Braving a significant cold snap in Gisborne, the Fiji rugby team commenced their much-anticipated 1957 tour of New Zealand with a match against Poverty Bay, as reported by the Fiji Times on July 13 of that year. This tour was heralded as one of the most eagerly awaited visits by a Fijian rugby team to the country, famously known as The Land of the Long White Clouds.
Despite settling into their training quarters in Gisborne, the team faced challenges from unseasonably frosty conditions, which posed a discomfort to the tourists. Many players temporarily had to abandon traditional attire, opting instead for warmer clothing to cope with the cold. The ground beneath them was hard and rain was forecasted, promising to make playing conditions particularly challenging.
During their training sessions, the Fijian players showcased impressive skills, raising expectations that they would put forth a strong performance against the local side, which had struggled at times during the season. However, the Poverty Bay team possessed a robust forward pack, which had previously proved to be a significant advantage, especially in the absence of renowned All Black lock R.A. (Tiny) White.
The experience of Fiji’s forwards was noteworthy, enhanced by the training insights from New Zealand Maori player W. Carrington, ensuring that the team was adjusting their gameplay ahead of the match. John Ackroyd, the manager of the touring side and principal of Suva Boys Grammar School, focused on sharpening the backline’s skills, believing that the collective talent of his team was finally aligning perfectly.
As training progressed, fullback Nacanieli Uluiviti demonstrated a remarkable recovery from injury, completing sessions in excellent form and boosting team morale. The selection for the final team composition was yet to be finalized, with one of the key positions, halfback, still uncertain. Jese Mucunabitu and Suliasi Vatubua had both been impressive, but Mucunabitu was likely to secure the position due to his performance.
Among the players attracting attention was Joe Levula, whose reputation for powerful runs had delighted crowds during previous tours. He was anticipated to face Mick Cossey, a promising back from the local team and an All Black trialist for that year, potentially providing an exciting showdown on the field.
In front of a crowd of approximately 10,000, the match concluded in a gripping 14-all draw, showcasing the competitive spirit and resilience of both teams in challenging conditions.
This match signifies the enduring passion for rugby in Fiji and the resilience of its players as they adapt to varying conditions while maintaining high levels of performance. The gameday atmosphere and community support highlight the important cultural values that rugby embodies within Fijian society, marking an enduring legacy in the sport’s history.
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