Fiji Lose Narrowly

The Flying Fijians put up a marvellous performance despite going down 11 points to 7 to the New Zealand Maori in their second match of the International Rugby Board Pacific Nations Cup competition.
Fiji led 7-3 at the break with Stormers Super 14 wing Sireli Naqelevuki scoring his first test try. Taniela Rawaqa converted the try but early in the first half he missed two penalties.

The New Zealand Maori only managed three points in the first spell after Tamati Ellison kicked a penalty.

In the second spell, New Zealand Maori's Jason Eaton scored their only try, as Fiji failed to cross their try line.

Meanwhile, the two captains of the Flying Fijians and the New Zealand Maori side agreed to go ahead with the match despite the treacherous conditions at Churchill Park in Lautoka.

Heavy rain half an hour before kick off saw Churchill Park waterlogged with up to ankle high water in some parts of the field.

It was something not often seen in rugby when the two captains were called out onto the pitch by the match officials to decide whether they wanted to go ahead with the match. After a quick inspection, Mosese Raulini and Liam Messam said they wanted to play.

The spectators from a portion of the grandstand at Churchill Park had to be evacuated after strong winds blew off the roof.