Fullback Jahream Bula etched his name in the history books by scoring four tries in Fiji’s dominant 44-24 victory over the Cook Islands during the Pacific Bowl clash held in Port Moresby on Saturday. This impressive feat breaks the previous Test record of three tries for Fiji, a milestone that had stood unbroken by any Bati player before this match.
The 23-year-old Wests Tigers sensation exhibited remarkable speed and skill, netting a hat-trick by halftime despite facing challenging wind conditions. Bula kickstarted the scoring early, utilizing classic Fijian flair as the ball traversed through multiple players before he crossed the line. His second try was facilitated by a well-timed pass from five-eighth Kurt Donoghoe, and shortly after, he showcased his agility by scoring again after darting from dummy-half.
Fiji’s halfback Brandon Wakeham also made waves by becoming just the second player to accumulate 100 points for the Bati, joining Wes Naiqama in this elite group. The match had its fluctuations, with the Cook Islands beginning to rally after initially being down 24-0. Their captain, KL Iro, made a memorable mark by breaking through five defenders to score a standout try.
In another highlight, Fiji center Solomone Saukuru marked his debut with a try, contributing to the overall team performance. However, it wasn’t all smooth sailing for Fiji, as rookie Jethro Rinakama from Canterbury had to leave the field due to an arm injury.
Despite a spirited late fightback from the Cook Islands, with tries from Justin Makirere and Reubenn Rennie showcasing their talent, it was Fiji’s day to shine, with Bula’s remarkable performance taking the spotlight. The Cook Islands will now shift their focus to their upcoming World Cup qualifier against South Africa on November 9, aiming to build on the lessons learned from this match.
Bula’s historic achievement not only enriches Fiji’s rugby legacy but also showcases the burgeoning talents within the sport. The growing excitement surrounding young players like Bula and Donoghoe signals a promising future for Fiji rugby on the international scene.