Scrum of the Earth /

New Zealand Maori continued their quest for an early summer trophy double with a hard-fought 17-6 victory over Samoa in Hamilton.

Piri Weepu and Callum Bruce scores gave the Maori a 17-0 lead at the break while two penalties for Gavin Williams was all that the South Sea Islanders could muster.

Australia A top the standings after running in 15 tries against a hapless Tongan side with No. 8 Stephen Hoiles scoring four and substitute Drew Mitchell going over or a late hat-trick for the star-studded second-string Wallabies. Timana Tahu was the fulcrum for most of the good stuff scoring one of his own as well as setting up six of their tries.

Fiji fought back from a six-point interval deficit to overpower a vastly improved Japanese side. The islanders capitalised on Japan's error count with Sireli Nagelevuki, Taniela Rawaqa and Vereniki Goneva all going over as the Fijians won the battle of the breakdown.