11 Nov 2013

Maori hold off fiery United States

5:12 pm on 11 November 2013

The Maori All Blacks have beaten the United States 29-19 in front of more than 20,000 people in Chester, Pennsylvania.

Maori halfback Jamison Gibson-Park scored the only try of the first half before the match swung in favour of the United States after the Maori lost lock Joe Wheeler to the sin-bin.

Fullback Adam Siddal kicked three penalties to give the Eagles a 9-7 half-time lead

The Maori started the second half strongly with captain Tim Bateman crossing the line twice in the first 20 minutes.

The two sides traded penalties before the Eagles number eight Cameron Dolan scored a try from close range to get within three points of the visitors.

The Maori answered with a try to Luke Katene that was converted by fullback Robbie Robinson.