A BUST-up, crowd invasion and three-tight heads against the world's finest front row were the highlights of a memorable match in front of 13,000 fans 32 years ago.
Former Fiji coach Brad Johnstone was part of the 1980 All Blacks squad that toured Fiji.
Johnstone, who played 45 times for New Zealand including 13 Test matches, coached Fiji at the 1999 Rugby World Cup.
But back in 1980, he lined up as prop in the Kiwi's first match on tour.
They were up against our provincial champions Nadroga at Lautoka's Churchill Park.
Powerful ABs
Johnstone, fellow prop Gary Knight (66 matches and 13 Tests), number eight Murray Mexted (72 games and 34 Tests), lock Andy Haden (117 games with 41 Tests), halfback Dave Loveridge (54 matches and 24 Tests), wingers Stu Wilson (85 matches and 34 Tests) and Bernie Fraser (55 matches and 23 Tests) were some of the big names in the All Blacks run-on team.
High expectations
Nadroga had some of their stars from the 1973 team that beat the New Zealand Maori.
They were coach/captain Meli Kurisaru, Peceli Kina, Peter Hughes, Eveni Tuituba, Joe Green Rayawa and Wame Gavidi.
Except for Tuituba, the others were in the run-on team.
Netava Tamaya was fullback with Tevita Makutu and Toakula Tuqiri the wingers. Kini Vosailagi (12) and Gavidi (13) were the midfield backs and Rupeni Nakoyoyo at stand-off.
Epi Satavu was halfback with Kurisaru at number eight.
The late Rupeni Qaraniqio and Watile Tuinagiagia the flankers, Rayawa and Ilisoni Taoba were the locks, Hughes and Kina the props and Rupeni Nasiga at hooker.
Fiery match
Playing his first match as an All Black at home was Lautoka-born Fraser.
He turned out to be the man who made the difference. He scored both the All Blacks tries.
There were only three tries scored, including one by the Stallions.
Nadroga's try was a good one. The move began with Kurisaru changing defence into attack and the backline handling well with Gavidi taking the final pass from Tuqiri to dot down.
Young Tamaya was good and relieved pressure with long touch finders.
There were three tight-heads to Nadroga hooker Nasiga over Grant Perry.
Nadroga lost two key players in the first spell.
Rayawa was hurt and replaced by young Sunia Nadruku while Samisoni Navatu came on for Hughes. This disrupted Nadroga's tempo and plan.
They tried to hold their own against one of the most powerful packs in the world and were good with ball in hand.
Late trouble
The ABs led only 7-0 at half-time and went on to win the game 14-6.
This remains one of the finest performances put in by a local provincial side against any visiting top tier nation but this showdown made the headlines for all the wrong reasons.
With two minutes remaining Knight got involved in a punch-up with Makutu and Taoba. Kina rushed in to help break up the situation along with Haden and his lock partner Graeme Higginson.
However, some fans jumped in as well and a scuffle broke out, in which referee Rod Jepsen was punched.
Three Nadroga fans were later charged for being drunk and disorderly.
On the scoreboard though the Stallions were not at all embarrassed, a mere eight-point loss is something they will always cherish.