Magners League Official Website : Scotland A unable to hold Maori

Calum MaCrae was in action for Scotland's second string

Scotland A unable to hold Maori

17 June 2006, 11:47 pm

By Chris Marais

Scotland A were unable to upset the form book on Saturday in their Churchill Cup match against New Zealand Maori in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

Scotland put up a good fight though, the only problem was that they encountered a Maori side playing mesmerising rugby, that any team would have struggled against.

The Maori scored seven tries in a demonstration of total rugby - but Scotland can be proud of their efforts and experience gained by the players.

Scotland can reflect on an encouraging tournament that yielded victories over the England Saxons and Canada inside four days, but they could not match the power, off-loading or finishing prowess of the unstoppable Maori.

The Maori's victory confirmed a southern hemisphere rugby whitewash this weekend, coming after New Zealand, Australia, South Africa and Argentina had completed Test victories over Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales.

And the Maori did it without captain Jonno Gibbes who pulled his hamstring just before kick-off in the pre-match warm-up. Thomas Waldrom was promoted from the bench and made a swift impact.

Scotland knew they had to keep possession after watching Ireland punished for their turnovers in the Maori's pool victory in San Francisco last weekend.

They did it well, keeping things tight to build pressure - but there was little Ross Beattie could do when he was hit with a shuddering tackle from Kristian Ormsby and the ball spilled loose.

Scotland fly-half Calum MaCrae, having missed one penalty shot, reduced the half-time arrears to 24-10 but the Maori streaked clear after the interval.

Bruce landed two more penalties before Paul Tito picked off a perfect long pass from Bruce and sent Waldrom over under the posts for his second score of the afternoon.

Richard Kahui touched down for the Maori's fifth try after Ormsby had brushed aside two Scottish tacklers, and the Waikato lock then registered one for himself after expert offloads from Tito and replacement Pehi Te Whare.

Nikki Walker streaked over in the corner for Scotland's second score eight minutes from time, but the Maori simply responded in kind with Anthony Tahana finishing off good work from Paku.