IF it was passion and commitment both coaches were looking for when the Rest of the World took on New Zealand in the traditional match commemorating Waitangi Day, they got it.
Despite being down 18-8 as the final siren sounded, The Rest of the World showed what the annual against New Zealand meant and pounded away the kiwi's line until front-rower Chuan Lee crashed over to leave the final score at 18-15.
At the end of a gruelling and rugged 84-minutes on Saturday night, the New Zealand players could celebrate a famous victory while the Rest of the World side could walk off the field with it's head held high.
The highly anticipated clash drew a big crowd and tension mounted as the Rest of the World stared down the traditional haka as kick-off loomed.
The New Zealand forwards led by second-rowers Asher Jeffrey, Jason McGirr, loose forward Hamish Chrisp and No 8 Josh Monukoa ran into stiff opposition.
Rest of the World captain Cameron Moore, combining with Jeremy Biggelaar and Phil Morton to counter attack the New Zealand punch.
It took a moment of ill-discipline to break the deadlock when the Rest of the World were caught infringing in the ruck and Regan Tamati stepped up to kick New Zealand into a 3-nil lead.
Two minutes later the match was again level after Zyron George steered the ball through the posts after New Zealand were caught off-side.
With nearly a quarter of the game gone, New Zealand were finding a few chinks in the Rest of the World's armour, Zemic Patuwai making a half-break before McGirr charged his way towards the Rest of the World tryline.
Brought down short of the line , the New Zealand forwards sniffed blood and like a pack of sharks swarmed in. Harely Hema crashing over the line and giving his side a 10-3 advantage.
Both sides continued to search for a way through resolute defence.
Cody Saltmere looked threatening with several touches out wide for the Rest of the World while the hard working Chrisp linked up with fellow forward Dan Reed to bust the Rest of the World line.
The best chance for the Rest of the World came on the half-hour mark after Biggelaar made a bullocking run towards the New Zealand line from a lineout.
The New Zealand defence was stretched but George's cross field kick just beat winger Pana Uate into touch.
Surviving the Rest of the World raid, New Zealand's powerful midfield battered the ball forward. Typically strong work from centres John Tamati and Eli Sweeney carried their side over the half-way line where New Zealand was awarded a chance to extend its lead.
Regan Tamati made no mistake and the Kiwi's led by 13-3 at the break.
Ten minutes into the second-half concerted pressure from the Rest of the World earned the side a penalty and quick thinking from Saltmere caught the Kiwis napping.
He sliced through the flat-footed defence to reduce the margin to 13-8.
Continuing to press for the equaliser, the Rest of the World had its heart broken when the ball was turned over deep inside the New Zealand half.
A combination of vision and blinding speed from Patuwai and young winger Ashley Hema turned defence into attack in an instant and Rest of the World was back in its own trenches.
Unable to repel the New Zealand attack, the Rest of the World took a hit when Chrisp spotted an opening to make it 18-8.
New Zealand coach Mark Wilkinson paid tribute to the opposition commending the spirit and commitment it showed.
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