A virtuoso display from Viliame Kikau helped a fluent Fiji boost its quarter-final hopes as the Bati eased past Italy 60-4 at Kingston Park in Newcastle, England.
Kikau set the tone for a onesided encounter with an early try and was joined by Penioni Tagituimua and Maika Sivo in crossing twice on a productive afternoon for Wise Kativerata’s side.
Kevin Naiqama, Apisai Koroisau, Ben Nakubuwai and Taniela Sadrugu also scored as the Bati bounced back from their openinground defeat against Australia in style, with Brandon Wakeham enjoying a flawless afternoon off the tee.
While Italy were never going to turn the score around, they did avoid a complete whitewash with a try in the 55th minute.
Jake Maizen was the scorer as Italy shifted the ball out wide with Polselli grabbing an assist.
Despite this, it was Fiji who finished strong as Sivo and Raiwalui added two more efforts before the full-time hooter.
The Bati will now close out their group campaign with a game against Scotland.
Italy, on the other hand, will face tournament favourites Australia.
The Fijians led 30-0 at halftime.
Bati: Sunia Turuva, Vuate Karawalevu, Kevin Naiqama (c), Semi Valemei, Maika Sivo, Api Koroisau, Brandon Wakeham, King Vuniyayawa, Peni Tagituimua, Tui Kamikamica, Joshua Wong, Viliame Kikau and Ashton Sims. Reserves: Lamar Manuel-Liolevave, Ben Nakubuwai, Taniela Sadrugu, Henry Raiwalui and Netane Masima.
Italy: Luke Polselli, Richard Lepori, Ethan Natoli, Daniel Atkinson, Jake Maizen, Jack Campagnolo, Radean Robinson, Alec Susino, Dean Parata, Anton Iaria, Ryan King, Brensen Santi, and Nathan Brown (c). Reserves: Joseph Tramontana, Luca Moretti, Jack Colovatti, Luke Hodge, and Kyle Pickering.
