The Fijian Bati Rugby League side have today (2/11/08) moved their camp to the Central Coast after last night putting in a stunning performance against a much more fancied France team defeating them 42-6 in front of 9,213 fans at WIN Stadium, Wollongong.

In a match started with plenty of big hits it was the Bati who registered the first points of the night through a Wes Naiqama penalty goal and from there they never looked back scoring seven tries to the French side’s one.

From here the Bati take on a Scottish team at Central Coast’s Bluetongue Stadium on Wednesday night with a victory in that match securing a place in the next phase of the World Cup against either Samoa or Ireland.

Bati Coach Joe Dakuitoga was one man who knew his troops could compete against a much bigger and more experienced French side.

“As I said yesterday we aren’t here to make up the numbers and we earned our place in this World Cup and I knew we would come out here and give it our best shot,” Dakuitoga said. “All of squad would like to thank God for giving us the strength and power to play well.

“There is a big expectation on us from everyone back in Fiji and this victory will help us grow the game of rugby league in our country whish is great,” he added.

Naiqama was also ecstatic with the way his side played and said the preparation the squad had gone through to get to this World Cup came out tonight on the field.

“We have been preparing for this for six weeks and for it all to come together on the field tonight is a credit to the coaching staff,” he said. “I’m wrapped with the boys and now it is time to shift our focus to Scotland because a victory there will send us through to the next stage of the competition which is what we are here for.”

There were many stand out players in last nights victory but three try hero Akuila Uate stole the show with some devastating running and one try where he ran 70 metres and beat half a dozen French defenders on his way to the line.

“We all know what Aku is capable of and tonight he got to do it on the big stage for his country,” Naiqama said. “There is something special about him and we just hope he continues to produce it throughout this World Cup.”

 

Source:David Spaul

 

Fiji National Rugby League
C/F Fiji Assoc of Sports &
National Olympic Committee
PO BOX 1279
Suva, Fiji

Foundation Year: 1992
Affiliated Since: 1995
RLIF Status: Test Nation

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