Deflated but not defeated.
That was the message from Fiji's coach and captain after the Bati lost 54-6 on Friday night to Australia in Brisbane.
Coach Mick Potter lamented his side's errors and ill-discipline early, as they gave away too many costly penalties which allowed the Kangaroos to get away.
"The score-line wasn't flattering," Potter said.
"It sort of got away from us early… ill-discipline early on cost us field position, cost us a lot of points, and you can't give Australia points and field position early.
"The game just ran away from us. The boys just tried our hardest, and that's all you can ask for.
"I think we just gave away a couple of stupid penalties. We were nice and aggressive; I think we overcooked it a little bit."
Fiji captain Kevin Naiqama was proud of his side and called for more games against the bigger nations.
"It's a great campaign for us, making the semi-finals three [World Cups] in a row," Naiqama said.
"The only way we're going to get better is being challenged by the bigger teams.
"To be open to play more Test matches like that is the only way to make the small nations better. If we are playing Australia [more often], the score-line will definitely be closer."
The Bati exit the World Cup with four wins and will always have their wonderful victory against New Zealand last week.
Can anyone beat Australia in the final next week? Potter thinks the English, who play Tonga tomorrow, are a possibility.
"England might be a chance," he said.
"I watched the game closely in Week 1. But [Australia] are fast and they are good, and if you make a mistake, as you can see tonight, they make you pay. I was very impressed with what they showed tonight."
