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 |
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.
Game information
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
dogs
Guest
Great game, highlight for me was the try saver in the corner. Incredible. Even Vossy was less painful than usual. He has not looked good in comparison to the pommy commentators. I get that he is trying to bring something different, but I like the main caller to be a bit more professional and play it straight. Its a shame for Vossy (and us) that they only give "colour guy" jobs to ex-players, he'd be perfect for it.
JennyFromPenny
Guest
If you checked, ok. No worries. He's miscounted before. Shame the Fijians lost the count themselves. 19-18 would have been all but game over.
eagleJack
Roar Guru
I thought the same at the time. But Sutton was counting the tackles correctly. The TV graphic was one behind, before correcting itself.
JennyFromPenny
Guest
Pretty sure Fiji are setting up for a field goal, 18-all, 10 metres out in front, Koroisau at dummy half, last tackle, then suddenly Sutton calls the set over. Am I the only one who got gaslighted there. IRL say it didn't happen.
Republican
Guest
NZ to topple Australia and v Mother Albion in final.
3 R M
Roar Rookie
He's a great bench option with that centre game time as well, he racked up 9 offloads in one game at centre last season.
David Holden
Roar Guru
Thanks for following the blog this morning. Enjoy your Sunday
David Holden
Roar Guru
As I understand it, the Australia and New Zealand semi will be next Saturday. Don't miss it!
Rob
Guest
Kiwis got a bit lucky in the last 10min. Tough penalty for a strip then no penalty for being offside at the scrum? If you’re playing the obstruction rule the 2nd last try to the Kiwis was certainly caught inside the decoy. Bad luck Fiji. I hope Sutton isn’t in the finals.
David Holden
Roar Guru
Maybe the Kiwis will be stronger after surviving that one. Their forward back probably has the advantage on Australia but the Kangaroos will be targeting the edges next weekend. NZ looked vulnerable in that area
David Holden
Roar Guru
New Zealand have made it through to the semi's after a thriller against Fiji. That was cruel for the Fijian team. I'd like to think I am not biased and that strip call on Manu was just poor. Loose carry every day of the week. Fiji had their chance late to take the lead but they shouldn't have been in that position to start
78
Renegade
Roar Guru
Another epic game between these two - best game of the tournament so far! Hope your head up high Bati, almost pulled off a 4th straight semi final appearance for Fiji! First semi final set now - Aus vs NZ at Elland road, can’t wait.
eagleJack
Roar Guru
Fair jimmmy. I’d be ok if they got rid of it. I do like the concept. But like everything in rugby league, the execution is poor.
jimmmy
Roar Rookie
Bad luck Fiji. Thought you were a touch unlucky . Well done Kiwis . You were always going to finish strongly . Still i think you may as well start packing for home. Next week won't be pretty.
David Holden
Roar Guru
FULL TIME NEW ZEALAND DEFEAT FIJI 24-18
David Holden
Roar Guru
80' Rapana misses the kick but it is Full Time New Zealand 24 Fiji 18
David Holden
Roar Guru
79' TRY NZ Manu just short. Rapana taken. Hiku on the left edge. Last play shortside and Rapana seals the win. TRY New Zealand 24 Fiji 18
David Holden
Roar Guru
78' Tapine with a carry. JFH follows up. Nikora on the right edge. Kick lost by Fiji New Zealand 20 Fiji 18
Tony
Roar Guru
Kiwis all offside at that scrum