Kiwis fired up to defend world crown

DEFENDING champions New Zealand are revved up for their semi-final clash with France after coming through a tough encounter against Australia.

Captain Tom Christie was thrilled with the way his team held firm to see off their trans-Tasman rivals. He said: “What a game – any time we get to play the Aussies it’s like playing your big brother and no one wants to lose, no one wants to give an inch so that was the exact feeling out there. It just just like big brother versus little brother at home.

“It was an amazing feeling out there. A lot of hard work went into that. It’ a credit to the Aussies, they put up a hell of a fight.

“They put real good territorial pressure on us but once we could start to control that territory, it started working for us. But it went both ways and that’s why the match was so interesting.”

Christie is relishing the challenge of the semifinal against what will be a fired-up French side.

“We’re playing against the hosts ... what more motivation do you need than that? My boys will get up but I’m sure France will come at us firing. We look forward to it and we’ll rise to the challenge.”

France head into the semi-final without firstchoice loosehead prop Hassine Kolinger.

The Racing 92 youngster was taken off in Les Tricolores demolition job on the Baby Boks on Wednesday, and scans have since revealed Kolinger will play no further part in the tournament.

It’s an unwanted hiccup for France coach Sébastien Piqueronies who has relied on the stardust of tighthead prop Demba Bamba and Kolinger. This after back row Sasha Zegueur was also ruled out.