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Kiwis skipper Adam Blair says 'discipline' will be key as NZ prepare for Fiji Bati in RLWC

November 17, 2017

Blair said poor discipline led to his side's 28-22 loss to Tonga last week in Hamilton.

New Zealand skipper Adam Blair is calling for his troops to stay calm and collected as they prepare to face Fiji Bati in their Rugby League World Cup quarter-final in Wellington tomorrow night.

After going down to Tonga 28-22 in Hamilton last Saturday, Blair said pressure and poor discipline got the better of his side.

"You know our discipline again, I said last week that we've been really good, but then come up against a Tonga side where we let ourselves down in that area," said Blair.

"So our discipline has been really good this week, training has been really solid in defence and attack.

"Those things are going to be critical in this game tomorrow night."

Blair said his mantra throughout the tournament has been to be cool and poised.

"I've just gone about my business making sure that again, I said it before - being calm, clear and relaxed," he said.

"It's been my little philosophy throughout this tournament."

The Kiwis skipper admitted emotion played a huge factor in his team's historic loss to Mate Ma'a Tonga.

"Last week there was a lot of emotion riding on the game and we seen that out there throughout the game, not only in the starting bit of the haka and stuff like that – but throughout the game.

"I guess it's important we focus on the things that we can control and the things we work on all week to be better."

The Kiwis take on Fiji tomorrow night at 7.30pm at Westpac Stadium.

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