James Lowe and Akira Ioane scored two tries apiece as the Maori All Blacks claimed an emphatic 54-7 win over the USA Eagles in Chicago.
The New Zealanders, coached by Colin Cooper, were in irresistible form as they outscored the Eagles eight tries to one to get their tour off to a perfect start.
Lowe’s first-half brace, as well one each by eighthman Ioane and hooker Ash Dixon together with four conversions by Ihaia West, put the visitors 28-0 up at the halfway mark against the lowly Eagles, who finished the first half with 14 men.
The pressure on the hosts didn’t let up as Ioane extended the lead when he crossed the line from a driving maul. USA captain Todd Clever, who is back in the team after a while in the wilderness, had the crowd on their feet when he crashed over for the Eagles’ only effort of the match.
But the Maori All Blacks had the final say with three late tries by props Kane Hames and Joe Royal and replacement scrumhalf Brad Weber.
The New Zealanders take on Munster in Ireland next weekend before concluding their tour against Harlequins in London on 17 November.
USA – Try: Todd Clever. Conversion: Will Holder.
Maori All Blacks – Tries: James Lowe (2), Akira Ioane (2), Ash Dixon, Hames, Brad Weber, Joe Royal. Conversions: Ihaia West (6), Marty McKenzie.
USA – 15 Mike Te'o, 14 Martin Iosefo, 13 Bryce Campbell, 12 Folau Niua, 11 Matai Leuta, 10 Will Holder, 9 Nate Augspurger, 8 Danny Barrett, 7 Tony Lamborn, 6 Todd Clever (c), 5 Nick Civetta, 4 Nate Brakeley, 3 Chris Baumann, 2 James Hilterbrand, 1 Titi Lamositele.
Subs: 16 Joe Taufete'e, 17 Angus MacLellan, 18 Alex Maughan 19 Matthew Jensen, 20 Al McFarland, 21 Stephen Tomasin, 22 Shalom Suniula, 23 Madison Hughes.
Maori All Blacks – 15 Damian McKenzie, 14 Rieko Ioane, 13 Matt Proctor, 12 Tim Bateman, 11 James Lowe, 10 Ihaia West, 9 Tawera Kerr-Barlow, 8 Akira Ioane, 7 Kara Pryor, 6 Elliot Dixon, 5 Tom Franklin, 4 Jacob Skeen, 3 Ben May, 2 Ash Dixon (c), 1 Kane Hames.
Subs: 16 Joe Royal, 17 Chris Eves, 18 Marcel Renata, 19 Leighton Price, 20 Shane Christie, 21 Brad Weber, 22 Marty McKenzie, 23 Sean Wainui.
Photo: Phil Walter/Getty Images
