What a game! What a first half that was yesterday when the Fiji Bati dominated the Cook Islands in our opener at the Rugby League World Cup in Newcastle.
The Fijian Bulikula had earlier in the day, powered their way through the New Zealand Ferns in the women’s section of the competition, and almost came through, eventually going down, 12-18. However, they captured the imagination of rugby league fans with a strong 12-10 lead at halftime which they held on to until the 20-minute mark in the second spell.
The Bulikula will now face the PNG Orchids on Saturday at 3.15pm at Santos National Football Stadium, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea.
Attention yesterday was, however, on the Bati, with fans rubbing their hands in glee at the prospect of a special effort against the Cooks.
And yesterday, Api Koroisau led the Bati to a dominant 40-12 victory.
It was a powerful show of running rugby league.
The Bati, without big men upfront like Tui Kamikamica and Viliame Kikau, the Sims brothers of Ashton, Tariq and Korbin, were no pushovers, and coach Mick Potter just knew who to put upfront.
And Bati fans will no doubt be enthusiastically looking forward to a strong effort against the giants of the sport, the Australian Kangaroos this weekend at Suncorp Stadium.
Newcastle Knights linebreaker, Jacob Saifiti was powerful on the left edge, and secondrower Kitione Kautoga of the Parramatta Eels was on fire in the early hit ups, offloading a number of telling passes. Both scored tries and will no doubt be very high in coach Potter’s plans for the Kangaroos.
Koroisau was solid at hooker, controlling play from dummyhalf. His control of the game on the fringes of the ruck kept the Bati momentum up and placed constant pressure on the Cook’s defensive shape.
Our halves Kurt Donoghoe of the Dolphins and Manly’s Brandon Wakeham, combined well in their first outing together.
We have a number of game breakers and winners in the backline, so, attention will no doubt shift to how well our linebreakers take up the first hits, the turnaround time in the ruck and the support runners on the fringes as we gear up for the Kangaroos. This will be no walk in the park.
However, indications yesterday speak highly of young forwards putting their hands up for their country. And that is what we want.
We may lack some of the big names that once gave the Bati their fearsome reputation, but this emerging crop showed it has plenty to offer.
Intensity was high. Our defensive shape kept the Cooks under pressure. We controlled the fringes of the ruck, and our pushed passes were finding their mark, and rattled the Cooks.
What a Sunday that was! The Bulikula showed we were no slouches, even on their debut. And the Bati came off with a convincing effort. Now comes the real test against Australia. Fiji must carry this confidence into the next battle, keep their discipline and believe in themselves. The challenge is huge, but the spirit is there. We say bring it on!
