Maori snatch dramatic win

New Zealand Maori marked their centenary celebration with another international scalp after beating Ireland 31-28.

The Maori have beaten the likes of Australia, France and the British and Irish Lions in the past - and a thrilling occasion saw them topple Ireland in a game that was in the balance right until the death

The Maori had powered into a 15-0 and 18-3 lead early on - with a huge score looking likely. But the Irish fightback, with Jonathan Sexton leading the way, meant the game went all the way.

Sexton even had a chance to level matters in the dying minutes but he missed his first kick of the night from wide on the left.

Hosea Gear, Dwayne Sweeney and Karl Lowe had scored tries, while McAlister added 11 points from the boot and Willie Ripia slotting over a conversion and a penalty.

For Ireland Sexton weighed in with 23 points, while Paddy Wallace scored their only try.

Ireland had looked down and out after the opening quarter of the match as the pace and power of the Maori blew them away.

Having opened the scoring through a McAlister penalty, a fantastic break from Robbie Robinson put Gear over for a try in the fifth minute.

McAlister missed the conversion but he made no mistake eight minutes later after Sweeney had brushed aside two would-be tacklers to score.

Sexton gave Ireland some hope with his first penalty on 16 minutes, however the tourists promptly infringed themselves for McAlister to restore the 15-point advantage.

Enterprise

Ireland were on the ropes, however they regrouped brilliantly to force their way back into the game.

Rhys Ruddock, Ed O'Donoghue, Chris Henry and John Fogarty all ran well in the loose, while Wallace and Gavin Duffy were able to cut through in the backs.

And Ireland were rewarded for their enterprise with a success of penalties - and time and time again, Sexton made them pay.

His sixth successful shot came right on the half-time hooter to level the scores.

And things got better for Ireland immediately after the break as Wallace scored their only try. Good work saw Ireland steal the kick-off and after a couple of drives, Murphy cut through a gap and found Wallace in support on his shoulder to score.

Sexton brought his tally to 20 points with a beautifully struck conversion, although McAlister cut the gap with a penalty of his own.

However McAlister also had two efforts that sailed wide, much to Ireland's relief.

Ireland's joy was shortlived, though, as Lowe scored on his Maori debut following a superb run from Sean Maitland. Willie Ripia converted.

Ireland's response was immediately as Sexton slotted over a penalty after the Maori had been harshly penalised at the breakdown.

The Maori, though, retook the lead when Ronan was penalised for handling in the ruck.

Sexton had the chance to level late on, but the Leinster man missed his first kick of the night allowing the Maori to hold on for the win.