ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Maori All Blacks edge Fiji to extend winning run with comeback in Suva

BY Grant Constable  ·  Sunday Jul 12, 2015

The Maori All Blacks had a strong second half to come from behind and beat Fiji 27-26 in a hard fought contest in Suva on Saturday. Fiji had led 26-10 at the break but failed to score a point in the second half, as the Maori side scored 17 points in an impressive effort.

The win extends the Maori All Blacks’ 12-year unbeaten run against international sides to 19 victories, thanks to a concerted effort in the second half. 

“They trapped us in that first half, stuck us in our own half and we couldn’t get out,” said Maori skipper Charlie Ngatai, who recently made his full All Blacks Test debut against Samoa in Apia.

“We had to get the ball down their end, and build pressure and phases and hold onto the ball.”

Nemani Nadolo, the Crusaders and Fijian superstar, was in charge of the kicking duties for the hosts, and while he missed a chance to convert Fiji’s Kini Murimurivalu try, he did kick them to an 8-0 lead with a penalty.

Impressive 18-year-old Rieko Ioane scored a try after another penalty exchange, before Nadolo scored his 15th Test try just five minutes out from the halftime break. Akapusi Ngera then extended their lead as he barrelled over from close range.

Damian Mckenzie was rewarded with a try in the second period before Super Rugby Final star Elliot Dixon, scored the winning try late in the game. Otere Black converted and it was heartbreak for the home side, but a great come from behind win for the visitors.

The Maori All Blacks will play the New Zealand Barbarians at Eden Park next weekend.

Note: You can view extended highlights on page two if the below video doesn’t work for you

ADVERTISEMENT

Related Articles

  • 77 WEEKS AGO

    Breaking down the greatest year of international...

  • 258 WEEKS AGO

    scottish prop saves fire victim

  • 262 WEEKS AGO

    New Rugby X tournament insane



ADVERTISEMENT

Great Tries

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    WATCH: Outlandish Jacob Stockdale finish is truly world class

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Ulster denied THE GREATEST URC try you will ever see!

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Capuozzo break sets Dupont up for hatrick on return

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    Fans praise 'Dom Perignon Rugby' as Irish players prepare for final match of South African tour

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Harlequins winger heralded as the next big England breakthrough after weekend's performance

View All

Big Hits & Dirty Play

  • 1 DAY AGO

    WATCH: The biggest hit from week one of the Autumn Nations Series

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    'Cheap shot' from Leicester Tigers vs Northampton Saints causing a stir online

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    Wild moment leads to all in brawl during Welsh derby between Cardiff and Scarlets

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    South African school boy makes the greatest tackle ever

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Huge guillotine tackle divides fans in viral footage

View All

See It To Believe It

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    Insane moment as french backrow waves off medic and smokes Ange Capuozzo

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible drop goal helps break 25-match losing streak

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    Leinster fly half delivers insane 50:22 after being given start for Emerging Ireland

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    French scrumhalf drills perfect shot at goal under outrageous circumstances

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    Siya Kolisi makes young fans' day as he arrives at Cape Town school

View All

Funnies

  • 3 DAYS AGO

    Mischievous Marcus Smith spotted engaging in the dark arts during All Blacks match

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Jonny Sexton: 'Fondest memory of the Heineken Cup in 2011?' - 'Gordon D'Arcy's bar' and 'Coppers'

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    Watch: Mike Haley's post match interaction with RG Snyman leaves no doubt about where Munster players stand

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    The rugby guy and Mack Hansen drop an all time BANGER with latest video

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    ‘Pitch is made of concrete’ - Fan provides much needed update following half time incident

View All

Amateur

  • 95 WEEKS AGO

    You Won’t See Many Better Than This Silky-Smooth Try From Llandovery RFC

  • 95 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes As Caldy RFC Hand Ealing First Championship Defeat Of The Season

  • 118 WEEKS AGO

    Dubious Score Decides Result Of Rugby's Biggest Schools Fixture

  • 118 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes At School Boys Rugby Match

  • 119 WEEKS AGO

    The Next Dominant Backrow?

View All

Player Features

  • 1 DAY AGO

    Should Steve Borthwick have brought on George Ford? Or trusted in Marcus Smith?

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Louis Rees-Zammit opens up about his biggest shock in chasing NFL dream

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    'It's been an honour' - Wales legend retires from international rugby

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Jonny Sexton: 'Fondest memory of the Heineken Cup in 2011?' - 'Gordon D'Arcy's bar' and 'Coppers'

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    'It's been horrible' - Wales captain to miss Autumn Nations

View All