No way through ...
Limaina Wati is caught by the Australian defence during their Prime Ministers XIII match in the women’s division at the ANZ Stadium in Suva last night. The visitors won 22-14.
THE Australian Prime Minister’s XIII put on a master-class performance hammering the Fiji Prime Minister’s XIII 52-10 during their inaugural clash at the ANZ Stadium in Suva last night.
Fiji coach Brandon Costin was proud of his players’ performance.
“What an opportunity for our players to brush shoulders with the best players in rugby league,” Costin said.
“A great experience for our gallant warriors and they will take a lot from this historic match.”
Australia came out firing off the blocks with Kyle Feldt barnstorming down the touchline to get their first of the night with pivot Cody Walker unsuccessful with the conversion.
National Rugby League rookie of the year Payne Haas also showed his form crossing over unhindered for their second try with Walker making no mistake.
Ben Hunt crossed over for Australia’s third with Walker missing his second conversion of the night.
Fiji managed to hit back at the end of the first quarter with winger Alipate Tobe crashing over for Fiji’s first points.
Apmeleki Lutu was unlucky with the conversion. Paramatta Eels fullback Clinton Gutherson sliced through weak tackles to get their fourth with Mitchell Moses showing his class to set up Gutherson for his second and Walker adding the conversions sending them to the break 26-4 in front of the home team.
Australia never let up after halftime, running in six more tries and two conversions to Fiji’s one converted try.
Fiji Prime Ministers XIII: 1. Josua Waqavesi 2. Maika Tudravu 3. Pio Seci 4. Luke Nadurutalo 5. Alipate Tobe 6. Mosese Qionimacawa 7. Penioni Tagituimua 8. Tikiko Noke 9. Apimeleki Lutu 10. Inia Toka 11. Jowasa Drodrolagi 12. Marika Serulevu 13. Waisea Nasokia 14. Rupeni Korosaya 15. Osea Sadrau 16. Jeff Vatubua 17. Ratu Seru Cakobau 18. Timoci Namotukula 19. D’Rhys Miller 20. Joseph Ratuvakasereivalu, 21.Junior Roqica
Australia Prime Minister’s XIII: 1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Kyle Feldt 3. Paul Momirovski 4. Brad Parker 5. Campbell Graham 6. Cody Walker 7.Mitchell Moses 8. Paul Vaughan 9. Ben Hunt 10. Payne Haas 11. Wase Graham 12. Tyson Frizell 13 .Jake Trbojevic 14 .Jai Arrow 15 .Reuben Garrick 16. David Fifita 17. Reed Mahoney 18. Nathan Brown 19. Thomas Flegler