New Zealand will not just be after a semifinal berth when it faces the Vodafone Fiji Bati at this weekend’s Rugby League World Cup quarter final, it will be aiming to avenge one of the worst losses in New Zealand's history.
In the only prior meeting between the two nations, the Bati downed the Kiwis in a shock 4-2 upset in their quarter final match in 2017.
The tryless victory was the finest moment in the history of the Fiji Bati and marked the low point of a disastrous tournament for the Kiwis.
Five years later, a new-look Kiwi side is dreaming big and will settle for nothing less than world-champion status – but first, Michael Maguire's side must put the Pacific nation to the sword and it will be playing with a point to prove when the two teams meet on Sunday morning.
Storm hooker Brandon Smith was not even in the squad in 2017 but was still burned by the result.
Smith says it was not what he wanted to see as a proud Kiwi man.
He adds that it was very disappointing however Fiji played well that day and got the win.
The Bati will take on New Zealand at 7.30am Sunday.
In the other quarter finals, Australia will take on Lebanon at 7.30am Saturday, England will face Papua New Guinea at 2.30am Sunday while Tonga will face Samoa at 2.30am Monday.
Source: abc.net.au
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