It will be a blockbuster match for Knights fans when New Zealand clash with Fiji in the Rugby League World Cup quarter finals this weekend.
Teammate pitted against teammate, Danny Levi and Jacob Saifiti will be battling it out for a spot in the semi-finals and there won’t be too much love lost between the pair.
“I'm looking forward to playing against Danny, he's classy,” smiled Saifiti
“After the game, I’m sure we’ll be best mates again but while we’re on the field for that 80 minutes, I’m not going to be kind to him.”
“I will have to give him a few elbows I think,” laughed Levi.
It will be a battle against the two top point-scoring teams at the World Cup so far, with the Bati in front with 32 tries to the Kiwis' 25.
The Knights hooker admits the Fijians won’t be an easy opponent in their run to the grand final.
“We know they can score a few points, they’ve got a lot of strong forwards and a lot of outside backs who can score tries,” said Levi.
“There are a lot of threats all over the park but if we stick to what we know, stick to the game plan and work our butts off, we’ll be fine.
Saifiti knows Fiji is coming up against one of the best teams in the competition and only their best will do.
“New Zealand have been playing some really good football so I'm looking forward to the challenge,” he said.
“I'm definitely glad Suli (Suliasi Vunivalu) is on our team, he’s a freak, but we’ve also got Haynsey (Jarryd Hayne), Akuila (Uate) and Marcelo Montoya, which is always great to have against New Zealand.
“It's going to be a really exciting game both in attack and defence, so it will be one to watch.”
For the first time ever, Levi is set to start for the Kiwis and it will be in front of his home town crowd at Wellington.
“All my family and friends will be there so that is just a little bit of extra support,” explained Levi.
“I have been lucky enough to be given the opportunity and I just want to take it with both hands and hopefully I can hold down the spot.
“I feel like I've been going alright… there's still a few things that I need to work on but it makes it a lot easier when you’ve got a quality forward pack.”
The towering Saifiti twin has been dealing with a minor niggling injury from last week but will be fit and ready to go again from the bench.
“Last game I had a little twinge in my hamstring, but it has gotten better with treatment and isn’t a problem anymore,” explained Saifiti
“I'm pretty comfortable with my role off the bench and something I’m pretty familiar with.”
Undoubtedly the clash is set to be one of the matches of the tournament in what’s expected to be a close encounter until the final siren.
Game Details
New Zealand v Fiji Quarter Finals
Date: Saturday, November 18
Venue: Wellington, Regional Stadium
Kick-off: 7:30pm local, 5:30pm AEDT
