Fiji “looking to make a statement” with goal of reaching World Cup final

Sebastian Sternik 22 Oct 2022 8:27 PM

Tui Kamikamica Fiji SWpix — Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix

Fiji forward Tui Kamikamica believes his nation sent a message to the rest of the tournament following a 60-4 victory over Italy in Newcastle.

The Bati kicked off the tournament with a 42-8 defeat to Australia last week, but Wise Kativerata’s men certainly bounced back in fashion.

Fiji scored ten tries in a dominant display against Italy to go second in Group B. Melbourne Storm star Kamikamica was pleased with the outcome, saying: “Pretty good team performance today.

“We just kept it nice and simple. We spoke about it during the week. Don’t get frantic, make sure you work through the middle, complete our sets and keep on defending.

“Our defence today was really good. We only conceded one try for the whole game. We were focused more on our defence this week leading up to the game.”

Fiji aiming for World Cup final

The 28-year-old revealed his team are intent on making their mark at this year’s World Cup.

After three successive semi-finals, Kamikamica revealed his men would like to go a step further.

He said: “Last three World Cups we reached the semi-finals. This year we want to take a step more than a semi-final.

“Even though we started well against Australia, we lacked our discipline. We didn’t control the ball in the last 20 minutes of the half and that was one of our main [points of] focus ahead of this game. Hold the ball, complete our sets and make it an arm wrestle.”

When asked whether Fiji sent a message to the rest of the tournament with Saturday’s performance, he said: “Definitely. Especially after today. Like I said before, we’re here to mix with other nations that are looking forward to playing against us because we’re looking to make a statement.

“We’re taking it week by week, now we’re going to focus on Scotland. But it’s really good to get the win after a loss last week.”

While he didn’t get on the scoreboard, Kamikamica put on a terrific display at Kingston Park.

Looking back at his own performance, he said: “Every time I go out on the field, I’m representing my country. Give everything I’ve got. Empty the tank week in week out.

“As a little kid growing up in Fiji, it was always my dream to play for my country.”

Fiji return to action next weekend against Scotland.

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Fiji aiming for World Cup final

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