Click here for photos of the Ireland ‘A’ team’s Pool B defeat to the Maori at the Barclays Churchill Cup in Santa Clara, California.
Pictured above: New Zealand Maori full-back Shannon Paku gets over for the opening try despite the best efforts of Ireland ‘A’ winger Robert Kearney. The Maori put a flattering look to the scoreline when winger Hosea Gear, a brother of Rico, and replacement lock Thomas Waldrom got in for late tries.
The Maori face Scotland ‘A’ in next Saturday’s Churchill Cup final at the Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton. Meanwhile, Ireland ‘A’ have a mouth-watering date with the England Saxons in the Plate final at the same venue (kick-off 7.00pm Irish time, live Sky Sports 1). Michael Bradley’s side beat the English 33-18 at Kingsholm in March.
Leinster’s Jamie Heaslip, who had another impressive outing, just fails to stop Maori number eight Liam Messam from rumbling over for his side’s second try. Messam, who plays for the Waikato Chiefs, was a deserved man-of-the-match winner.
Ireland ‘A’ lock Trevor Hogan does well to hand off Paul Tito during the second half.
Ulster and Ireland ‘A’ flanker Roger Wilson, who was sent off for an out of character head-butt in the 70th-minute, holds up the ball as the men in green press for an elusive try.
Connacht scrum half Chris Keane tries to get the Ireland ‘A’ backline moving during a good early spell for Bradley’s outfit.
Harlequins and Ireland ‘A’ winger Simon Keogh on the burst.
The Irish medical team attend to Robert Kearney after he sustained a head injury towards the end of the Pool B decider.
Some of the boisterous fans who supportered Ireland ‘A’ throughout the game at the Buck Shaw Stadium.
All photos by David Stephenson of www.numinaphoto.com
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