International Round-Up

By Mark Stevens

In a busy weekend of international action for Exeter Chiefs players, Tom Johnson (pictured) added to his tally of England caps when he was used as a second half replacement in his side's narrow defeat to New Zealand.

The All Blacks claimed a late win at Eden Park in Auckland when centre Conrad Smith was able to dive over in the right-hand corner to give his side a 20-15 victory.

Earlier, Aaron Cruden had kicked five penalties for the home side, while England's points also came courtesy of the boot as fly-half Freddie Burns landed four penalties and Danny Cipriani kicked another on his return to the international stage.

Elsewhere, Chiefs newcomer Moray Low also came off the bench in Scotland's 24-6 win over the USA in Houston.

Tim Visser and Stuart Hogg both claimed tries for the visitors, who were also awarded a penalty try. Greg Laidlaw converted all three scores, as well as adding a penalty.

The USA countered with two penalties from Saracens back Chris Wyles.

Finally, Fetu'u Vainikolo featured for Tonga as they snatched an 18-18 draw in injury time against Samoa to launch the Pacific Nations Cup tournament in dramatic fashion in Apia.

The clock had ticked a minute past full-time with Samoa clinging to an 18-15 lead when Tongan lock Josh Afu was pulled down in a line-out. English referee Wayne Barnes had no hesitation awarding the penalty and Tongan replacement back Fangatapu Apikotoa calmly slotted the difficult 40-metre shot at goal.

Earlier Samoa's points came via tries from Fautua Otto and David Lemi with Tusi Pisi adding a conversion and two penalties, while Tonga responded with tries from Otulea Katoa and Afu, plus five points from Latiume Fosita.