tour fixtures exclusively live on Sky Sports
By Megan Wellens
Last Updated: 29/06/22 10:34am
New Zealand capitalised in the first half, going in at half-time with a 22-point lead over Ireland
A dominant first-half display saw the Maori All Blacks secure a 32-17 victory over Ireland as their tour to New Zealand got under way.
New Zealand Maori clocked up four tries in the opening half, three coming in the final 10 minutes as they left Ireland unable to defend against their attacking flair.
Zarn Sullivan got the scoring under way in the 17th minute before Ireland captain Bundee Aki replied seven minutes later to put the visitors right into the game.
The loss means Ireland will have four more chances to get their first win on Kiwi soil
The Maori All Blacks, however, wrestled back the momentum and Shaun Stevenson, captain Brad Webber and Cullen Grace all went over inside the last 10 minutes of the opening 40 to give the home side a 32-10 at half-time.
A consolation try from Gavin Coombes on the 70th minute, powering over from close to the line, was the only try of the second half that was much quieter than the first.
New Zealand Maori:Tries: Sullivan (19), Stevenson (32), Weber (39), Grace (40)Conversions: Ioane (33,40,40)Penalties: Ioane (7,31)Ireland:Tries: Aki (24), Coombes (70)Conversions: Frawley (25,71)Penalties: Frawley (4)
More to follow….
The Captains: What they said
Ireland captain Bundee Aki: “Fair play to the Maori All Blacks boys, they came out firing.
“They were playing on top of us from the get go and they deservedly won that game today.
“We have got a lot of learning out of this game and a lot of new boys, a lot of young boys…. and we will all learn from this game.
“But the mighty Al Blacks were the better team tonight.
“I have been away from home for a long time and the privilege and honour to lead out this team, I don’t take it lightly and I am privileged to be able to lead them.”
Maori All Blacks captain Brad Weber: “We were encouraged when there was space in front of us to have a crack.
“I just wanted the boys to show a bit of flair and speed that we would hope that Ireland couldn’t handle and that first half definitely showed it.
“It was just a lot of fun.”
Bumper July of rugby on Sky Sports
Saturday, July 2
New Zealand vs Ireland – live on Sky Sports Action from 7:30am (kick-off at 8:05am)
Australia vs England – live on Sky Sports Action from 10:15am (kick-off at 10:55am)
South Africa vs Wales – live on Sky Sports Action from 3:30pm (kick-off at 4:05pm)
Argentina vs Scotland – live on Sky Sports Action from 7:30pm (kick-off at 8:10pm)
Saturday, July 9
New Zealand vs Ireland – live on Sky Sports Action from 7:30am (kick-off at 8:05am)
Australia vs England – live on Sky Sports Action from 10:15am (kick-off at 10:55am)
South Africa vs Wales – live on Sky Sports Action from 3:30pm (kick-off at 4:05pm)
Argentina vs Scotland – live on Sky Sports Action from 7:30pm (kick-off at 8:10pm)
Tuesday, July 12
Maori All Blacks vs Ireland – live on Sky Sports Action from 8am (kick off is at 8.05am)
Saturday, July 16
New Zealand vs Ireland – live on Sky Sports Action from 7:30am (kick-off at 8:05am)
Australia vs England – live on Sky Sports Action from 10:15am (kick-off at 10:55am)
South Africa vs Wales – live on Sky Sports Action from 3:30pm (kick-off at 4:05pm)
Argentina vs Scotland – live on Sky Sports Action from 7:30pm (kick-off at 8:10pm)
