Crowd in Hamilton boos as Indigenous and Maori All Stars match ends in draw
Updated . First published at
The Maori and Indigenous All Stars have played out the second draw in the concept's history after a 16-16 result.
Maori utility Zach Dockar-Clay attempted a field goal in the dying seconds, but was denied due to a charge down. A captain's challenge from the Indigenous side followed for a knock on but it was unsuccessful and thus full-time was called.
The crowd at FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton, then booed the result.
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"The crowd's not happy," Andrew Johns said on Nine.
Jack Wighton and Zach Dockar-Clay at full time. Nine
Billy Slater added: "Well they've been entertained, it was a great game. They put it all out there these boys".
Earlier with five minutes left, the Indigenous side was denied a winner, too.
Braydon Trindall had chipped over the top before Jayden Campbell ran through and scored to make it 20-16.
However, the Bunker ruled Campbell had knocked on in the contest for the ball.
The match started with the Maori side going over first through Jacob Laban before their rival's hit back when Blake Steep crossed with his first touch.
By half-time a missed conversion split the sides with the Indigenous All-Stars leading 12-10.
Dallin Watene-Zelezniak and Connor Watson were the two players scoring tries.
Josh Addo-Carr extended the Indigenous side's lead after the break, however that conversion was missed.
The miss proved crucial when Mawene Hiroti converted Trent Toelau's try to level the score at 16-16.
Neither side could break the deadlock despite Campbell looking dangerous during the second half.
The match also had a rare moment when Belinda Sharpe replaced referee Adam Gee in the final quarter due to the latter's injury.
