New Zealand will look to deliver a sharper performance than their group stage turns when they meet Fiji in the third quarter-final of the 2021 Rugby League World Cup, at the MKM Stadium in Hull on Saturday.
The Kiwis are unbeaten so far in this tournament, but have not always delivered the creative nous coach Michael Maguire has demanded against inferior opposition throughout their run to topping Group C.
They’ll hope they can turn it on, especially against the Bati, who famously served up one of the upsets of the 2017 edition when they stunned the world number-one at this very stage five years ago.
On paper, this should be a match that only goes one way – but could there been another twist in the tale to truly spice up these knockout stages?
The Sporting News is following the match live, providing score updates and commentary below.
New Zealand vs. Fiji live score
| 1H | 2H | Final | |
| New Zealand | — | — | — |
| Fiji | — | — | — |
Tries:
New Zealand vs. Fiji live updates, highlights from Rugby League World Cup
60 mins to KO: It was at the last RLWC, in 2017, when New Zealand faced off with Fiji in a quarter-final clash, just like this one, in Wellington. Despite defeat to Tonga, the hosts were heavily favoured – but slumped to a shock 4-2 loss, in a tryless encounter. Could lightning truly strike twice?
75 mins to KO: And then there were six. Australia and England are through to the semi-finals; Lebanon and Papua New Guinea are headed home. Now, it is the turn of the Kiwis and the Bati – and doesn’t this game come freighted with history!
90 mins to KO: Hello and welcome to live coverage of the 2021 Rugby League World Cup, as New Zealand take on Fiji in the third quarter-final at the MKM Stadium in Hull!
New Zealand vs. Fiji lineups
🏆 Quarter final ties beckon for New Zealand & Fiji and Tonga & Samoa, here are their squads for the all important games.
Be there to see the world’s best go toe to toe, tickets are available online now. #RLWC2021
— Rugby League World Cup 2021 (@RLWC2021) November 4, 2022
How to watch New Zealand vs. Fiji: TV channel, live stream
| UK | Australia | New Zealand | |
| TV channel | BBC Two | Foxtel | Spark Sport |
| Streaming | BBC iPlayer | Foxtel Go | Spark Sport |
Credit: sportingnews.com