Bula try blitz sets new Test record for Fiji in big win

Joel Gould |

Jahream Bula has crossed four times in Fiji’s 20-point Pacific Championships win over Cook Islands.
Jahream Bula has crossed four times in Fiji’s 20-point Pacific Championships win over Cook Islands.

Fullback Jahream Bula has scored four tries to set a new Test record for Fiji in a 44-24 win over Cook Islands.

No Bati player had scored more than three tries in a Test match previously but Bula had four by halftime in Saturday’s Pacific Bowl clash in Port Moresby.

The 23-year-old Wests Tigers sensation showcased speed, instinct and supreme skill and was just too hot to handle. 

The No.1 had his hat-trick inside 13 minutes despite Fiji running into a howling breeze.

Fiji's Jahream Bula.
Jahream Bula had an afternoon to remember in the PNG capital against Cook Islands. (PR IMAGE PHOTO)

Halfback Brandon Wakeham became just the second player to notch 100 points for the Bati, joining Wes Naiqama in achieving that milestone.

Fijian flair was the order of the day when Bula scored the opening try after the ball went through multiple sets of hands.

Five-eighth Kurt Donoghoe laid on Bula’s second and he had his third with a scheming dart from dummy-half.

The Aitu were their own worst enemies, kicking the ball out on the full twice from restarts in the opening 20 minutes.

The Bati did suffer a blow when Canterbury rookie Jethro Rinakama was ruled out of the match in the 14th minute with an arm injury on his Test debut.

The highlight of the first half for the Cook Islands was a barnstorming try by captain and centre KL Iro who beat five defenders through the middle of the park to score under the sticks.

Bula put his final stamp on the half with a brilliant individual try after hitting a Donoghoe pass at speed and putting a grubber kick in that he chased to score.

Dolphins utility Donoghoe confirmed his reputation as one of the NRL’s brightest stars with his craft at No.6 a highlight.

Fiji centre Solomone Saukuru, 20, celebrated a try on debut.

Cook Islands captain KL Iro.
KL Iro forces his way over the line for a try against Fiji. (PR IMAGE PHOTO)

Cook Islands have their sights on hitting top form by their World Cup qualifier against South Africa on November 9.

The display of highly rated Warriors young gun Caelys-Paul Potoko was a highlight and augured well for the future.

After trailing 24-0 the Aitu showed plenty of fight. 

Justin Makirere crashed over for a deserved try when Fiji forward Taane Milne was in the sin bin. Centre Reubenn Rennie weaved his way over to showcase the talents he has become known for playing for Toulouse Olympique. 

Cook Islands winger Paul Ulberg, who also plays with Toulouse, was a standout with his powerhouse runs.

AAP