KEY POINTS:
The New Zealand Maori team's first trip to Twickenham in 81 years resulted in major disappointment in the Churchill Cup final.
Looking to make a statement on London's hallowed turf, a try from the tournament hosts' replacement, Tom Croft, seven minutes from the end saw the Maori walk off a dejected bunch.
While the English Saxons won on an efficient game based around sound defence and purposeful tactical kicking, the Maori had more than their share of possession to defend their title.
Even better goalkicking would have nailed them the final.
First five-eighth Tamati Ellison and his replacement, Callum Bruce, managed just one successful shot at goal from six attempts, which included three kickable first-half penalties.
Maori co-coach Shane Howarth said his team were relying on the quick recycling of possession and hard running they had employed to eliminate Canada and Ireland A from the play-off.
But they couldn't hold on to the ball long enough to cause damage to the Saxons and, at other times, gifted their opponents possession with long, aimless kicks.
Co-coach Donny Stevenson said the loss hit the team harder when they realised the New Zealand Juniors and the All Blacks had scored handsome victories over Fiji and France respectively this weekend.
"We're pretty disappointed with that effort. The boys are pretty dejected," he said.
"We had some opportunities but we didn't hang on to the ball for long enough periods to cause adequate impact. All the players weren't too happy with their performances, much of that can be attributed to the pressure England put on us."
- NZPA
