The Fijian U20 elite player pathway manager Bill Gadolo said the warm and traditional welcome and exchange at the marae set the scene for their time in Rotorua.
"It's good for the boys to see the similarities in the culture," which he said there were many of, from the names of places to pronunciation.
It was Fijian captain Tevita Ikaniver's first time in Rotorua and he said the cold was not enough to cool the confidence in their chance to win on Saturday.
The confidence was underpinned by a mixture of nerves and excitement, which was all part of it.
The Fijian rugby team welcomed on to Te Papaiouru Marae. Photo / Stephen Parker
Ikaniver said the game being played in Rotorua instead of one of the country's main centres was good for them as it allowed the team to experience the culture and customs of locals.
Apart from their planned rugby-related duties, the team will attend a church service with the local Fijian community and a pool party in the lead-up to the match.
Central Bay of Plenty rugby manager Lipi Sinnott said there was already a good relationship between the Bay of Plenty Rugby Union and Fijian Rugby Union.
"We want to create good relationships with quite a few indigenous countries and see what kind of opportunities are there," he said.
The fact the game was being played in Rotorua was great for the community and particularly our tamariki, Sinnott said.
As for the game itself, Sinnott said it would be nothing short of entertaining and full of energy.
"Especially after the last match in Fiji, there'll be plenty on the line for both teams.
"For the Māori team it will be a bit of pride and mana, and for the Fijians, it's if they can do it here in the colder climate."
