After the Irish started brightly in attack for no result, the Pacific Islands worked play downfield in the sixth minute for hooker Nathan Leatigaga to burrow over from dummy half and score the first try. Jonathan Taefu converted for a 6-nil lead.
Nine minutes later, a cross field kick by Pacific Islands five eighth Robert Vai was spilt by Irish winger Matt Connolly to allow Islanders’ winger Kodah Karipa to pounce and score.
Centre Marli Fatu Sini extended the Islander’s lead when he dived over to score in the 23rd minute, then Taefu burst through four defenders down the right hand blind side six minutes from half time before feeding the last pass to Vai who dashed away to score under the posts. Vai converted his own try for a 20-nil lead.
An Irish turnover on the stroke of half time allowed the Islanders field position for Derek Ah Chong to scurry out of dummy half from close range to score. Vai converted to give the Pacific Islands a 26-nil half time lead.
The Irish came out hard to start the second stanza and were rewarded six minutes into the second half when a pin point Peter O’Neill cross field kick was brilliantly caught by Connolly for a spectacular try. O’Neill’s conversion hit the upright with Ireland on the board at 26-4.
Four minutes later, a long break by a rampaging Taefu down the right touchline saw the final pass go back inside to Fatuasini for his second try under the posts.
That try opened the floodgates as the Islanders went on with the job in the second half. Winger Joe Tuimavave finished a right side spread to score in the 57th minute, before fullback Daniel Cassone scored from an Irish turnover in the 63rd minute.
Skipper John Faiumu and interchange forward Charlie Latulipe each got tries in the closing stages to round out the easy Islanders’ win.
Vai told RLWC2017.com after the win that the Islanders have a lot of improvement in them for future matches.
Looking forward to their moment of truth on Sunday against defending champions Australia at Windsor at 4pm AEST, Vai stated that the Aussies hold no fear for his side.
“Whatever we’re up against, we’re just going to play with our hearts on our sleeves”, Vai said.
For their part, Irish skipper Connor Phillips admitted his team have a mountain of work ahead of them. “I don’t think some of the boys (who) are playing rugby league for the first time in competition expected so much”, Phillips frankly stated.
“I think the boys have realised that it’s now a competition, not a holiday.”
While the Islanders face Australia next up, Ireland play opening day winners Scotland in their next match at Cabramatta on Sunday at 2pm AEST.
Pacific Islands Universities 48 (Marli Fatu Sini 2, Nathan Leatigaga, Kodah Karipa, Robert Vai, Derek Ah Chong, Joseph Tuimavave, Daniel Cassone, John Faiumu, Charlie Latulipe tries; Robert Vai 3, Jonathan Taefu goals) def. Ireland Universities 4 (Matt Connolly try) at Ringrose Park. Referee: Tim Hannan (New South Wales/Australia). Half-Time: Pacific Islands Universities 26-0.
Tony Dosen
Contributor, RLWC2017
