The touring New Zealand Divisional XV rugby team were beaten 29-39 by Fiji at Lautoka's Churchill Park today.
They return home with two losses from as many games in the islands, after going down 11-24 to a Fijian Barbarians side on Saturday.
The Fijians warmed up for their tour of the northern hemisphere starting next week by running in six tries to four for New Zealand.
They led 15-7 at halftime and looked too strong for the team selected from the New Zealand second and third division national provincial competition.
North Otago halfback Ryan McCarthy, Counties-Manukau winger Lelia Masaga, Nelson Bays' flanker Mark Bright and Hawke's Bay flanker Michael Johnson scored the Divisional team's tries.
Counties Manukau's Tim Manawatu kicked a penalty and three conversions.
Coach Glenn Moore said his team put on an improved performance.
"We played with a lot of spirit and determination today to (try to) finish the tour on a winning note. And although Fiji was leading (15-7) at halftime, we were still in the match at that stage.
"Unfortunately we fell off tackles in the second half and they were able to capitalise on that," Moore said.
Fiji 39 (Norman Ligairi, Jone Qovu, Seremaia Bai, Jack Prasad, Epeli Ruivadra, Kele Leawere tries; Bai pen, 3 con)
NZ Divisional XV 29 (Ryan McCarthy, Lelia Masaga, Mark Bright, Michael Johnson tries; Tim Manawatu pen, 3 con). Halftime: 15-7.
- NZPA
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