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0 Papua New Guinea have stormed home to run in a 24-14 victory over Fiji, in a huge statement ahead of the World Cup at year’s end.
After trailing 6-0 early, the Kumuls soaked up plenty of pressure before a couple of sucker punches gave them a half time lead – with the second 40 minutes being one-way traffic.
Lachlan Lam had a double, Justin Olam provider for both, while McKenzie Yei barged over for a devastating try and PNG legend David Mead scored the match-sealer in what was his last international game.
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Mead, one of PNG’s favourite sons, earlier this week said he would not seek selection for the World Cup – making this his last match.
“The reason I did make that decision is because there are a lot of young guys coming through who would benefit from this opportunity to play in the World Cup,” he told reporters.
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Sunia Turuva was one of the shining lights for Fiji, who should have held a greater lead after a dominant opening 20 minutes, but didn’t go on with it.
The highly-rated 19-year-old is yet to debut for the Panthers, but the fact that they’ve told Charlie Staines that he’s free to talk to other clubs is a testament to how highly they view Turuva’s future.
His efforts were rewarded with two second half tries; the first cut the margin to two before Mead and Lam put the result beyond doubt, while the second game as a consolation in the dying seconds.
In a PNG side without a whole lot of NRL experience, Turuva’s opposite number Alex Johnston was a calming presence at the back, while Lam and Kyle Laybutt pulled the strings in the halves and Wartovo Puara provided spark from dummy half.
It’s a massive win for PNG ahead of a World Cup which has them drawn alongside Tonga, Wales, and the Cook Islands in the group stage.
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