Fiji Bati braces for a reality check in RLWC

Everything is on the line for Italy and as a result, the Vodafone Fiji Bati may have to brace for their most competitive opponent yet in the Rugby League World Cup.

After their comfortable win over USA and Wales, the Bati are yet to test their real strength in this competition.

Australia, England, New Zealand and Tonga have all played tough matches in their pools and it’s only a matter of time when the Bati will have theirs this weekend and also the big one which could be against Tonga or New Zealand in the quarters.

Defensively, the Bati had only conceded three tries in their last two games but coach Mick Potter believes they are bracing themselves for a reality check.

Fiji's monstrous forward pack and exhilarating outside backs were equally vital to last week's victory, demonstrating the quality of Potter's overall line‑up and the considerable threat they could be to the other big teams in the competition.

While Fiji is sitting comfortably on top spot of Group D, Italy simply must win and win well tomorrow to have any hope of salvaging an unlikely finals berth at this year's World Cup.

The Vodafone Fiji Bati will take on Italy at 9.40pm tomorrow.

New Zealand faces Tonga at 5pm Saturday while Samoa and Scotland meet 8pm Saturday.

Australia will play Lebanon at 10pm Saturday.