KEY POINTS:
Fiji is a friendly country to visit - until you come to play them at rugby, that is.
The island nation, who meet tourists with their customary 'bula' and white-toothed smiles, were more bully than bula as they almost bashed the New Zealand Maori into a famous win.
The weather gods produced a week of rain to set the stage for Fiji's effort at physical domination in waterlogged conditions at Churchill Park in Lautoka. It stirred memories of some of the test battles from yesteryear as a war of attrition in the wet - and confirmed that last week's 34-17 win by Fiji over Manu Samoa demonstrated that Fiji have improved to be a force in the international game.
The challenges at the outset, the Maori haka meeting the Fijian cibi in unison, set the tone and the match began with fierce physical exchanges.
New Zealand Maori coach Donny Stevenson had made 10 changes from the side that beat Tonga 20-9 and it showed. The conditions certainly played their part but the Maori lacked understanding while the unchanged Fijian side hustled and hammered their counterparts.
That was typified by Fiji's first try just before the break as bustling centre Sireli Naqelevuki, of the Stormers, charged down a Stephen Brett clearance to score. Brett failed to exert any influence on the match as did his halfback Chris Smylie who was subbed for Piri Weepu shortly after halftime.
The former All Black settled the visitors but Fiji, with their tails up from their promising start, became harder to subdue as the match progressed. Maori co-captain Liam Messam continued to create chances but the final touch was lacking and often upset by brutal Fijian defence.
Hosea Gear was prominent throughout and he almost scored before the dominance of the Maori lineout paid dividends. All Black Jason Eaton crossed for a crucial try on 59 minutes for the visitors to lead by 8-7.
Fiji came home strong and could have won the match. Fullback Taniela Rawaqa missed a penalty kick with 15 minutes remaining before a resurgent finish.
It was a nervous finale for the Maori but they held on, just, to stay unbeaten in the Pacific Nations Cup.
However, this was a result that should ring alarm bells at the NZRU headquarters. The last time a New Zealand side visited Fiji was last year when the Junior All Blacks hammered them 57-8.
This result - even taking the conditions into account - suggests that the further exodus of depth from NZ rugby is having an impact.
With Fiji almost beating the eventual winners South Africa at the World Cup last year maybe it is time the All Blacks fronted for a hostile test in the Islands.
