Fiji faith is the key to beating Australia

 

Roar Guru

 

By Alan Nicolea, 13 Nov 2008 Alan Nicolea is a Roar Guru & Live Blogger

Tagged:

 AFL, Fiji, Ireland, Jarryd Hayne, Kangaroos, North Melbourne Kangaroos, Rugby League, Rugby League World Cup

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Fiji are in the semi-finals of the Rugby League World Cup and face the ominous task of downing world champions Australia. They have nothing to lose and will be eager to leave their mark in international league by playing the best football possible against the world champions this Sunday.

The Fijians did what they needed to do against a very spirited Ireland outfit, who have surprised many in this World Cup.

But the luck of the Irish had to run out eventually.

And it did against a Fijian team who performed well enough to qualify for a semi-final, but not well enough to cause the Kangaroos any worries next week.

But as is the case with many island nations, they hate being favourites.

When they are met with expectation, they falter, often going back into a shell that does little to enhance their aura as one of the most flamboyant league nations.

There were cases against Ireland where this was so. Fiji were doing little in terms of expressing the true magic that was used to beat European hotshots, France.

Eels star Jarryd Hayne was involved, but he did not set the world on fire like on previous occasions.

Instead, they just played basic league that eventually overwhelmed Ireland into submission – even if it took 65 minutes to do so.

Now that the Irish are out of the way, Fiji will be underdogs once again.

However, this is the green light that has been signalled for them to play the game as they see fit, against a Kangaroos side that has no apparent weaknesses.

No amount of prayers, collection plate money or church attendances will give Fiji hope against the Australians.

Its up to the players themselves to play the game of their lives against the six time world champions. If they begin to look up, all they will see is a trip home.

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