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New Zealand
24
Match Complete
Fiji
18
| J. Rapana |  | 78 | ||
| J. Rapana |  | 71 | ||
| J. Rapana |  | 64 | ||
| J. Manu | | 62 | ||
| J. Rapana | | 49 | ||
| B. Nikora | | 48 | ||
| 44 | | B. Wakeham | ||
| 43 | | K. Naiqama | ||
| J. Rapana | | 27 | ||
| R. Mulitalo | | 25 | ||
| 19 | | B. Wakeham | ||
| 17 | | K. Naiqama | ||
| 12 | | B. Wakeham | ||
| 11 | | M. Sivo |
| 4 | Tries | 3 | ||
| 3 | Conversions | 3 | ||
| 1 | Penalty Goals | 0 | ||
| 0 | Field Goals | 0 |
Show Preview
A semi-final spot in the Rugby League World Cup goes on the line this morning when New Zealand takes on Fiji at DW Stadium in Wigan. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 6:30am (AEDT).
Just five years ago, Fiji pulled off a major upset in the Rugby League World Cup, outlasting New Zealand 4-2 in a quarter-final. Fiji will be hoping it can repeat the dose, whilst New Zealand will be looking for revenge on the road to World Cup glory.
The Kiwis haven’t been challenged in the pool games, with their narrowest win being the 34-12 win over Lebanon first up. However, like Australia, they have only shown glimpses of their best and will be looking to put 80 minutes together today.
New Zealand look to dominate through their large forward pack, with the likes of Jahrome Hughes and Dylan Brown running their game off the back of that momentum. Joseph Manu is one of the best backs in the game and much is expected of him.
In an interesting move, Pita Hiku has been named on the bench with Briton Nikora and Isaac Liu starting in the centres. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves misses the game through suspension but that Kiwi pack still looks very strong.
After losing 42-8 to Australia first up, Fiji have enjoyed big wins over Italy and Scotland however, obviously, they need to step up here.
However, any team featuring Api Koroisau, Viliame Kikau and Maika Sivo must be respected and the Kiwis will make sure they are up for this game.
Prediction
Eight current players were in the New Zealand squad that was beaten by Fiji five years ago.
However, this Kiwis side has a much stronger look to it and they probably deserve their No.1 ranking going into this World Cup.
Fiji will challenge them early, but New Zealand should come away with a good win.
New Zealand by 40.
Kick-off: 6:30am (AEDT)
Venue: DW Stadium, Wigan
TV: Fox League
Live stream: Foxtel, Kayo Sports
Odds: New Zealand: $1.01; Fiji: $21.00 – odds via PlayUp
Teams
New Zealand
1.Joseph Manu 2. Ronaldo Mulitalo 17. Briton Nikora 20. Isaac Liu 5. Jordan Rapana 6. Dylan Brown 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Brandon Smith 10. James Fisher-Harris 11. Isaiah Papali’i 12. Kenny Bromwich 13. Joseph Tapine
Interchange: 4. Peta Hiku 14. Kieran Foran 16. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 19. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak
Fiji
1.Sunia Turuva 2. Maika Sivo 4. Kevin Naiqama 19. Semi Valemei 24. Vuate Karawalevu 20. Henry Raiwalui 7. Brandon Wakeham 3. Korbin Sims 9. Apisai Koroisau 17. King Vuniyayawa 12. Viliame Kikau 22. Siua Wong 11. Taniela Sadrugu
Interchange: 5. Mitieli Vulikijapani 14. Penioni Tagituimua 15. Tevita Toloi 16. Lamar Manuel-Liolevave
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