Bring It,Fiji: Smith
Most of the boys were playing their first test or the All Blacks for the first time, we did not want to use that as an excuse- Levani Botia
Flying Fijians captain, Levani Botia, said they came to New Zealand to play rugby and they did.
Botia made the comment after they went down 23-57 at the Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin on Saturday night.
And New Zealand captain Aaron Smith said the second test in Hamilton on Saturday should be awesome.
“Fiji brought a lot of intensity and probably showed us an intensity we needed to (match) in the second half,” said Smith.
“We knew it was going to be a different beast this week. They’ve got some quality players and I think both teams will take a lot out of this. Bring on next week, it’s going to be awesome.”
The All Blacks ran in nine tries in total – three in the last 15 minutes as their opponents tired – but still posted their lowest tally in six tests against the Fijians going back to 1987.
Botia said: “That’s why we had to lift our standard to keep up with the All Blacks,” he said.
“We did not have much time to prepare together. And most of the boys were playing their first test or the All Blacks for the first time, we did not want to use that as an excuse.
“We came here to play rugby against the mighty All Blacks.”
Botia said they have learned a lot from the encounter and there are many things they need to improve on before Saturday’s second Test match at the FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton.
He also thanked Fijian fans in Dunedin to support them.
“Also, to everyone back home and we know that you a going through a difficult time, our thoughts are with you also.”
Smith said: “We had to adapt and adjust and the next seven days would be a challenge.
“They (Fiji) dominated the rucks and were outstanding across the field of play.”