New Zealand finished strong against Fiji
New Zealand were already tough last weekend against Tonga (102-0) for their comeback, and were again imposed wide on Saturday in Dunedin against Fiji (57-23), but were pushed further before the score increased at the end of the match.
The All Blacks scored four out of nine attempts in the final quarter of the hour, following the replacement of prostitute Dane Coles, author of the quad.
But the Fijians, who have been playing their first match this year and only their second since the 2019 World Cup, have given them a great deal of resistance so far.
The start of the game heralded New Zealand’s healthy walk, with three attempts in 12 minutes, one from full-back Jordi Barrett and two by David Haveli from three quarters.
And his team-mates at the center of La Rochelle Livani Boutia, captain of the team, did not give up his return to competition after his red card in the European Cup final.
Famous for flashing their ass, they scored three attempts forward, thanks to Albert Toiso, Meisulam Konavola and a penalty kick after a ball was dropped by the lions in front of their line.
Collectively superior New Zealand, who scored second row return Brody Ritalik after a stand-alone job in the Japanese championship, hit the gas pedal at the hour mark to take off.
So his first victor as half scrum captain was Aaron Smith, who had to wait until 32 and his No. 98 black jersey pick to see the honor.
The two teams meet again next Saturday in Hamilton, New Zealand, before the All-Blacks face Australia three times in August.
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