New Zealand 2-4 Fiji: Kiwis stunned in World Cup quarter-final
By Ben Proe
Last Updated: 18/11/17 10:12am
Former Warrington centre David Kidwell is under real pressure after a second defeat in a week saw New Zealand crash out of the World Cup - the 2008 winners edged out 4-2 by Fiji in only the second try-less game in the tournament's history.
The hosts went close within four minutes in Wellington, as Catalans Dragons centre Brayden Wiliame was denied by video referee Bernard Sutton - but the only points of the first period came via a fourteenth-minute Apisai Koroisau penalty, as the Bati led 2-0 at the break.
Although Shaun Johnson's boot had restored parity within four minutes of the second period, another Fiji penalty on the hour - this time converted by Taane Milne - proved the difference; Josh Rapana's last-minute kick too strong for Brad Takairangi in the Kiwis' last throw of the dice.
Former St Helens boss Mick Potter has guided his side to their third straight semi-final - this time against holders Australia in Brisbane on Friday.