Cook Islands Secure World Cup Spot with Convincing Win Over South Africa
The Cook Islands have earned their place in the upcoming Rugby League World Cup for the fourth time, delivering a commanding 58-6 victory against South Africa at CommBank Stadium. Marata Niukore, a Warriors star, played a pivotal role, scoring a double to lead his team to success.
Match Highlights
- South Africa started strong, leading 6-4 early despite fielding a team without NRL players and featuring only a few State Cup members.
- A turning point came when prop Davvy Moale broke through three defenders, pushing the Cook Islands ahead to 10-6 and diminishing South Africa’s hopes of World Cup qualification for the first time since 2000.
- Just before halftime, Esan Marsters and Niukore scored tries within five minutes, extending the lead.
Second Half Dominance
The Cook Islands completely dominated after halftime, with several standout performances:
- Five-eighth Cassius Cowley crossed the line twice to add to the tally.
- Niukore completed his double with a well-timed run.
- Brendan Piakura scored a remarkable try by splitting two defenders and outmaneuvering South Africa’s fullback.
- Cronulla star KL Iro finished a 60-metre break after a clever offload from Rua Ngatikaura, with Cowley exploiting the resulting space.
“Niukore scored a double in Sunday’s big win at CommBank Stadium, with the Pacific nation proving too skilful for the Rhinos.”
With this impressive display, the Cook Islands will be celebrating their fourth Rugby League World Cup appearance.
Summary
This win confirms the Cook Islands’ return to the Rugby League World Cup, showcasing their skill and resilience against a determined South African side.
Author's summary: The Cook Islands dominated South Africa 58-6 to secure their fourth Rugby League World Cup spot, driven by Marata Niukore’s standout performance and strong team efforts.
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