Vodafone Fiji Bati captain, Kevin Naiqama is relishing the challenge of taking on the Australian Kangaroos in their Rugby League World Cup semi‑final clash tonight.
The Bati are one win away from their first ever World Cup final but have to raise their game again to beat Australia.
Fiji have not beaten the Kangaroos in five attempts. Three of those were heavy losses in the last three World Cup semi‑finals. We lost to Australia by 52-0 in the 2008 semi and 64-0 in the 2013 semi final.
Naiqama says everyone stated last week Fiji’s mission impossible against the Kiwis but they defied the odds.
Naiqama says that have forgotten their win against New Zealand.
Fiji Bati coach Mick Potter says the players are not feeling any pressure.
Kangaroos playmaker Michael Morgan says the pressure is on them to win the World Cup.
Kangaroos coach Mel Meninga says the Bati’s passion has been their main motivation in this tournament.
Meanwhile thousands of Fijians living in Brisbane and across Australia are counting down the hours to witness the two nations go head to head.
Video messages of well wishes have also been sent to the Fiji Bati from Seta Tamanivalu, Waisake Naholo and the All Blacks, Waisale Serevi, Fijians serving in the British Army, the Flying Fijians, the Fiji 7s team and Fijians around the world.
Bati Manager Petero Civoniceva says they have also received a lot of support from other Pacific Islanders who have bought tickets to cheer for Fiji tonight.
Last night, Laughing Samoans member Tofiga Fepulea'i was with the Bati team and gave some words of encouragement ahead of tonight’s clash.
The Vodafone Fiji Bati will take on the Kangaroos at 10 tonight while Tonga will face England at 6pm tomorrow.
Source: nrl.com
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