Fiji 108
Cook Islands 6
FIJI WILL MEET England in the opening match of the 2015 Rugby World Cup after running in 17 tries against the hapless Cook Islands in their Oceania qualifier this morning.
Despite scoring the game’s first try through Metuisela Talebula after just a minute, Fiji trailed the world’s 46th ranked team by a point approaching the half-hour mark thanks to two Sam Vaevae penalties
However, four tries before the break – from Nemla Kenatale, Asaeli Tikoirotuma, Nemani Nadolo and Watisoni Votu - sent Fiji into half-time with a 29-6 lead and they never looked back.
The flying Fijians added 12 tries and 79 points in the second half to hand the Cook Islanders their biggest ever defeat.
As well as England, qualification means Fiji will now play Australia, Wales and a yet to be determined qualifier in Pool A of next year’s Rugby World Cup.
FIJI
Tries: Metuisela Talebula (2), Nemia Kenatale, Asaeli Tikoirotuma, Nemani Nadolo (3), Watisoni Votu, Akapusi Qera, Adriu Delai (2), Leroy Atalifo, Nikola Matawalu (2), Timoci Nagusa (2), Dominiko Waqaniburoto.
Conversions: Nadolo (3), Jonetani Ralulu (7).
Drop goal: Talebula
COOK ISLANDS
Penalties: Sam Vaevae (2)
