BBC SPORT | Rugby Union | Wallabies cling on for victory

Australia 27-23 New Zealand Maori

Wendell Sailor took just two minutes to make his mark on the international scene as Australia edged out New Zealand Maori in Perth.

Rugby league convert Sailor grabbed the first of his side's three tries as the Wallabies survived a late Maori fight back.

Australia launched an immediate attack on the Maori line, with Stirling Mortlock and Chris Latham charging from deep, forcing the visitors to concede a penalty inside their own half.

Elton Flatley opted for a kick to touch and when the home side secured line-out possession, Sailor drifted off his wing to collect Flatley's pass and score inside two minutes.

Matt Burke, starting in the centres, landed the conversion, added a penalty shortly afterwards and the Maoris looked to be heading for a heavy defeat.

Jonno Gibbes was sin-binned for New Zealand

But fly-half Carlos Spencer galvanised his team and soon landed a penalty, while Bruce Reihana also caused the world champions defensive problems.

Burke landed his second penalty just past the quarter mark, but Australia were struggling for continuity, gifting the Maoris plenty of possession.

Wallabies coach Eddie Jones clearly administered some strong words during the interval and they responded with a try within two minutes through Matt Burke.

Burke took his personal tally to 15 by landing the touchline conversion before Maori flanker Jonno Gibbes was sin-binned for a crunching high tackle on Flatley.

Australia made the most of their extra man as Gregan sent Flatley through a gaping hole for the home side's third try.

But the Wallabies were forced to cling on for victory as the Maoris ran in three late touchdowns in a devastating five-minute spell.

Australia: Chris Latham; Wendell Sailor, Matthew Burke, Daniel Herbert, Stirling Mortlock; Elton Flatley, George Gregan (capt); Toutai Kefu, George Smith, Owen Finegan, Justin Harrison, Nathan Sharpe, Patricio Noriega, Jeremy Paul, Bill Young.
Replacements: Brendan Cannon, Rod Moore, Matt Cockbain, David Lyons, Chris Whitaker, Mat Rogers, Andrew Walker.

New Zealand Maori: Willie Walker; Rico Gear, Ryan Nicholas, Mark Mayerhofler, Bruce Reihana; Carlos Spencer, Rhys Duggan; Dion Muir (capt), Matua Parkinson, Jonno Gibbes, Bryce Williams, Reece Robinson, Carl Hayman, Slade McFarland, Greg Feek.
Replacements: Corey Flynn, Deacon Manu, Blair Urlich, Kristian Ormsby, Brendan Haami, Glen Jackson, Joe Maddock.


	Links to more Rugby Union stories