2 Nov 2017

Sport: Every game a must win for the Fiji Bati

12:08 pm on 2 November 2017

Fiji coach Mick Potter says every game is a must-win for his side at the Rugby League World Cup.

The Bati thrashed the United States 58-12 in their tournament opener last weekend and face a Welsh team on Sunday that conceded 50 points against Papua New Guinea in Port Moresby.

The Fiji Bati World Cup squad.

The Fiji Bati World Cup squad. Photo: NRL Photos

Despite scoring 11 tries, Potter said Fiji let in a couple that were preventable.

"We were just a little bit quick in our defence - we didn't make effective tackles and they probably could have had another try as well, just a guys stepped from outside the field of play to catch a ball," he said.

"So we got off lightly there with our last plays, we've got to make sure that we don't walk when the ball is in transit, as far as in a kick.

"Everyone's got a job when the ball is being kicked to help their catcher or to be in the vicinity to make a tackle if something does go wrong".

Fiji Bati coach Mick Potter.

Fiji Bati coach Mick Potter. Photo: NRL Photos

Mick Potter said with only one team from Group D advancing to the knockout rounds the equation for them is simple.

"Every game you play you must win. There's no equations having to be drawn or surmised," he said.

"You just go win the game and you're in with a chance and win the next game and you're in the quarter finals.

"There's no doubt in the players mind about what we need to do to get the results. They're pretty clear, I'm pretty clear and the game is pretty simple: it's executing all the stuff you need to do, whether it's in attack or defence."

Fiji have reached the semi finals at the past two Rugby League World Cups and there's optimism this year that all four Pacific teams could progress to at least the quarter finals.

"That would be fantastic to see Tonga, Samoa, Fiji and Papua New Guinea in (the knockout stage), that would be great against those stronger teams," he said.

"It would make it really spicy for the other teams and Australia, New Zealand and England they're probably ahead of us in personnel and recognised players and NRL games and Super League games but when it comes to a two-horse race you never know what's going to happen."