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Naikore bags three as Fiji set up a shot at history

Fiji Bulikula are within touching distance of a historic first World Cup berth after defeating Cook Islands 18-6 to secure a spot in next Saturday's qualifying final against Fetu Samoa. 

Playing on home soil at Suva's HFC Bank Stadium on Saturday afternoon, Fiji benefitted from a three-try haul by Cowboys powerhouse Vitalina Naikore on the right wing, while 20-year-old halfback Losana Lutu was excellent on the ball in what was her nation's first Test victory since 2019. 

Despite looking the superior side for much of the encounter, Fiji still struggled to shake off their opponents in the face of a high error count and a series of impatient decisions with ball in hand.

But 18 unanswered points from the 18th minute onwards was enough to set up a winner-takes-all clash against Samoa in Auckland on November 2 which doubles as the Pacific Bowl Final and World Cup qualifier. 

Talei Holmes Try

While they completely dominated opportunities on the ball through the first 10 minutes – enjoying 73 percent possession at one stage – Bulikula had nothing to show for it bar a disallowed try due to obstruction. 

Instead it was the Cook Islands who turned the scoreboard over first through a Kerehitina Matua try which Charntay Poko converted. 

Kerehitina Matua Try

But the Moana's feeble defence, which saw them rack up 23 missed tackles inside the first 18 minutes, was soon exposed by Fiji, who scored two tries in the space of four minutes to hit the lead. 

The hosts should have added a couple more too, but continuously coughed up handling errors and ended up giving the Moana chances to get back into the game themselves, which they almost did on the stroke of half-time when Crystal Tamarua came up just short. 

Vitalina Naikore 1st Try

Sitting on a 10-6 advantage at the break, it took just five minutes for Fiji to give themselves some added comfort thanks to a piece of individual brilliance from Lutu, who kicked across field to send Naikore over for her second. 

By the time her third arrived just after the hour mark the contest was all but over, with the Cook Islands unable to muster up a response through the final 10 minutes. 

Match Snapshot

  • Fiji now face Samoa in a World Cup qualifying match with the chance to go through to that tournament for the first time in their history. 
  • Bulikula were playing their first Test on home soil since 1998.
  • Cook Islands have now won only one of their past five Tests.
  • Halfback Losana Lutu starred for Fiji, laying on two try assists and lodging nine runs for 56 metres. 
  • Fiji racked up eight line breaks and 48 tackle breaks in the win. 
  • Cook Islands forward Kerehitina Matua left the field late for a HIA. 
  • April Ngatupuna went on report on the hour mark for a tackle off the ball. 

Play of the Game

A spectacular piece of vision and execution from Wests Tigers star Losana Lutu, who put in a deft cross-field kick to Vitalina Naikore who did the rest. 

Vitalina Naikora 2nd Try

What they said

Fiji Bulikula

Bulikula: Week 2

Cook Islands Moana

Moana: Week 2

 

Acknowledgement of Country

Canberra Raiders respect and honour the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and living cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the lands we meet, gather and play on.