Kiria-Ratu stars in Cook Islands demolition of PNG
Joel Gould |
Cook Islands half Chantay Kiria-Ratu confirmed her status as one of the brightest young stars in the game with a masterclass display in the 34-6 win over PNG.
The opening clash of the women’s Pacific Bowl in Port Moresby was dominated by the Cronulla Sharks playmaker, who had her fingerprints over most of the side’s tries.
Winger Paulina Morris-Ponga scored a hat-trick on the back of expansive backline play.
Kiria-Ratu, who turns 21 on Monday, also showcased her sublime kicking game, which gave the PNG Orchids’ back three nightmares.
Orchids coach Tahnee Norris made the shrewd decision to start No.14 Emily Veivers at dummy-half.
The Wigan star, fresh from winning the premiership grand final and Challenge Cup final with the Warriors, darted over from dummy-half after a series of solid involvements.
It was the only joy the hosts were to have in the match.
Cook Islands hit back through Morris-Ponga after a linebreak from captain and fullback Kiana Takairangi, who led her side brilliantly with silky service and powerhouse runs.
Kiria-Ratu had a hand in the first try, then did it all herself to score one of her own to give the Moana a 12-6 lead.
She was involved in the lead-up to Morris-Ponga’s second try, and was all class to combine with Takairangi to put right winger Hannah Makira over on the cusp of halftime for a 20-6 lead.
A challenging Kiria-Ratu bomb was dropped by winger Naomi Kelly. In the next set bench utility Memory Paitai scored on debut.
The Moana’s pack was dominant, well led by props Lavinia Kitai and April Ngatupuna, and it was fitting when barnstorming forward Kerehitina Matua charged over.
Morris-Ponga crossed for her third to seal a memorable win.
The Orchids were dismal and struggled with the heat on their home turf, despite the best efforts of Veivers and prop Elsie Albert.
AAP
