NZ Maori open Canadian tour with big win

12.30pm - By MIKE HOULAHAN

New Zealand Maori put the troubled start to their Canadian rugby tour behind them today, with a 65-27 win over Canada in Calgary.

The Maori -- shorn of three important players just before leaving New Zealand when it was made clear they would not be admitted into Canada due to past brushes with the law -- also had tough playing conditions and jetlag to contend with.

Exuberant, running rugby was the cure for the teams ills, coach Matt Te Pou told NZPA.

"We're rapt with that. We had a lot of young guys in the side and we all had to cope with the altitude; it's 3500 feet (above sea level) and the heat and humidity, so to finish so strongly was great.

"We were slammed against England... and sometimes things come unstuck, that's what sport is all about. These guys answered their critics today."

The Maori started slowly, Canadian centre Nik Witkowski scoring a try just two minutes into the game. The Maori responded with unconverted tries to Troy Flavell and Rico Gear, before a Canadian penalty saw the scores level at 10-10.

An even game was busted open just after the 20 minute mark, when Maori wing Joe Maddock scored two tries in two minutes. His first came at the end of a strong burst from Troy Flavell, and seconds later his pace once more put him clear of the Canadian defence.

Canada hit back with a Winston Stanley try, but the Maori were soon back on attack and Shayne Austin finished off strong play by Norm Berryman and Christian Cullen to give the Maori a 31-15 advantage at halftime.

"These guys (Canada) are building for the World Cup, and they could have been 14-0 up in the first 10 minutes," Te Pou said.

"They just came out and blasted us. We scored a couple but they came back again. Good defence saved us a lot in the first half and just after half time."

Substitute halfback Brendan Haami proved a true impact player, scoring the first try of the second half with his first touch of the ball. However, Canada weren't going to lie down and prop Kevin Tkachuk barrelled over to bring the score back to 39-22.

Haami scored his second try soon after, an effort replied to by Canadian first-five Bob Ross. However, the Maori cleared out at the end, finishing strongly with tries to Ron Cribb and Shayne Austin.

"Norman Berryman had an absolute blinder. He ran at second-five and he's what everyone is talking about here," Te Pou said.

"The other guy who really put his hand up was another experience guy coming back to the fore, Ron Cribb. His try was virtually a solo effort, and it was great to see."

Germaine Anaha, the Wairarapa Bush flanker plucked from obscurity for this tour, was the only Maori injury concern, being forced off at half time.

"He had a very, very good first half and threw himself into everything, but he's got a problem with his thigh. The physio and doctor will be working on him. Other than that, I'm sure everybody else will be up for selection on Wednesday."

New Zealand Maori play a Canadian All Stars team in Ottawa on Wednesday. Te Pou said the 11 players who did not play today would be selected for that match.

Scores: New Zealand Maori 65 (Joe Maddock 2, Shayne Austin 2, Brendan Haami 2, Troy Flavell, Rico Gear, Glen Jackson, Ron Cribb tries. William Walker 1 pen, 4 con, Glen Jackson 2 con) bt Canada 27 (Nik Witkowski, Winston Stanley, Kevin Tkachuk, Bob Ross tries. Ross 1 pen, 2 con. Halftime: 31-15.

- NZPA