NZ Maori beat Fiji after close encounter

The New Zealand Maori team warmed up for their match against the Lions in Hamilton next Saturday with a 29-27 win over Fiji in Suva today.

Both teams scored four tries each and Fijian kicker Nicky Little, in an attempt to level the scores, missed a conversion attempt from the sideline four minutes from the end.

No 8 Angus MacDonald, winger Hayden Pedersen, fullback Shannon Paku and hooker Scott Linklater scored the Maori tries and David Hill kicked a penalty and three conversions.

Former Wellington winger Sireli Bobo, No 8 Sisa Koyamaibole and midfield back Seremaia Bai scored Fiji's tries and Little kicked a penalty and two conversions.

Both teams had a number of scoring chances in a largely open game played in good spirit but muffed their attacks with either poor handling, careless passes or changing the direction of their attacks into heavy traffic.

However it was a useful hit-out by both teams who are preparing for bigger assignments. Fiji will play the All Blacks at Albany on June 10, the night before the Maori take on the touring Lions in Hamilton.

While the Fijian backs played typical island-style rugby, it was the forwards who impressed with their handling and defence, hauling in the Maori attacks on the fringes and at midfield.

"We wanted to get the ball out to the flanks to stretch them but their midfield played really well, they had a solid defence today," Maori captain Jono Gibbes said.

Australian referee George Ayoub disallowed a try by Fijian centre Vili Satala in the 25th minute when the Maori defence fell apart.

"Considering we had only four days together I thought we went quite well. Fiji played really well and they're never easy when you're playing them here," Gibbes said.

"But the Lions will be another big step up and we have to put our heads down again and work hard. We have a week now to prepare for them."


NZ Maori 29 (Angus MacDonald, Hayden Pedersen, Shannon Paku, Scott Linklater tries; David Hill pen, 3 con)
Fiji 27 (Sireli Bobo 2, Sisa Koyamaibole, Seremaia Bai tries; Nicky Little pen, 2 con)

Halftime: 17-15.

- NZPA