The New Zealand Maori ended their centenary celebrations in fine style as they scored 18 unanswered second half points to add England’s scalp to that of the Irish XV they had beaten the previous week.
Their 35-28 victory in Napier was secured with a blistering second half performance that saw wing Hosea Gear round off his try hat-trick and former Sale Sharks player Luke McAlister play a pivotal role in the come back with both his boot and his powerful midfield running.
England led 28-17 at the break thanks to three tries from flanker Steffon Armitage, scrum-half Danny Care and winger Chris Ashton. At that stage it looked odds-on that England would continue to build on their impressive Test win over Australia in Sydney the previous weekend.
But No 8 Liam Messom, who scored the Maori’s other try, led his team superbly and their superior physicality in the second half earned them another famous triumph.
