Jamaica’s slick counter-attack proved decisive as they ran out 3-2 winners over New Zealand in a friendly soccer match in Auckland on Wednesday night.

The visitors’ opening goal had a hint of fortune about it, as a first-half cross from fullback Xavian Virgo flew over stranded keeper Mark Paston.

But it was incisive moves that produced second-half efforts for new cap Tramaine Stewart and substitute Navian Boyd.

The All Whites created their share of opportunities, and their replies came from Chris Wood and from substitute Chris Killen’s late header.

Both teams were using the friendly as build-up for their respective World Cup qualifying campaigns beginning in June.

The Reggae Boyz, who at 50 are ranked 70 places above New Zealand, started with all eight of the overseas players from their squad.

All Whites coach Ricki Herbert began with his World Cup back three of Winston Reid, skipper Ryan Nelsen and Tommy Smith.

Further forward, Herbert gave starts to youngsters Marco Rojas and Kosta Barbarouses, while midfielder Dan Keat got a debut cap off the bench.

Keat showed plenty of confidence when, shortly after coming on, he produced a 25m shot that went just too high.

The All Whites almost went ahead in the sixth minute when Rojas was put through by a slick Jeremy Brockie pass.

Rojas, who was lively throughout his time on the field, fell under a challenge from advancing keeper Dwayne Miller.

However, Tahitian referee Norbert Hauata turned down what looked like a good shout for a penalty.

The home side came close again from a free kick, when Nelsen pounced on the loose ball but Miller did well to block him.

Jamaica showed instances of slick passing and movement, before Virgo produced their first goal out of the blue.

Stewart added a second early in the second half when put through by Omar Cummings.

It took the All Whites only a minute to pull a goal back, some good interpassing involving Rojas creating the chance for Wood to score.

But Boyd’s clinical finish after a breakout from a New Zealand corner restored the two-goal margin.

There was a frantic finish after substitute Chris Killen headed home from a corner in the 89th minute.