The Vodafone Fiji Bati has qualified for the quarterfinals of the Rugby League World Cup and will face either Samoa, Papua New Guinea or France after a 32-14 win over Ireland in their first match this morning.
Akuila Uate scored three tries while Kevin Naiqama, Korbin and Tariq Sims grabbed a try each.
Two of Uate’s tries came through set piece moves while his third was a classic after pushing aside four Irish defenders to score.
The Vodafone Fiji Bati conceded 14 penalties in the match and there were nine dropped balls due to wet conditions.
Bati forward Eloni Vunakece was shown the yellow card late in the first half.
Skipper Petero Civoniceva topped the tackle count with 27 while Jayson Bukuya came up with 24 tackles.
Fullback Kevin Naiqama was named the player of the match after gaining 136 metres from ten runs, two line breaks, one off load, four tackle breaks and scoring a try.
Naiqama said this win is important for them.
Vodafone Fiji Bati Coach Rick Stone said there is still room for improvement.
Vodafone Fiji has congratulated the Fiji Bati on their fine performance against Ireland in the Rugby League World Cup.
Vodafone Fiji Managing Director Aslam Khan thanked the captain Petero Civoniceva and the team for securing a quarterfinal spot and wished them well on their game against the Kangaroos on Sunday.
The Fiji Bati will take on the Kangaroos at 9am this Sunday.
Story by: Rusiate Baleilevuka.
Story by: Akuila Cama
