Transcript
"Oh look I'm not going to sit here and say no - we've just beaten a tier one nation. They certainly had periods where they were on top of us: I thought we came into half-time just a little bit rattled, on the back of things not quite going our way, calls not go quite - I don't know how that try is disallowed just before half-time - but we were really really tough mentally in that second half. We played to our strengths and we were willing to stay in the grind with them and we've shown we can beat a tier one nation. Australia's a whole different beast...we've got a long long way before we play them, we've got to worry about Lebanon next week."
Papua New Guinea romped to a 64-0 victory against the United States in Port Moresby to record their biggest ever test win and book a last eight showdown against England in Melbourne.
The Kumuls last made the knockout rounds 17 years ago and coach Michael Marum says it's been an unforgettable three weeks playing in front of three sold-out home crowds.
"Everyone turned up in numbers. I think a lot of people that didn't make it to the stadium to watch us stayed back at home and watched the game there so a big thank you to everyone. I think the boys have been really good. Everywhere we walked around people came and kept asking for, taking pictures and the kids all look up to us and that's good to see. Hopefully we will come back here and celebrate with them after the finals."
Toa Samoa face an imposing clash against defending champions Australia in Darwin, having squeaked into the quarter finals on points differential following a 14-all draw against Scotland.
The fifth ranked Samoans progressed to the knockout rounds despite failing to win any of their group games, following earlier defeats by New Zealand and Tonga.
Coach Matt Parish admitted they would not come close to the Kangaroos on current form but remained bullish about their potential.
"Listen if we play well we can compete with anyone in the world. If we hold the ball we will compete against anyone in the world but at the moment, unfortunately, what we're doing on the training field isn't translating onto the footy field. Tonga have definitely shown the way (for Pacific teams) but again if we didn't make mistakes last week I've got no doubt we would have beaten them."
Meanwhile Tonga's victory over New Zealand means the Kiwis will host Group D winners Fiji in Wellington.
The Bati defeated Italy 38-10, following big wins over the USA and Wales but coach Mick Potter says they will need to be a lot better if they're to advance to a third consecutive World Cup semi final.
