The Fiji Bati have ended New Zealand’s dream of winning the Rugby League World Cup, after upsetting the Kiwis 4-2 in a hard fought quarter-final in Wellington.
Just a week after falling 28-22 to Tonga, the Kiwis have been beaten by a second tier-two side in a low-scoring match they had never looked like winning.
Two Apisai Koroisau penalties to a sole Shaun Johnson effort lastnight was enough to give the Bati a well-deserved win over a Kiwi team which never managed to get out of first gear.
Captain Kevin Naiqama thanked his players for playing until the last whistle.
“It so indescribable and I’m so proud of this boys and I always believe in them the moment we went into camp and I never stop believing in them and I always said that we can win this game and it’s the dream come true to get it done.”
Kiwis coach David Kidwell says although last night’s loss was a hard pill to swallow they could not be more proud of the effort his team displayed throughout the campaign.
“They’ve created the results and the passion for that jersey and it’s been the most enjoyable campaign I’ve been a part of.”
Fiji will face the Kangaroos in next week’s Friday Brisbane semi-final at 10pm.
Defending champions Australia thumped Samoa 46-0 in last night’s quarter-final in Townsville.
Meanwhile the Kumuls will take on England in the last quarterfinal at 6pm today.
