The New Zealand Maori rugby league team proved too strong for Tonga, winning 50-6 in Rotorua Saturday night.
Playing their first international for two years, Bernie Perenara's Maori side were quickly into their work with converted tries by Jermaine Awahou and Chris Nahi inside 10 minutes to set the platform for the nine-try-to-one romp.
Maori led 24-0 at halftime and moved out comfortably with Awahou and Nahi bagging doubles and replacement centre Willie Rangi adding four second-half goals.
The Maori were too structured for the touring side, with Awahou, Nahi and Walter Mackie the big performers, while half Jamie Cook and Rangi sparked much of the their backline play.
Tonga's only try came when Timote Napa'a scored, with the Maori ahead 40-0.
New Zealand Maori 50 (Jermaine Awahou 2, Chris Nahi 2, Anthony Kiro, Jamie Cook, Tane Taikato, Walter Mackie, Cheyenne Motu tries; Shaun Ata 3 and Willie Rangi 4 goals)
Tonga 6 (Timote Napa'a try; Samuela Fukofuka goal)
Halftime:24-0.
- DAILY POST (ROTORUA)
Rugby League: Maori thrash Tonga
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