Fiji Bulikula beat Cook Islands. Facing Samoa next for World Cup spot. Naikore's hat-trick key.
Fiji Bulikula are within touching distance of a historic first World Cup berth after defeating Cook Islands 18-6 to secure a spot in next Saturday's qualifying final against Fetu Samoa.
Playing on home soil at Suva's HFC Bank Stadium on Saturday afternoon, Fiji benefitted from a three-try haul by Cowboys powerhouse Vitalina Naikore on the right wing, while 20-year-old halfback Losana Lutu was excellent on the ball in what was her nation's first Test victory since 2019.
Despite looking the superior side for much of the encounter, Fiji still struggled to shake off their...