Fiji vow to rise again for Aussie showdown

APISAI Koroisau denies that the Fijian team has already played their World Cup “grand final”, declaring they can defy their past against Australia to win a place in the decider.

The Bati hit the training paddock in Brisbane yesterday, three days after their stunning 4-2 quarter-final victory over New Zealand.

But, as remarkable of an achievement as it was, the Fijian side are wasting no time on celebrations given they will play Australia in a semi-final showdown on Friday.

Already yesterday the questions were being asked whether Fiji could trump another giant a second week running, with rugby league great Mark Geyer suggesting on Triple M that the team may have played their “grand final” already.

Koroisau however said the team were not getting caught up in the hype of their emotional win.

“We can’t take what happened last week too far into this week,” he said.

“It’s important to stay grounded. We want to be at our best and we know who we’re playing for – that’s the people of Fiji. Everyone will be up for the challenge.

“The defensive effort that we put in (against New Zealand), everyone will take a lot of confidence out of it. It will be helpful going into Australia this week.”

Koroisau was part of Fiji’s last World Cup campaign, which came to an end at the hands of Australia, after the Kangaroos thrashed the Bati 64-0 in the semi-finals.

Jarryd Hayne wore the green and gold on that occasion and scored a hat-trick.

But this time he will run out with Fiji and that is one of the reasons why Koroisau believes the team will push Australia to the very last minute on Friday.

He said not only are the team more experienced, but they have a number of big name players in top form.

“This team has been working really hard,” he said.