Kieran Foran's luckless run of injuries has continued, after he suffered a suspected dislocated shoulder in New Zealand's gritty 12-8 rugby league test win over Great Britain in Auckland.
Kiwis fullback Roger Tuivasa-Sheck offloads to Jamayne Isaako. Photo: Photosport
Making his first Kiwis appearance in more than two years, Foran came reeling out of an attempted tackle on James Graham in the sixth minute on Saturday at Eden Park.
The 29-year-old Foran was limited to 14 games this year for Canterbury due to ankle, hamstring and quad injuries, after playing just 12 matches in 2018.
His latest setback is the same shoulder that needed a reconstruction three years ago, which ended his one-year stint at Parramatta after nine games.
Another major surgery might result in him missing a further six months, possibly ruling him out of the first two months of the next NRL season.
The injury soured a plucky win by the host nation, frustrating a Lions attack who failed to convert a 26-5 advantage in plays inside the opposition 20.
Great Britain winger Jermaine McGillvary had a chance to steal the win in the dying minutes but was forced into error by a desperate Kenny Bromwich tackle.
The first half developed into a dour contest between two conservative outfits, with Jamayne Isaako and Gareth Widdop penalties the only points.
It wasn't until Roger Tuivasa-Sheck produced a moment of brilliance in the 49th minute that the deadlock was finally broken.
After dummying past a slow-footed Alex Walmsley, the Warriors' captain produced a long-range flick pass for Isaako to score in the corner.
A driving effort from Corey Harawira-Naera extended the Kiwis' lead soon after, before the home side desperately held on in a tense finish.
Villiame Kikau scores for Fiji. Photo: Photosport
Earlier on Saturday, hooker Brandon Smith was stood down for breaking team protocol with Kodi Nikorima being rushed into the squad.
In the early game, Viliame Kikau demonstrated why he's rated one of rugby league's most destructive running forwards by spearheading Fiji to a 44-20 upset of Samoa.
Despite facing a more fancied Samoa side full of NRL experience, Kikau showed them up with a performance that will have Penrith fans salivating.
The Panthers star bagged two tries and set up a third for a 24-point halftime lead that Samoa wouldn't get close to challenging on Saturday.
The victory leaves the Bati in the box seat to top group B of the Oceania Cup and earn promotion into group A next year to face New Zealand and Great Britain.
Kikau was well-supported by hooker Joe Lovodua, who scored the opening try and assisted on two others.
Samoa entered the contest overwhelming favourites on the back of a line-up boasting stars Martin Taupau, Junior Paulo and Joseph Leilua along with NRL regulars Jorge Taufua, Daniel Levi, Dunamis Lui and Jarome Luai.
-AAP