Rugby: NZ Maori beat Canada

The New Zealand Maori All Blacks perform their haka. Photo / Getty Images

The Maori All Blacks fought off a spirited challenge from Canada to win 40-15 in the first match of their North American Tour.

The team scored six tries in front of a capacity 22,500 crowd at BMO Field in Toronto this morning (NZT) to continue their unbeaten record against Canada over four matches.

After Canada scored first in the opening minutes, the Maori All Blacks raced in three first half tries and another early in the second half before Canada crossed the line to close the gap to 11 points. The Maori All Blacks responded with two further tries.

Coach Colin Cooper said he was pleased with the performance given the team's short preparation time and long travel.

"We wanted to start this tour well and play our style of rugby and fortunately the conditions were favourable so we could deliver the game plan we wanted to play.

"We knew Canada would come out aggressively, but they surprised us with their expansive game and that early try showed that.

"They also didn't kick the ball long so that meant we couldn't counter attack as we planned. So we had to work hard and fortunately secured some good turnovers which resulted in tries.

"We were certainly forced to dig deep and responded well. To Canada's credit, they kept testing us, but I was really impressed with the effort the players put in given we have only been together for a week and had a long journey to get here.

"We face another big test in six days' time so will be working hard on a number of things in the days ahead. Defensively we didn't quite go as well as we wanted so that will certainly be one key focus for us."

Canada 15 (Jeff Hassler, Aaron Carpenter tries; Liam Underwood con, pen) Maori All Blacks 40 (Zac Guildford, Jamison Gibson-Park 2, Robbie Robinson, Matt Proctor, Nick Barrett tries; Andre Taylor 2 con; Robinson 2 con; Ihaia West con). HT: 5-19