Maori All Blacks bounce back with 26-17 win over Fiji to level series

Maori All Blacks 26-7 Fiji, Rotorua

Maori All Blacks bounced back from their defeat against Fiji with a 26-7 win in Rotorua to finish the two game series level at 1-1.

The scoreline looked even at half-time with both the teams scoring seven apiece but the Maori All Blacks picked up their momentum especially in the final quarter to clinch the victory.

Hooker Vere Taukona Vugakoto kick-started the proceedings for Fiji with an eighth minute try and fly-half Alifereti Veitokani kicked the conversion to take Fiji to a seven point lead.

Clayton McMillan's men bounced back in the 13th minute with winger Sean Wainui crossing over that was improved by Otere Black as the teams had a 7-7 scoreline heading into the break.

Maori All Blacks had the momentum after the break with an early second half try from Rob Thompson and Black's conversion put them into a seven point lead.

A penalty kick in the 52nd minute from Veitokani narrowed down the gap to four points but Maori All Blacks dominated the start of the third quarter with back to back tries from Alex Nankivell and Isaia Walker-Leawere that proved enough despite a consolation try Johnny Dyer in the end for Fiji.