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The feel good story of the 2008 RLWC in the eyes of the public was definitely the Fiji Bati. The surprise packets of the tournament went on a fairy tale like run to reach the semi-finals for the first time and defeated much more fancied opponents along the way.
With Petero Civoniceva leading the way, this year’s squad will be looking to replicate the efforts of the previous group in 2013.
Fiji Bati
RLIF World Ranking: 7
Best Result: Semi Finalists (2008)
2008 Finish: Semi Finalists
2013 RLWC Odds: $81
Reaching the semi-finals of the 2008 World Cup was a massive achievement for Fiji as a nation.
The islands were captured by the progress of The Bati and on the back of their performance rugby league is now in the midst of a period of sustained growth throughout the country.
Fiji’s first appearance at the RLWC was in 1995 and up until the last World Cup, the Bati had never progressed from the group stage.
They again find themselves in the same pool as Australia and England which has never been a good omen for Fiji having failed in 1995 and 2000 when drawn against the two rivals.
Coach Rick Stone isn’t the superstitious type though and will be aiming to take his squad to the business end of this tournament.
Team Line Up (likely)
1. Kevin Naqaima
2. Marika Koroibete
3. Wes Naqaima
4. Sisa Waqa
5. Akuila Uate
6. Ryan Millard
7. Aaron Groom
8. Petero Civoniceva (c)
9. Apisai Koroisau
10. Ashton Sims
11. Tariq Sims
12. Korbin Sims
13. Jayson Bukuya
14. Kane Evans
15. Eloni Vunakece
16. Junior Roqica
17. Daryl Millard
Squad Members: Alipate Tani, James Storer, Semi Radradra, Kaliova Tani, Tikko Noke, Peni Botiki, Ilisavani Jegesa
A fairly different squad to the one that shredded the French and Irish sides in 2008 however Rick Stone has a strong line-up with a fair share of NRL and Super League experience.
The forward pack is a lot stronger than the 2008 edition led by the evergreen Civoniceva and includes devastating ball runners and hard hitters in Jayson Bukuya, Tariq Sims and his two brothers.
The backline as expected with all Fijian sides contains electrifying speed in the form of Uate, Koroibete, Waqa and the Naqaima Brothers.
The Bati will however be missing the services of Jarryd Hayne, who took his game to another level during and after the 2008 World Cup. Kevin Naiqama will certainly have some big shoes to fill.
Key Player
He came to prominence via his performances in the 2008 World Cup and I suspect we will see some more entertaining play from Akuila Uate.
The speed, agility and strength of Uate will certainly help the Bati ensure they gain good field position during matches.
It’s the individual brilliance from Uate that could take Fiji into the latter stages of the tournament just like it did five years ago. His efforts wearing the Fijian jersey against France no doubt introduced the winger to the rugby league World in 2008.
Group A Fixtures and Opponents
Vs Ireland @ Spotland Stadium, Rochdale Kick Off – Tues 29th Oct 7am AEDT
Vs Australia @ Langtree Park, St.Helens Kick Off – Sun third Nov 7am AEDT
Vs England @ The KC Stadium, Hull Kick Off – Sun 10th Nov 1:30am AEDT
Key Match
The opening match of Fiji’s campaign will be the most telling in regards to their progress. Taking on the Irish in their first match, a solid win here will more than likely ensure Fiji can progress through to the next phase of the tournament.
The last time these two sides met was in the 2008 World Cup when they played off for a spot in the semi-finals on the Gold Coast. The Bati came out on top on that occasion with a 30-14 victory and will be hoping to repeat that result.
RLWC 2013 Prospects
Fiji exceeded everyone’s expectation in 2008 and will be hoping to do much the same in this World Cup.
Having been placed in a tough pool, they will need to be consistent throughout the group matches to ensure they can progress to the quarter final stage.
I’m not sure that Fiji will be able to mirror their 2008 efforts however if Rick Stone and Petero Civoniceva can get this group to perform well as a team, anything is possible especially with the individual brilliance that the squad contains.
It would be an incredible achievement to reach the semi-finals two tournaments in a row against all odds.
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