Afeaki slates Kiwi crowds

Pacific Islanders captain Inoke Afeaki has slammed New Zealand crowds, calling them un-sporting - with Christchurch in particular receiving a tongue-lashing. The Tongan said that the Kiwis could learn a thing or two about sporting etiquette from the Australian fans.

Afeaki, talking ahead of the Islanders' match against the All Blacks on Saturday, praised the Australian crowd's behaviour at the Adelaide Oval last weekend during the match against the Wallabies.

"The crowd appreciated good play no matter which team it was from - the Australians have good sports etiquette like that," Afeaki told NZPA.

"That's something that could be learned, particularly in the south of New Zealand.

"Some of the sports etiquette in Christchurch in particular is just appalling - and I can say that after many years of playing rugby in New Zealand," added Afeaki, who played for the Hurricanes.

The Islanders have come under fire for some contentious tackles on the likes of Wallaby winger Clyde Rathbone and skipper George Gregan - but Afeaki, who was responsible for an apparent late hit on Rathbone early in the game, revealed that he was expecting more big hits against the Wallabies.

"We've been questioned about the hard hits... we're actually tired at the moment and if you want to see some real hits you want to see a match between the island teams," said Afeaki.

"I cringe in the first 20 minutes because the hits are so massive. There was only 10 percent of those in the Australian game - I was disappointed there wasn't more of it."

The Islanders struggled to impose themselves on the Wallabies, however, and their lack of tactical awareness at the back cost them dearly - with Wallaby first five-eighth Stephen Larkham producing a brilliant display of tactical kicking.

But Afeaki was expecting an improved performance against the All Blacks - and undoubtedly some more massive hits.

"Our skills in the kicking department were pretty woeful and the defence of the back three left a lot to be desired," said Afeaki.

"Sitiveni [Sivivatu] and Lome [Fa'atau] play together [for the Chiefs] and all we have to do is get Norman to fit into that combination. It should be fixed by the weekend."