July 3 - 1954 - Fiji play Auckland

Fiji had toured New Zealand in 1951, winning eight of their 15 matches despite injuries, unfamiliar conditions and a lack of tight forwards. However they were a popular side and their happy-go-lucky style was much appreciated.

In 1954 they were on their way home from a successful 17 match Australian tour in which they had won fifteen games and drawn the two test series so much was expected of them in this tour finale. The result, 39 – 3 to Auckland, was a disappointment for the crowd but the Fijians could perhaps be excused for not being fully focused in this “add-on” sort of match.

Auckland 39. J M Tanner (2), T R N Edwards, R F Honey, E H Whatarau, J W Kelly, I M Rasmussen, R W Archibald, L C Russell tries. J W Kelly 6 con.

Fiji 3.

Referee. L F Warren (Auckland).

The teams next met in 1957, also in Auckland, when Fiji got a measure of revenge with a 38 – 17 win.