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.
Magic moment to farewell PNG legend
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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