AFP afpji

Australia A outpoint Fiji to retain Pacific Nations rugby lead

Sun 29 Jun, 09:06 AM


BRISBANE, Australia (AFP) - Australia A went on another try-scoring spree with seven in their 50-13 romp over Fiji in the Pacific Nations Cup rugby at Ballymore here on Sunday.

The second-string Australian selection followed up their 90-7 pounding of win-less Tonga last week with another comfortable victory to hold on to their two-point lead at the top of the tournament standings from New Zealand Maori.

NSW Waratahs winger Lachlan Turner scored a brace of tries and fly-half Daniel Halangahu kicked seven from eight attempts for a personal tally of 15 points as Australia A did it easy after leading 31-3 at halftime.

The tournament will be decided next Sunday when Australia A host the only other unbeaten team New Zealand Maori in Sydney.

Queensland Reds blindside flanker Hugh McMeniman, who moved into the second row in the second half, was voted man of the match.

Australia A dominated from the opening whistle with winger Digby Ioane scoring after just 75 seconds and had the game won by halftime after crossing for four tries.

Fiji, who scored two tries against the Australians, remain in third spot and finish off their tournament against Tonga in Nuku'alofa next Saturday.

 

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