The Irish have been the most improved side at the tournament and made the semi-final qualifier against all expectations.

But, with a semi-final clash against favourites Australia as the prize, Ireland rarely looked like contenders.

Wakefield Wildcats ace Grix said: "We have to take it on the chin.

"It was a tough game, you can put your finger on where it went wrong, but we should have been better than that – I'm devastated."

Damien Blanch, Grix's Australia-born team-mate at Belle Vue, added: "The boys put everything into the game.

"Everyone wrote us off so to get where we have makes us all so proud, but we really wanted that semi-final place."

Ireland coach Andy Kelly admitted his side had been outclassed, saying: "They kept fighting to the end, but there was probably not enough smart football out there."

Fiji captain Naiqama scored the first try, which was converted, but the scores were level on seven minutes when Blanch got his fourth try of the tournament.

right winger Uate put Fiji back in front with a try, but Ireland hit back again five minutes before half-time when Grix scored his side's second touchdown.

Jayson Bukuya, Jarryd Hayne and Uate added further Fiji tries, but Ireland had the final say when Blanch took an offload from second rower Lee Doran to score his fifth touchdown of the tournament.

Ends