NZ Maori defeat Fiji

As part of the Australia Day Celebrations the New Zealand Maori team played Fiji at Coffs Harbour International Stadium on Thursday 26 January 2006.

A very close and low scoring game, which was controlled extremely well by NRL referee, Shane Hayne in very wet conditions, saw the NZ Maori clock up a win over their Pacific Island counterparts, Fiji.

Stand out players for the NZ Maori side were hooker, Cheyenne Motu with outstanding dummy half running which gained his team some good yards and Jason Paikea who was great under the high ball in the fullback position and could not be faulted for his strong running.

This being the first hit out for many of the players this season the coaching staff were happy with the win for the start of their tour to Australia. They are now focusing on the Orara Sevens Tournament where they will play at Coffs Harbour on Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 January 2006.

RESULT

NZ Maori 12
Tries: J. Cassidy, A. Tuara
Goals: N. Hohaia, J. Cassidy

Fiji 6
Tries: A. Dulagama
Goals: F. Caucauba