Rugby-New Zealand Maori clinch Pacific Nations Cup

SYDNEY, July 6 (Reuters) - New Zealand Maori won the Pacific Nations Cup when flanker Thomas Waldrom scored with three minutes to go to beat Australia A 21-18 in the tournament's final round on Sunday.

Australia A were leading 18-14 with the clock winding down when Waldron crossed to break the hearts of the Australians, who only needed a draw to clinch the title.

Australia A fullback Mark Gerrard had the chance to tie the game right on fulltime, but a 45-metre penalty attempt fell just short.

The win left New Zealand Maori on 21 points, one ahead of Australia A. Samoa beat Japan 37-31 on Saturday to leapfrog Fiji into third, with Japan finishing fifth and Tonga sixth.

Australia A led early thanks to a converted try by centre Timana Tahu, but trailed 14-7 at the break after tries from Jacob Ellison and Tanerau Latimer.

However, two penalties to Gerrard and a second try to Tahu gave the home team an 18-14 lead until Waldrom's converted try put the Maori ahead.

Relieved New Zealand Maori coach Donny Stevenson paid tribute to his side's character, although he said they were often their own worst enemies.

"In the end we had some experienced guys to get us through but we didn't make it easy for ourselves, we were really scrambling at the end," he told reporters.

"We thought if we could put some phases together the opportunities would come but we lost the ball at critical times. I was concerned at some of the decision making."