SYDNEY—New Zealand Maori have clinched the Pacific Nations Cup rugby championship with a 21-18 win over Australia A at Sydney Football Stadium.
Flanker Thomas Waldrom has scored the match-winning try three minutes from the end.
A draw would have given Australia A the title, but New Zealand Maori finished the tournament on 21 points, one ahead of Australia A.
Australia A led 7-0 early on, but trailed 14-7 at the break.
Two penalties to Mark Gerrard and a second try to centre Timana Tahu gave the home team an 18-14 lead.
Waldrom's converted try put the Maori ahead 21-18, with Gerrard falling just short with a 45-metre penalty on the bell.
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New Zealand Maori 21 – Australia A 18
NEW ZEALAND MAORI 21 (Tanerau Latimer, Liam Messam, Thomas Waldrom tries Piri Weepu 3 goals) bt AUSTRALIA A 18 (Timana Tahu 2 tries Daniel Halangahu goal Mark Gerrard 2 pen goals) at Sydney Football Stadium. Referee: James Bolabiu. Crowd: 8,707.
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