New Zealand Maori 31 - 28 Ireland: Sexton's late miss hands win to Maori

JONATHAN Sexton tarnished a fine performance by missing a late penalty as Ireland became the latest nation to fall to the New Zealand Maori.

Sexton landed seven penalties and a conversion but failed with his ninth attempt as the home side held on.

Nevertheless, his display is likely to give him the edge over Ronan O'Gara in the selection battle ahead of next Saturday's Brisbane clash with Australia.

Hosea Gear and Dwayne Sweeney scored early tries to establish a 15-0 lead for the Maori before Sexton and Luke McAlister exchanged penalties. Sexton then took over with five more precision kicks to drag his side level at 18-18 at half-time. Paddy Wallace charged over in the first minute of the second half and Sexton's conversion saw them establish a 25-18 advantage.

A McAlister penalty reduced the arrears and Karl Lowe then went over as the Maori hit back. Another Sexton penalty made it 28-28 but Ripia kicked the winning goal.

Scorers: New Zealand Maori: Tries: Gear, Sweeney, Lowe. Cons: McAlister, Ripia. Pens: McAlister 3, Ripia. Ireland: Try: P Wallace. Con: Sexton. Pens: Sexton 7

New Zealand Maori: R Robinson; S Maitland, D Sweeney, L McAlister, H Gear; S Brett, A Smith; B Murray, C Flynn, B Afeaki, H Triggs, J Hoeata, L Messam (capt), T Latimer, C Bourke. Replacements: D Coles, C Newlands, R Graham, K Lowe, R Tipuna, W Ripia, J Willison.

Ireland: G Murphy; S Horgan, G Duffy, P Wallace, J Murphy; J Sexton, E Reddan; M Horan, J Fogarty, T Court, E O'Donoghue, D Tuohy, R Ruddock, N Ronan, C Henry. Replacements: S Cronin, J Hayes, D O'Callaghan, D Wallace, P Stringer, R O'Gara, R Kearney.