New Zealand
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The Maori All Blacks' proud winning streak is over after suffering a 34-17 loss to the New Zealand Barbarians in Auckland.
A match played in pelting rain at times at Eden Park was nevertheless a high-quality affair which the Baabaas won by scoring five tries to two. It halts a remarkable run for the Maori, who had won 19 successive matches dating back to 2003.
They were outclassed by their opposition, who boasted some of the form New Zealand players in Super Rugby this year along with several fringe All Blacks candidates.
Barbarians wing Cory Jane, who was named in the 41-man All Blacks squad last month, did his World Cup chances no good when he limped off with an apparent injury to his lower left leg. Jane, 32, had played just once in the last two months because of a hamstring problem and may struggle to add to his 53 Tests this year after another painful-looking setback.
His side played impressively given their limited time together while a Maori side featuring four new caps couldn't build on their 27-26 win over Fiji in Suva last weekend.
The Baabaas pack held sway most of the night and one of their best performers - New Zealand under-20 openside flanker Blake Gibson - scored the first try in the 25th minute after the scores were locked 3-3. Impressive Crusaders half-back Mitchell Drummond sparked that with a quick tap and he crossed himself soon afterwards from a slick dart. Drummond outplayed Maori All Blacks half-back Tawera Kerr-Barlow, who is trying to prove he warrants New Zealand's third halfback slot at the World Cup.
Down 15-3 at half-time after playing into the wind, the Maori looked set to launch a comeback when full-back Damian McKenzie crossed after a sweet long pass from his brother, first five-eighth Marty McKenzie. However, the result was virtually sealed 20min from time when outstanding wing Patrick Osborne and centre Seta Tamanivalu both scored tries, the latter from a dynamic 40m solo run which accounted for three defenders.
Maori reserve wing Codey Rei crossed near the end but Baabaas first five-eighth Tom Taylor had the final say with a try which gave him 14 points for the night.
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