Oz 'A' thump Fiji to stay on top
Sun, 29 Jun 2008 09:15
Reds forward Hugh McMeniman starred and Waratahs wing Lachlan Turner bagged a try-scoring double as Australia 'A' thumped Fiji 50-13 in their International Rugby Board (IRB) Pacific Nations Cup match at Ballymore on Sunday.
The Australians crossed for seven tries to two to maintain their unbeaten record and set up a tournament playoff against New Zealand Maori next Sunday in Sydney.
The Phil Mooney-coached 'A' team dominated from the opening whistle with wing Digby Ioane scoring after just 75 seconds.
Blindside flank Hugh McMeniman, who moved into the second row in the second half, was voted man of the match.
Turner scored a try in each half while impressive flyhalf Daniel Halangahu kicked seven from eight attempts for a personal tally of 15 points.
Australia 'A' led 31-3 at halftime after crossing for four tries before the break.
Scorers
For Australia 'A':
Tries: Turner
2, Ioane, Lucas, Mitchell, Turinui, Hoiles
Cons: Halangahu 6
Pen: Halangahu
For Fiji:
Tries: Dews, Ratuvou
Pen: Rawaqa
Teams:
Australia A: 15 Drew Mitchell, 14 Lachlan Turner, 13 Morgan Turinui, 12 Timana Tahu, 11 Digby Ioane, 10 Daniel Halangahu, 9 Ben Lucas, 8 Stephen Hoiles, 7 Richard Brown, 6 Hugh McMeniman, 5 Peter Kimlin, 4 Mark Chisholm, 3 Sekope Kepu, 2 Sean Hardman, 1 Ben Alexander.
Replacements: 16 John Ulugia, 17 Guy Shepherdson, 18 Van Humphries, 19 Julian Salvi, 20 Brett Sheehan, 21 Sam Norton-Knight, 22 Mark Gerrard.
Fiji: 15 Taniela Rawaqa, 14 Timoci Nagusa, 13 Vereniki Goneva, 12 Marika Vakacegu, 11 Michael Tagicakibau, 10 Waisea Luveniyali, 9 Moses Rauluni, 8 Netani Talei, 7 Sailosi Rabonaqica, 6 Semisi Naevo, 5 Kele Leawere, 4 Ifereimi Rawaqa,
3 Jone Railomo, 2 Sunia Koto, 1 Graham Dews.
Replacements: 16 Vereniki Sauturaga, 17 Tiko Matawalu, 18 Wame Lewaravu, 19 Aporosa Vata, 20 Kameli Ratuvou, 21 Sireli Naqelevuki, AN Other.
Referee: Jonathan White (NZ)
