Jarryd Hayne showcased that he is one of the better rugby league players on the planet as he dominated in his first outing in the Rugby League World Cup as the Vodafone Fiji Bati thumped USA 58‑12 last night.
Hayne became the equal greatest try-scorer in Rugby League World Cup history as Fiji sent a warning with an emphatic win.
Hayne moved to 13 World Cup tries, equal with Immortal Bob Fulton when he broke down field to score the Bati's first four-pointer of the second half in Townsville after they leapt to a 36-6 lead at the break.
The Americans were outmatched by the Bati, who were boosted by a host of NRL players including Jarryd Hayne, Suliasi Vunivalu and Taane Milne.
A historic belting looked on the cards after Fiji raced out to an early lead but the USA never gave up the fight and were rewarded with tries to Matt Shipway and Junior Vaivai.
Hayne, playing as the teams five‑eighth, continually set his teammates up for line-breaking runs, multiple try assists and even crossed the line himself for a try.
Hayne says it was a great victory.
He was also asked what the Bati jersey means for him.
Fiji’s captain Kevin Naiqama led from the front and continuously broke tackles and crossed the line for two tries.
Taane Milne also scored two tries for Fiji.
Fiji’s other tries came from Akuila Uate, Viliame Kikau, Henry Raiwalui, Kane Evans and star winger Suliasi Vunivalu.
Fiji will now play Wales at 9.30pm next Sunday.
In other matches last night, PNG thrashed Wales 50‑6 while New Zealand hammered Samoa 38‑8.
In today’s matches, Ireland will play Italy 4pm, France will face Lebanon at 5pm while Scotland will take on Tonga at 6.15pm.
Source: Stuff.co and News.com.au
