The PNG Kumuls have a second chance to make good on their mistakes against the Fiji Bati.
This Sunday the 5th of November will see the final of the Pacific Championship Bowl Challenge between PNG and Fiji.
It was a wake up call for the PNG Kumuls after a dismal performance against Fiji Bati, a 43 points to 16 flogging, a seven tries to three victory over the home side as PNG fans were left devastated.
Kumuls Coach Justin Holbrook had nothing much to say but apologised to fans that turned up in droves.
A crowd of 14,300 plus filled the stadium but as the game progressed it was the Fijians in the crowd that were in a frenzy with blue flags flying high amongst the crowd.
The Kumuls fans even started leaving with 20 minutes to go before full time.
On the field it was a team in turmoil with the Kumuls on the back foot with the Fijians hightailing it up the middle. The fast play off the ruck proved too quick for PNG as they struggled to keep up with the Fijians pace.
Despite the Fijians surge up the middle, Kumuls lock forward Jack Dibelin was a machine in defense.
Judah Rimbu offered a spark of flare in the last 30minutes when he came on even setting up a try for Epel Kapinias.
There was no one to be blamed but themselves and the Kumuls learnt that the hard way. Fiji were better prepared with Captain Tui Kamikamica praising the teams effort during the week.
He said they were focused on controlling the game off the ruck and managed to subdue the PNG attack and keep them on the back foot.
Fiji Coach Waisake Kativerata says he knows what the team is capable of and the Fiji Bati side is a wealth of talent. The Coach pointed out that with a combination of skill, natural born talent and hard work, they have a strong side that will make sure they give their best in the final on Sunday.
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