The Kiwis must take the lessons from the loss to Tonga and front up against Fiji with intensity and more discipline, according to Kenny Bromwich.
Speaking in Wellington ahead of a quarter-final showdown with Fiji at Westpac Stadium on Saturday, the second-rower wanted to move on quickly from the 28-22 loss to a fired-up Tonga in Hamilton.
"It's do-or-die for us and we know the challenge we're facing," Bromwich said.
"We have to stick together and play well and with a lot of pride."
Bromwich added there were many lessons learnt from the Tongan loss, which has put the Kiwis on a collision course in the semi-finals - should they beat Fiji - with Australia.
"We need to prepare well for Fiji, who are a tough side with skills," he said.
"It's the little things, like hanging on to the ball, tighten up on defence, having discipline."
For fellow forward Joseph Tapine, Wellington is a homecoming.
The Strathmore-raised product of Rongotai College, who was scouted by the Newcastle Knights, can't wait to perform in front of an expectant crowd at Westpac Stadium.
"We don't expect it to be easy, it will be a hard game," he said.
"[Fiji] will bring passion and it's good for the World Cup - all the Polynesian countries' supporters come out for their team."
Newshub.
