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.
Kevin Naiqama and Jarryd Hayne were the stars for Fiji as they ended the game in the first quarter of an hour, putting four tries and 20 points on the board to lead the clock early in the contest.
The USA battled their way back into the contest, scoring on their first opportunity with Matthew Shipway barging over, but it was all doom and gloom for the Hawks as the Bati put another two past them before halftime.
The second half was a mere formality as Fiji ensured they recorded a thumping victory.
Taane Milne was the first over the line for the Bati, benefiting off a Suliasi Vunivalu offload in the second minute, before a spread wide saw a grubber back inside from Milne for Kevin Naiqama to increase the lead.
Milne was over five minutes later with his second, before Kane Evans scored in the very next set off a brilliant short ball from Hayne.
It came at a price though, with Evans breaking his hand in the collision over the line. While it didn’t hurt the Bati tonight, losing one of their starting props is going to have a huge impact on their chances at beating the top sides later in the tournament should they get there.
Following the try to Shipway, Fiji blew a few chances before Naiqama scored his second and Vunivalu crashed over in the corner to have 36 points on the board at halftime.
They started the second half the same way as the first, with Hayne scoring six minutes in after Villiame Kikau broke the line.
Kikau himself was next over for a try, before Vunivalu scored four minutes later with Fiji still blowing a few chances throughout the second half, despite the huge scoreline.
Henry Raiwalui scored the last try for Fiji 15 minutes from fulltime, with the USA managing to hold them out on another few attacking raids, as well as getting a try of their own through Junior Vaivai.
Fiji now get ready for a contest with Wales in the crossover game next Sunday, while the USA battle Italy, likely to decide second spot in Group D.
Fiji 58
United States of America 12
Cathar Treize
Roar Guru
Good ratings on the secondary channel for the RLWC. Probably the highest of all sports in the country. Certainly beat the horse racing, Wallabies & A league, the latter 2 by a country mile Mediaweek@MediaweekAUS Sat TV #RLWC2017#7mate#PNGvWAL 130k (Syd 57k Mel 18k Bri 38k Ade 5k Per 12k) Mediaweek@MediaweekAUS Sat TV #RLWC2017#7mate#NZLvSAM 249k (Syd 110k Mel 20k Bri 90k Ade 7k Per 22k) Mediaweek@MediaweekAUS Sat TV #RLWC2017#7mate#FIJvUSA 245k (Syd 98k Mel 30k Bri 89k Ade 8k Per 20k)
Birdy
Guest
I hope someone puts in a mention for Mick Potter's coaching. Hayne at 5/8 not much of a brain strain but its really looking good for the Titans. Uate at center, would have been so easy to play safe and leave him on the wing. My biggest shock was Naiqama, i was never a fan and couldn't understand how he was made captain let alone fullback. I think I've seen him too often at center for the Tigers. While he looked good on the wing his performances at center never impressed. So happy for him to throw egg in my face. Speaking of which, who was it that sacked Mick Potter from the Tigers? Congrats USA for their toughness. My tough award goes to their 16. Sorry i never got his name but he looked like he was caught in a pinball machine but kept coming back. My favourite game PNG!!!! Welcome back to 80s footy. No walking into the defence , attracting several defenders and using the strip rule for an offload. Nuh uh., its hit the defence at a 100 miles an hour, wear the defence out and make them worried and when they give up start off loading and scoring. NSW do yourselves a massive favour and get Fiji into your state cup yesterday. Sorry, you dont have a state cup its still mostly in Sydney.
Pickett
Guest
I thought so too
Cathar Treize
Roar Guru
I'm certain that was a try for the US just on half time. These refs can be so pedantic & just don't believe in the romance of the underdog!
Jimmmy
Guest
Bad luck for Evans , I thought he looked very good before the injury.
Hard Yards
Roar Rookie
Yep, but you've got to give the yanks full marks for guts.
Andrew
Guest
Hard luck for Kane Evans - broken wrist. Hopefully he will be back before the season start. Kevin Naiqama scored three tries and still looked terrible - that is how far off the pace the US are.
Pickett
Guest
Prayers, honey badger lookalike, first Asian rugby league player since Dennis Bendall. This match had it all.