Get set for two blockbuster matches this weekend with the arrival of the Rugby League World Cup semi-finals.
The clash of the world’s best four will decide the final two left standing, to battle it out for the 2017 World Cup champion.
Jacob Saifiti has been named in Fiji’s 17 to take on the defending champions, while Chris Heighington has been given the number 19 jersey for England as they meet the surprise packet, Tonga.
Australia v Fiji
Date: Friday November 24
Kick-off: 8pm
Venue: Suncorp Stadium Brisbane
Both Fiji and Australia are boasting undefeated status at the World Cup but in what has been labelled a ‘David versus Goliath’ matchup, the Kangaroos far out way their opponents in experience.
An inspirational Bati side will have to dig deep, like they have never before against the Aussies, whose confidence is beaming after a 46-0 thumping of Samoa in the quarter-finals.
Jacob Saifiti will again get to make an impact off the bench to add to Fiji’s impressive defensive display shown so far this tournament, and it will again have to be on song to combat Australia’s strike power across the park.
While the odds seem to be against the Fijians, there is no doubt their belief and national pride could take them all the way on the world stage, in what could be the biggest upset in tournament's history.
Australia: 1. Billy Slater, 2. Dane Gagai, 3. Will Chambers, 4. Josh Dugan, 6. Michael Morgan, 7. Cooper Cronk, 8. Aaron Woods, 9. Cameron Smith, 10. David Klemmer, 11. Boyd Cordner, 12. Matt Gillett, 13. Josh McGuire. Bench: 14. Wade Graham, 15. Jordan McLean, 16. Reagan Campbell-Gillard, 17. Tyson Frizell, 18. Felise Kaufusi, 19. Tom Trbojevic, 20. Josh Mansour, 21. James Maloney.
Fiji: 1. Kevin Naiqama, 2. Suliasi Vunivalu, 3. Taane Milne, 4. Akuila Uate, 5. Marcelo Montoya, 6. Jarryd Hayne, 7. Henry Raiwalui, 8. Ashton Sims, 9. Apisai Koroisau, 10. Eloni Vunakece, 11. Viliame Kikau, 12. Brayden Wiliame, 13. Tui Kamikamica. Bench: 14. Joe Lovodua, 15. Jacob Saifiti, 16. Junior Roqica, 17. Ben Nakubuwai, 18. James Storer, 19. Salesi Faingaa, 20. Sitiveni Moceidreke, 21. Pio Sokobalavu.
Tonga v England
Date: Saturday November 25
Kick-off: 4pm (ADST)
Venue: Mt Smart Stadium
Tonga have played out a solid campaign, not having dropped a game the entire tournament, and will look to make history and become the first Pacific nation to ever make it to a World Cup final.
Losing to Australia in the group stage, England will be desperate to get another crack at the defending champions but will need to fix up a rather undesirable error rate from their quarter finals win against Papua New Guinea.
While Tonga, whose completion rate sits at over 80 per cent, may have had a close call against Lebanon last week, they will be aiming to use their win over the Kiwi’s in the group stage, as inspiration for another victory.
Starting the tournament from the bench in England’s first two game, Chris Heighington will again be on the extended bench in the number 19 jersey.
Tonga: 1. Will Hopoate, 2. Daniel Tupou, 3. Michael Jennings, 4. Konrad Hurrell, 5. David Fusitu’a, 6. Tuimoala Lolohea, 7. Ata Hingano, 8. Andrew Fifita, 9. Siliva Havili, 10. Sio Siua Taukeiaho, 11. Manu Ma’u, 12. Sika Manu, 13. Jason Taumalolo. Bench: 14. Sione Katoa, 15. Peni Terepo, 16. Tevita Pangai Junior, 17. Ben Murdoch-Masila, 18. Sam Moa, 19. Manu Vatuvei, 20. Joe Ofahengaue, 21. Samisoni Langi.
England: 1. Gareth Widdop, 2. Jermaine McGillvary, 3. Kallum Watkins, 4. John Bateman, 5. Ryan Hall, 6. Kevin Brown, 7. Luke Gale, 8. Chris Hill, 9. Josh Hodgson, 10. James Graham, 11. Sam Burgess, 12. Elliott Whitehead, 13. Sean O’Loughlin. Bench: 14. Alex Walmsley, 15. Thomas Burgess, 16. Ben Currie, 17. James Roby, 18. Jonny Lomax, 19. Chris Heighington, 20. Mark Percival, 21. Scott Taylor.
