Player ratings from Fiji's 22-4 win over Samoa in the Rugby League World Cup quarter-finals.

SAMOA

1. Anthony Milford: Well-contained by the Samoan defence, holding him to his quietest performance of the tournament. Still broke six tackles, but committed a couple of errors. 6

2. Antonio Winterstein: Scored Samoa's only points of the match, but most of his work was done carrying the ball out of his own end. 6

3. Tim Lafai: Took him until deep into the second half to make an impact, setting up wing partner Antonio Winterstein before getting flooring Jayson Bukuya with a high shot minutes later. Was put on report, but it's a moot point. 6

4. Joey Leilua: Copped a finger in the eye from Sisa Waqa, which might've contributed to his game-high five errors. Had a mysterious stint on the bench before trying to force the issue when he came back on to no avail. 4

5. Daniel Vidot: Rarely saw the ball outside of the error-prone Leilua, but did help his forwards out as much as he could. 5.5

6. Penani Manumalealii: Left the field early in the game with what was believed to be an arm injury, throwing Samoa's structure into chaos. 3

7. Ben Roberts: Initially struggled without a five-eighth, but had some nice touches as the game wore on. 6

8. David Fa'alogo: Gifted Fiji two points for a late shoulder charge on Aaron Groom in the first half, and then had a stint in the centres when Leilua came off. Made 111 metres and 26 tackles. 6

14. Michael Sio: Matt Parish's decision to start with Sio proved fruitless, with Sio outplayed in the early exchanges by his opposite in James Storer. 5.5

10. Suaia Matagi: Solid without being spectacular, which is unusual for the hard-hitting Warrior. 6.5

11. Iosaia Soliola: Tried hard to inspire his team in defence, making a team-high three one-one-one tackles, but also made six ineffective ones. 6.5

12. Tony Puletua: Didn't have the powerhouse game we're used to seeing from the St Helens stalwart, running the ball just six times and making a meagre 14 tackles. 5.5

13. Sauaso Sue: Stung early by an accidental knee from Ashton Sims, but that didn't stop him from being Samoa's hardest-working forward with a team-high 119 metres and 35 tackles. 7.5

9. Pita Godinet: Came on after 20 minutes but didn't have the impact coach Parish would've wanted. 6

15. Junior Moors: Shook the stadium with a jolting – and legal – hit on Groom in the second half, but was otherwise invisible. 6

16. Mark Taufua: Lit up the game thanks to an early exchange with Fiji firebrand Ashton Sims, and every one of his 10 runs were a handful. 6

17. Mose Masoe: Had his typically brutal night, making a handful of big charges and forcing some errors with his mere presence alone. Will be a fan favourite in the Super League next year. 6
   

FIJI

1. Kevin Naiqama: Ran a flawless 165 metres but was made to look inferior to his two powerhouse wingers, who combined almost 400 metres. 7.5

2. Marika Koroibete: Was peppered with over a dozen kicks from the Samoan playmakers but passed every test with flying colours. Brought the crowd to their feet with a signature bullocking run down the left sideline in the second half. Made a team-high 220 metres, seven tackle breaks and two line breaks. 8.5

3. Sisa Waqa: Would've been nervous coming up against the in-form Leilua, but forced his opposite centre into a nightmare game. 6.5

4. Wes Naiqama: Had a perfect night with the boot, kicking five from five. Also chased down a Groom grubber for Fiji's second try. Strong. 7

5. Akuila Uate: Made 173 metres and busted six tackles, but committed four errors. Set up Fiji's first try with a trademark midfield bust fluffed a potential try set up by Kevin Naiqama. 7.5

6. Daryl Millard: Played second fiddle to his halves partner in attack, but was did a good job in defence. 6

7. Aaron Groom: Wore a huge hit from Junior Moors in the second half, but that did little to tarnish a dominant performance from the under-rated halfback. Expertly led his team around the field and showcased a masterful kicking game, adding a try to boot. 8

8. Ashton Sims: Made the loudest 61 metres a front-rower could make, setting the tone with an authoritative first half stint. 7

9. James Storer: Impressive game from the little-known dummy half who was Cameron Smith-like in his ability to put his forwards on the front foot before coming off after 48 minutes. 7

10. Petero Civoniceva: The Bati skipper played 46 of the first 56 minutes and extended his playing career by at least one game with a vintage performance, making the most of his wingers' good work with 135 metres and 31 tackles. 8

11. Tariq Sims: Playing almost the entire game, Tariq was a handful on Fiji's right edge with 111 metres and 28 tackles. Did concede a team-high three penalties though. 7

12. Jayson Bukuya: Wasn't happy with a high shot from Lafai and made a key cover tackle on Leilua late in the game to thwart an unlikely Samoa comeback. Made 94 metres and 30 tackles in an 80-minute performance. 7

13. Eloni Vunaceke: The trademark hair made him standout, but so did his work ethic, making 72 metres and 25 tackles in just 42 minutes. 6.5

14. Apisai Koroisau: Came on in 49th minute and made the exact impact his coach would've wanted him to, setting up a try and playing enterprising football. 6.5

15. Junior Roqica: Backed up a line break by fellow substitute Koroisau to seal the win under the posts, and made the most of the game time he had. 6

16. Kane Evans: Strong performance from the rising Rooster, providing great energy off the bench by way of 119 metres and 26 tackles. A star of the future. 7

17. Semi Radradra: Came on for final 20 minutes but made little impact. 5