New Zealand Maori 27-6 Ireland A:Ireland A were denied a place in the Churchill Cup final after they were soundly beaten by New Zealand Maori 27-6 in San Francisco today.
The victory means Maori finished top of Pool B to secure a place in the final were they will meet Pool A winners Scotland A at Edmonton's Commonwealth Stadium next Saturday.
Ireland's only points came from the boot of Paddy Wallace and Robert Kearney in the form of a respective penalty and drop goal.
That said, Ireland only trailed by 15-6 with 10 minutes remaining but hopes were dashed when Roger Wilson was sent-off for a head butt. Late tries from Hose Gear and Thomas Waldron then secured the Maori win. Earlier Shannon Paku and Liam Messam also crossed the line for the Maori.
Ireland A will now face England Saxons in the plate final in Edmonton next Saturday.
Ireland A:Cunningham; Keogh, Lewis, Quinlan, Kearney; Wallace, Keane; Hogan, Fogarty, Court; Hogan, McCullough; Wilson, Jennings, Heaslip.
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