Wales took on the Cook Islands in the 2023 Rugby World Cup at Leigh Sports Village (Leigh) on October 19.
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Wales took on the Cook Islands in the 2023 Rugby World Cup at Leigh Sports Village (Leigh) on October 19. The Cook Islands trailed by four points at halftime following numerous wasted opportunities early in the game, but South Sydney rookie Davvy Moale stepped up to spark their comeback in the second half. Wales produced a magnificent effort on the international stage despite not having won a World Cup game in 22 years and without any NRL players. In the 21st minute, the Cook Islands scored their first try thanks to a great move by elusive five-eighth Esan Marsters, who bamboozled the defense before feeding Anthony Gelling in support.
When five-eighth Ollie Olds polished off some outstanding build-up effort by Ralph to crash over the line from close range in the 26th minute, Wales once again took the lead. The Kukis had a chance to close the gap before halftime thanks to a Wales offside penalty, and Steven Marsters converted to bring the score 12-8. The Cook Islands bounced back from a half-time deficit to beat Wales in the Rugby League World Cup opener at Lee. Wales led 12-8 at half-time after Lord Lilloyd caught Joshua Ralph’s cultivator and Olly beat his Olds.
Read more: Wales vs Cook Islands Preview
It would take a moment of individual brilliance for the Cook Islands to grab the lead after a tightly contested opening to the second half. For the Kukis, Moale came through, bursting through from close range and carrying a number of defenders over the goal line to score. When Kuki forward Brad Takairangi made a clever kick to the sideline and Steven Marsters outjumped Rhys Williams to score, Wales’ lack of experience in important games started to become apparent.
These results were on either side of Anthony Gering’s attempt at the Cook Islands, with Steve his Marsters scoring his four points. Davvy Moale broke through the Welsh defense to equalize before Marsters sealed it off with a high kick. As a result, Wales has remained unbeaten in the World Cup since his 2000 competition, with Tonga and Papua disappointing in Group D against New Guinea.
The Cook Islands take second place in their pool and take their fate into their own hands as they try to escape the group stage for the first time in their history. The Cook Islands continued to push the big forwards, but Paul Woolberg missed getting his fingertips close to a slightly shaky but wide pass from Jonathon Ford, waving his hand to the try line. The video referee was called again when Kukis’ hooker Luanatikaura crossed the goal, but at home to the Lee Centurions Welsh substitutes Ben played on his ground Ben Evans and Caleb of his Eakins. A great defensive performance stopped Kukis. Steve Marsters closed the gap with a late penalty, but Wales took his 12-8 lead.
“I was really proud of our boys for sticking to their guns too because I thought there was the opportunity there a couple of times that they could have let things go against them but they kept turning up,” said Cook Islands Head Coach Tony Iro.
