Fiji blew Italy away at RLWC 21 in Conventry this evening. The Fiji team played for 80 minutes and provided defensive intensity some eye catching ball movement that left spectators impressed.

The Fijians put in an 80’ minute performance. This was in contrast to how they approached the game against Australia, where they showed promise until the second half where fitness was a factor.

At one point, they almost scored the try of the tournament on the final play in the first half. It looked like the ball touched every team mates’ hand, classic Fijian Rugby, only for the final play to stumble over himself on route on the Try line.

The scorelined looked big. But it was on the back of how Fiji defensively applied Italy. They never let them out of the Italian half, leading to unforced errors in great attacking positions. When a break was made transitioning to attack, they bamboozled the Italians with feignts, offloads, stepping and great numbers in attack.

Korisau showed his class with Kikau, but the lesser known Fijians stepped up in support play. Young prospect Suni Turuva was always on the ball, in different areas of the attack and this completely took the stuffing out of the Italians once they had the ball in hand. Great to see for the neutral.

There's just no stopping Fiji this afternoon. 🔥 #RLWC2021 | @BBCSport | @fijirugbyleague | #FIJITA pic.twitter.com/bpjJnjErZo

— Rugby League World Cup 2021 (@RLWC2021) October 22, 2022

Kevin Naqaima races away before Tagituamoa finishes a nice move. 

If you ever wondered how Rugby Sevens would look for 80 minutes using Fiji, they put on a clinic today and certainly a few will feature in the highlights real for the end of the tournament.

Young Fijian Tagituimoa was awarded man of the match, one of the lesser known faces of Fiji, but has certainly provided the Fijian coaching staff with more options as they progress to the knockout phases of the tournament.

Tagituimua gets the MOTM. 

Fiji will meet The Kiwis in the quarter-finals having qualified second from group A behind Australia. The last time Fiji played New Zealand in Rugby League World Cup 2017, Fiji beat New Zealand 4-2 in a low scoring affair by a Jarryd Hayne inspired Fiji. Having already been beaten 42-8 by the Kangaroos in their opening pool game, you would expect a New Zealand victory, but hoping the Kiwis do not take the Fijian’s lightly this time.

Highlights Fiji 60-4 Italy. 

🇫🇯 Fiji boost their quarter-final hopes as they eased 10 tries past Italy.

Catch the best bits from the game ⤵️#RLWC2021 | @BBCSport | @fijirugbyleague | #FIJITA pic.twitter.com/rL5OC6N4nP

— Rugby League World Cup 2021 (@RLWC2021) October 22, 2022