Fiji must be given international backing to continue their improvement as a rugby league nation after their fairytale run at the World Cup, reports said Monday.

The Fiji `Bati,` an amalgam of Australian NRL and park footballers, were no match for the red-hot Australian team of superstars, going down 52-0 in their World Cup semi-final here on Sunday.

The 10-try rout ended Fiji`s captivating few weeks in the tournament, where they thrashed France 42-6, overcame Ireland 30-14 and went down to Scotland by two points.

But Fiji met their match against the ruthless professionals of the Australian national team and were outclassed by a side expected to go on and win their 10th World Cup in Saturday`s final against New Zealand in Brisbane.

The Fijians have left a lasting impression with their enthusiastic physical brand of football and there are calls for the international rugby league administrators to ensure the game in Fiji is not allowed to wither away.

`It was a bittersweet night for the Fijians. Their performance at this tournament has captured the imagination of a country dominated by rugby union,` The Australian newspaper said Monday.

`Last night, the main street of Suva was shut down so the locals could watch the game on a big screen. The Bati have been front page news for more than a week.

`Their challenge now, and that of the international game, is to maintain the momentum.

`Last night wasn`t a total disaster, but it will be if the past month amounts to nothing in Fiji.`

It was the fourth time Australia have played the Fijians, but it was the Pacific islanders` best result after being thrashed 66-0 (1995) and 66-8 (2000) in World Cup matches and 84-14 in a Test in 1996.

The Fijians were thrilled with not only their performance against Australia, but also with their best finish in a major tournament.

`We learn a lot of things from this game,` coach Joe Dakuitoga said.

`Maybe you give us another ten years and we can compete with all these big nations.`

Tournament skipper Wes Naiqama believes Fiji`s campaign did not deserve to end in a flogging.

Naiqama said the first nine minutes, during which the Kangaroos set up their win with three quick tries, left his side in too big a hole, but was happy with the way the Bati stayed strong through the middle section of the match.

`The first set we were a little bit overawed, the occasion got to them,` Naiqama said.

`Probably in that middle period, once the boys got into a bit of a groove, we started to play a bit better, a bit more structured.`

Compounding the loss was news that exciting young Newcastle Knights winger Akuila Uate was taken to hospital after the game with a suspected broken ankle.