The Vodafone Fiji Bati have been thumped 50-18 by the Papua New Guinea Kumuls to claim their third consecutive third Pacific Bowl title at the Santos National Football Stadium in Port Moresby.
Leading 30-6 at halftime, PNG never let up, showing clinical finishing and strong defensive discipline.
Rhyse Martin was instrumental for the Kumuls, converting all eight tries and adding a penalty goal, while Morea Morea, Edwin Ipape, Nene Macdonald, Cooper Bai, Nixon Putt, Dudley Dotoi, and Robert Mathias all crossed the line.
Fiji’s tries came from Kitione Kautoga, Solomone Saukuru, and Semi Valemei, with Brandon Wakeham landing one successful conversion.
Despite Fiji holding 52 percent possession and slightly more time with the ball, PNG’s superior completion rate of 74 percent compared to Fiji’s 70 percent, along with their attacking efficiency — including nine line breaks and 43 tackle breaks — allowed them to dominate play.
PNG also excelled defensively, with an 84 percent effective tackle rate, limiting Fiji to just four line breaks.
Fiji attempted more passes and dummy passes in an effort to unsettle PNG’s defence, but frequent missed tackles (44) and limited attacking penetration hampered their scoring chances.
Both teams conceded seven penalties each, although PNG incurred five ruck infringements.
With this comprehensive victory, the Kumuls reinforced their status as a powerhouse in the Pacific Championships, displaying precision in attack and resilience in defence.
[Source : nrl.com]
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