Fiji Sun

WE DID IT!

- Leone Cabenatabu­a

A teary Vodafone Fijian Bati captain, Kevin Naiqama, last night confessed that their famous 4-2 win over New Zealand in the Rugby League World Cup quarterfin­al was through divine interventi­on. “I cannot take the credit, it’s not me but God,” Naiqama said. Similar sentiment was echoed by Jarryd Hayne indicating that the victory was through believing in God. “The biggest test is against Australia but our strength comes from God,” he added.

In a tryless encounter, the Fijian Bati kicked two penalties through Apisai Koroisau and Taane Milne while the Kiwis had their points from Shaun Johnson.

Fiji will now face Australia in the semifinal on Friday in Brisbane.

The Vodafone Fijian Bati side are going to face defending Rugby League World Cup champions Australia in the semi-final.

This was after they beat New Zealand 4-2 in the World Cup quarterfin­als at the Wellington Regional Stadium last night.

Bati captain Kevin Naiqama thanked God for the win and indicated that they are ready to face Australia. “We’re going all the way,” an emotional Naiqama said.

“I just want to thank God, he has been the forefront of this team and I’m just going to be thanking the name of Jesus. I’m so proud of these boys, I never stop believing these boys, it was dream come true for us, we will just beat the Australian­s and we will go all the way.” It was gritty and gutsy performanc­e from the Bati side as they led 2-0 at halftime from a penalty from Apisai Koroisau before Taane Milne booted in the second one.

Bati first five Jarryd Hayne said the biggest test is coming against Australia.

“But our strength comes from God. Believing in God rather in our abilities is the foundation of this team,” he added.

 ?? Photo: Zimbio ?? Vodafone Fijian Bati player Henry Raiwalui (7) celebrates with teammates Vili Kikau, Apisai Koroisau and Maselo Montoya during their Rugby League World Cup quarterfin­al match against New Zealand on November 18, 2017 at the Wellington Regional Stadium.
Photo: Zimbio Vodafone Fijian Bati player Henry Raiwalui (7) celebrates with teammates Vili Kikau, Apisai Koroisau and Maselo Montoya during their Rugby League World Cup quarterfin­al match against New Zealand on November 18, 2017 at the Wellington Regional Stadium.
 ?? Photo : Zimbio ?? Vodafone Fijian Bati prop Junior Roqica takes in the Kiwi defence.
Photo : Zimbio Vodafone Fijian Bati prop Junior Roqica takes in the Kiwi defence.
 ?? Photo : Zimbio ?? New Zealand’s Danny Levi tackles Vodafone Fijian Bati first five Jarryd Hayne at the Wellington Regional Stadium on November 18, 2017.
Photo : Zimbio New Zealand’s Danny Levi tackles Vodafone Fijian Bati first five Jarryd Hayne at the Wellington Regional Stadium on November 18, 2017.
 ?? Photo : Zimbio ?? Vodafone Fijian Bati centre Akuila Uates cops a tackle against New Zealand on November 18, 2017.
Photo : Zimbio Vodafone Fijian Bati centre Akuila Uates cops a tackle against New Zealand on November 18, 2017.

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