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Wellington - Winger Hosea Gear clinched a last gasp 37-31 win for New Zealand Maori against the New Zealand Barbarians ahead of clashes this month against Ireland and England.
New Zealand Maori got their centenary celebrations off to the start they wanted against the Barbarians, who included touring Irish squad members Damien Varley and Tom Court as well as up-and-coming New Zealand talent.
Barbarians flyhalf Colin Slade appeared to have had the last say when he slotted a penalty to give his side a 31-30 lead with just three minutes remaining.
But fringe All Black winger Gear topped off an impressive match for New Zealand Maori with a clinically executed try in the last minute of play.
The Maori team had raced away to a 17-0 lead in the first spell after tries to Stephen Brett and captain Liam Messam and a penalty.
Tries to No. 8 Peter Saili and inside centre Ben Smith kept the Barbarians in touch later in the spell, with winger Rene Ranger playing a prominent role in both.
Coming out of the break with a 20-14 lead, the New Zealand Maori surrendered the advantage after a try to Barbarians prop Jamie Mackintosh and the lead continued to change hands through the spell.
The Barbarians scored through Slade, who also notched four conversions and a penalty, while Robbie Robinson and Hayden Triggs scored for their opponents before Gear's decisive try.
Former All Black Luke McAlister kicked three conversions and a penalty for New Zealand Maori, who play Ireland on June 18 and England on June 23.
