AKUILA Uate began his 2008 Rugby World Cup stint for the Fiji Bati with a hat-trick performance in their campaign opener against France to help them win 42-6.
The Fiji Times reported the feat made him the first player in that year’s World Cup to do so at the time and helped the Bati achieve the tournament’s greatest upset.
Uate said he was lost for words and added the team had a hand in their momentous upset against the French at the WIN Stadium in Wollongong, Australia on November 1 that year.
“I’m proud of the way the boys performed out there today and it’s a great feeling to see the way the boys enjoy our first win,” Uate said.
“We helped each other out there and the result speaks for itself.
Team manager Ilaitia Naqau said the first game was always the important one.
“We wanted to win this game so it will help the boys settle down and concentrate on their next game.
Fiji ran onto the field in what was perceived as a David-Goliath battle against a towering French side boasting the likes of lone try-scorer John Wilson and skipper Jérôme Guisset among the others.
The Bati turned the tables with Uate’s hat-trick, two by Jarryd Hayne, and a try each by Iowane Divavesi and Semisi Tora.
The Bati’s campaign in 2008 saw it finish at the top of Group B with a higher points difference than Scotland, who beat the Bati 16-18 and France.
The Bati qualified for the knock-out stages where they were thrashed by the Australian Kangaroos 0-52.
Meanwhile, the 2026 Rugby World Cup kicks off in 13 days in Australia.
