Brave display from England

England continued their attacking resurgence in Napier despite a 35-28 defeat to the New Zealand Maori.

Showing ambition and flair from the off - something that has so long been missing from their game over the past few seasons - the tourists scored tries through Steffon Armitage, Chris Ashton and Danny Care, with Charlie Hodgson slotting over 13 points.

And with England's scrum looking powerful and their lineout performing well, there are signs that there is now light at the end of tunnel.

However they were exposed slightly in defence as Hosea Gear scored a hat-trick and Liam Messam crashed over, while Luke McAlister added nine points and Willie Ripia six from the boot.

England got off to a flying start in a match dubbed the unofficial third Test of the tour as Hodgson slotted over a penalty and then had a hand in the opening try.

The Sale fly-half slotted a delicate kick through the rushing Maori defence and Ashton won the race to the ball to hack it on just before it bounced out, with Steffon Armitage following up to score.

Hodgson converted and then added a penalty on 10 minutes as the England scrum dominated their hosts.

The Maori responded with a penalty of their own through McAlister to kick-start a stunning fightback.

Hodgson had a chance to respond with a penalty of his own but the kick hit the posts and Robbie Robinson launched the counter. Quick ball found Gear on the left and the powerhouse winger bounced off the attempted tackle of Strettle before racing past Tait to score.

McAlister was on target with the conversion and he added the extras on 19 minutes when from another counter Messam dived over in the corner.

England continued to take the game to the hosts but the Maori came close to adding to their lead when Stephen Brett slotted the ball through only for Gear to drop the ball when diving over.

Intercepted

And England took advantage as Hodgson cut the deficit to one with a penalty.

Suddenly England were back in charge - with two late tries seeing them back in control. First Care scooted through from a quick-tap penalty after the Maori were penalised for collapsing a maul with Hodgson converting.

Hodgson was at the centre of everything for England and it was no surprise he was involved in the next try as he intercepted McAlister's pass to release Ashton for the try.

The Maori came out for the second half fired up - and they were rewarded with a double from Gear.

First he sold a dummy to cruise through, then he secured his hat-trick when England coughed up the ball at the breakdown and quick ball found him free on the left.

That saw the Maoris in front - and they upped their game from here, with McAlister going close to adding another.

England rung the changes and lost their shape slightly - particularly with the replacement of Hodgson - however they still attempted to take the game to the hosts.

Delon Armitage had one attempt to restore England's lead with a long range penalty but Willie Ripia slotted over two late penalties to make sure of the result.

England did have two late surges on the Maori line but they could not find a way through the New Zealand defence.