Lions draw first blood

Great Britain got off to a winning start in the Gillette Fusion Series against New Zealand with a hard-fought 20-14 success at the Galpharm Stadium.

Controversial selection Maurie Fa'asavalu rewarded the faith of new coach Tony Smith with the first of three tries for the home side.

Sam Burgess also marked his debut by scoring, though the talented teenager spoilt his night slightly with a late tackle on Fuifui Moimoi in the second half that saw him placed on report.

With the Kiwis also crossing three times, the difference between the two sides ended up being the accurate boot of Rob Burrow.

The Leeds scrum-half kicked all four of his attempts at goal while Lance Hohaia managed only one from three for the visitors.

Fast start

New Zealand had hit the ground running in Huddersfield as they looked to wipe out the memory of their recent 58-0 drubbing at the hands of Australia.

It took them just four minutes to show what they could do in attack as two Super League stalwarts combined for the opening try.

Wigan scrum-half Thomas Leulaui - charged with the tough task of replacing retired legend Stacey Jones - put in a perfectly-weighted grubber kick that was pounced on by Bradford centre Shontayne Hape.

The Kiwis also crossed in the first half through Paul Whatuira, who was playing on his new home ground as he is joining the Giants for next season.

The centre's score, which put New Zealand 10-8 ahead at half-time, came after Fa'asavalu had carelessly dropped the ball following a Burrow penalty.

The St Helens super sub, who qualifies to play for Britain through residency, had proved an instant hero for the hosts earlier on, scoring a try within eight minutes of coming onto the field.

James Roby's short pass set up his club colleague to barge his way over from close range, getting the Lions on the scoreboard just before the half-hour after they had squandered previous chances close to the Kiwis' line.

Howler

However, Whatuira's try remained the difference between the two teams until nine minutes after the break when Gareth Raynor cashed in on a howler from Sam Perrett.

Attempting to see Burrow's kick over the dead ball line rather than playing safe and picking it up, the full-back failed to notice the onrushing Hull winger who raced in to ground the ball just before it went out.

The try was just rewards for the ever-willing Raynor, who had seen an earlier effort ruled out by the television official for a push on Leuluai in the in-goal area as both players went for a loose ball.

Burrow was on target with the extras and also went on to convert Burgess' score which came shortly after the Bradford teenager had luckily escaped without a card for flattening MoiMoi.

Hape's second try of the night in the closing stages set up a nervous finish, but Great Britain hung on to give new boss Smith the perfect start.

The second Test of the three-match series is at the KC Stadium next Saturday, and can be seen live on Sky Sports.