The Roar
The Roar

Advertisement

Fiji vs USA: Rugby League World Cup live scores, blog

28th October, 2017

LIVE SCORES

Scores updated regularly. REFRESH NOW

Fiji vs USA

2017 Rugby League World Cup, October 28

Townsville Stadium, Townsville, QLD, Aus
Fiji USA
58 SCORE 12
11 Tries 2
7 Conversions 2
0 Penalty Goals 0
0 Field Goals 0
Kick-off: 8:40pm (AEDT)
Venue: Townsville Stadium
TV: 7Mate
Online: Plus7
Betting: Fiji $1.03, USA $12
Overall record: Never played
Referee: Henry Perenara

Fiji
1. Kevin Naiqama 2. Suliasi Vunivalu 3. Taane Milne 4. Akuila Uate 5. Marcelo Montoya 6.Jarryd Hayne 7. Henry Raiwalui 8. Ashton Sims 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. Kane Evans 11.Viliame Kikau 12. Korbin Sims 13. Tui Kamikamica
Interchange: 14. Joe Lovodua 15. Jacob Saifiti 16. Eloni Vunakece 17. Ben Nakubuwai 18. Brayden Wiliame 19. James Storer 20. Junior Roqica 21.Pio Seci

USA
1. Corey Makelim 2. Ryan Burroughs 3. Junior Vaivai 4. Jonathan Alley 5. Bureta Faraimo 6.Kristian Freed 7. Matthew Walsh 8. Eddy Pettybourne 9. David Marando 10. Mark Offerdahl 11. Danny Howard 12. Matt Shipway 13. Nicholas Newlin
Interchange: 14. Sam Tochterman-talbott 15.Andrew Kneisly 16. Steve Howard 17. Gabriel Farley 18. Charles Joseph Cortalano 19. Joe Eichner 20. David Ulch 21. Joshua Rice
Fiji could be the tournament's dark horse. (Image: NRL)
Expert
28th October, 2017
153
4106 Reads

Match result:

Fiji ran 11 tries and a half-century of points on the United States of America in their opening match of the Rugby League World Cup.

» Click here to read the full match report

Final score
Fiji 58
USA 12

Match preview:

Fiji will be out to get their Rugby League World Cup campaign off on the right foot when they take on underdogs the USA in Townsville. Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 8:40pm (AEDT).

The Fijians are bolstered by the return of Jarryd Hayne, who played for the Bati in 2009, before being snapped up by Australia.

Hayne’s journey has since taken him to the NFL and rugby sevens, before returning to the NRL with the Titans, where he wasn’t consistent enough to make the Kangaroos.

Advertisement

Still, he could run rings around the USA here, and his combination with fullback Kevin Naiqama and halves partner Henry Raiwalui will also be key.

The Fijian line-up is further strengthened by the NRL’s top try-scorer Suliasi Vunivalu and exciting youngster Marcelo Montoya, who are in line to have a field day on the edges.

The forward pack isn’t anything to blink at either, with Korbin and Ashton Sims leading the charge, alongside Kane Evans, young lock Tui Kamikamicka and Penrith second-rower Viliame Kikau.

As for the USA, they have built their domestic league to the point most players have been selected from it, with halves combination Matthew Walsh and Kristian Freed both turning out consistent performances for the White Plains Wombats, despite the side missing the finals.

The most recognisable players for an NRL audience though will be Eddy Pettybourne, Junior Vaivai and Bureta Faraimo. London Broncos prop Mark Offerdahl, with eight Tests’ experience, will captain the side.

But if the qualifiers are anything to go by, Wentworthville fullback Corey Makelin will be the key man for the Tomahawks, while Toronto Wolfpack winger Ryan Burroughs will play an important role running his side out of trouble.

Prediction
There’s no underestimating how important every game in Groups C and D are, but Fiji, who are expected to blitz through to the quarter-finals, shouldn’t have too many problems here.

Advertisement

Fiji by 22.

Be sure to join The Roar for live coverage of this match from 8:40pm (AEDT) and don’t forget to add a comment below.

close