New Zealand A break Welsh in late surge

CARDIFF - New Zealand A ran in three tries in the last eight minutes to beat Wales A 30-9 in Cardiff.

The visitors overcame stern Welsh defence, often appalling handling and the game-stopping whistle of English referee John Barnard to grind their way to victory on Saturday.

Tries to loosie Kupu Vanisi, prop Nick White and replacement winger Justin Wilson in the 72nd, 75th and 78th minutes shot New Zealand clear.

Fullback Ben Blair put the icing on the cake with perfect goalkicking, landing three penalties and three conversions.

Wales A had led 9-6 with 17 minutes to play, after the sides were locked 3-3 at halftime.

New Zealand A, who opened their European tour with a 21-23 loss to the French Barbarians on Wednesday, had a clear speed edge in the backs.

But poor passing and handling killed move after move until the superb climax.

First five-eighths David Holwell prised open the Welsh defence in the 72nd minute.

He slipped his arms free between two tacklers to pop the pass that made an opening for Vanisi to scramble over.

- NZPA

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