Updated: 6:34am – The game between New Zealand and the Vodafone Fiji Bati is shaping up to be one of the most exciting Rugby League World Cup quarter‑finals on offer this weekend.
The Bati cruised through pool play with three comfortable wins but New Zealand will be desperate to make amends for last week’s loss to Tonga.
Bati coach Mick Potter has maintained a settled line‑up with the only change seeing Ben Nakubuwai replaces James Storer on the interchange.
The Bati’s attack has been incredible, with an average of 56 points scored through their three pool games, along with a total of 38 line breaks.
They have scored tries from all over the park at this World Cup, and are equally adept at running through the defence as they are around it.
Their right edge shapes as the biggest threat to New Zealand, with centre‑wing combination Taane Milne and Suliasi Vunivalu scoring 12 tries between them already.
But the Bati are yet to be tested against top‑quality opposition and if New Zealand can frustrate them, it’s likely errors will start to occur and the tournament co‑hosts will be able to get an advantage in the arm wrestle.
Saturday night will be the first time these two sides have met in a Test match.
The Fiji Bati will take on the New Zealand Kiwis at 7.30pm Saturday.
In other quarter finals, Australia will play Samoa at 10.30pm tomorrow, Tonga will face Lebanon at 5pm Saturday while England will take on PNG at 6pm Sunday.
The winner of the Fiji and New Zealand match will play the winner of the Australia and Samoa match.
-Fiji Village
