The Maori All Blacks have come from behind to narrowly beat Fiji 27-26 in Suva despite each team scoring three tries in an evenly matched encounter.
Maori All Blacks captain Charlie Ngatai leads the haka against Fiji, 2015. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Fiji haven't beaten the Maori since 1957, but surprised the visitors in the third minute when fullback, Kini Murimurivalu, ran through a gaping hole for the opening try.
It took the Maori 25 minutes to compose themselves enough to respond when their right winger and All Black sevens player, Reiko Ione, crossed the line for the visitors.
Rieko Ioane Photo: Photosport
The momentum quickly swung back to the home side as the Crusaders winger Nemani Nadolo scored Fiji's second try in the left corner five minutes before the break.
His captain Akapusi Qera then forced his way over the line on the stroke on half-time to give Fiji a 26-10 lead.
The Maori All Blacks coach, Colin Cooper, no doubt had some stern words for his charges during the recess.
His fullback, the Chiefs utility, Damian McKenzie, got the Maori back into the game in the 51st minute when his brother Marty slipped him a pass five metres from the line.
Damian McKenzie playing for the Maori All Blacks against Fiji, 2015. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Another try followed 16 minutes later when the man of the match from the Super Rugby final, Elliot Dixon, crashed over to put the Maori just one point behind.
Otere Black kicked the conversion to give the Maori All Blacks a one point winning margin and their 19th victory in a row.
Next Saturday the Maori play the New Zealand Barbarians at Eden Park.
