England sunk by Hosea Gear

Hat-trick hero: Hosea Gear
10 April 2012

England's tour ended with a 35-28 defeat today after a stunning comeback by New Zealand Maori.

Martin Johnson's men dominated the first half in Napier and led 28-17 at the interval with tries from Steffon Armitage, Danny Care and Chris Ashton plus 13 points from the boot of Charlie Hodgson.

But the Maori had already served notice of their intent by hitting back from 13-0 down to take the lead with two tries from Hosea Gear and Liam Messam.

Gear completed his hat-trick as the hosts kept England scoreless in the second half and closed the game out with two penalties to mark their centenary with a famous victory to add to wins against the same opposition in 1998, the Lions in 2005 and Ireland in Rotorua last Friday.

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