New Zealand Maori rebounded from a disappointing opening tour loss three days ago with an emphatic 52-21 win over an English Championship 15 in Doncaster early on Sunday (NZT).
Coach Jamie Joseph had made seven changes to the team beaten 32-24 by Leicester Tigers and the new-look team responded with a eight-try win after leading 21-11 at halftime.
Although the English were strong at the set piece, Maori dominance at the breakdown gave them plenty of front-foot ball.
Tries to Declan O'Donnell, Kurt Baker and Hika Elliot gave the Maori a useful lead at the break, which they built on as the second half progressed with a combination of excellent support play and consistently accurate off-loading.
Trent Renata opened the scoring in the second spell after 15 minutes from a turnover, Eliot Dixon followed with another three minutes later and the game was secured. Frae Wilson, Romana Graham and Jackson Willison all crossed in the last quarter to underline a dominant win.
NZN
