Maori retreat

ROTORUA International Stadium, which is the heart of the NZ Maori, is ready to host the return clash and mouth-watering battle between the ninth ranked flamboyant Flying Fijians and the wounded Maori.

Tonight’s battle will be the most important rugby match to be played in the city since the Maori All Blacks took on the might of the British and Irish Lions in 2017. That result on a murky night at Rotorua’s International Stadium was a (32-10) victory for the visitors which ended the Maori All Blacks’ proud record of six straight wins at the stadium going back to 1976.

Rotorua first hosted a Maori All Blacks fixture in 1973 when the All Blacks beat the Maori (18-8) on their unique internal tour and since then Samoa, Fiji, Tonga, England, Argentina and Ireland have all been well beaten.

The NZ Maori have a proud tradition of playing the passionate and highly skilful Fijians and those who have battled the Fijians have relished the previous encounters. Before the (27-10) loss in Suva last week, the Maori All Blacks recorded 20 wins while Fiji recorded seven wins and two matches ended in a draw. Furthermore, the Maori team was unbeaten against Fiji since 1957 including their last encounter in Suva four years ago. That day the Maori All Blacks sneaked ahead (27-26) to break Fijian hearts so excitement was building in Suva last week and I’m glad fans went home happy after Fiji’s win.

While McKee has made ten changes Clayton McMillan has named a strong side to reflect what is going to be a great contest and this time around playing in front of their whanau the Maori will be direct in contact, and deliberate in their game decisions.

The likes of Wright, Dixon, Lomax, Douglas, Hall, Black, Wainui, Stevenson, Harris, Hetet (son of Jo Veitayaki), Leawere (son of Kele Leawere), Ioane, Tahuriorangi and Walden will carry the passion and emotions of the home fans.

On the other hand, Ma’afu, Vugakoto, Atalifo, Ratuva, Api, Waqaniburotu, Voka, Nagusa, Seniloli, Veitokani, Nakosi, Vatubua, Wise, Pat, and Kini will carry our ambitions of a back-to-back win while our bench in Sam, Jo, Tagi, Tuisue, Dyer, Vularika, Galala and Josh looks formidable.

In Suva last week Fiji had 67 per cent possession compared with the 33 per cent that the Maori had.

Fiji made 27 clean breaks while the Maori made six. Fiji made 68 tackles compared with the Maori who made 134 tackles. While Fiji missed 15 tackles the visitors missed 49 tackles. Our flair and intensity is up against the pride and passion of the Maori and tonight’s cracker will be won by the team that plays 80 minutes of rugby and plays to the game plan.

We have to be smart and defend ferociously. All the best and toso Viti!

RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM

Nadawa, Nasinu