By SUSAN OREAPE-FARAPO
THE Telikom PNG Kumuls were hammered 50-10 in their opening European rugby league international match by the second-stringed Wales side yesterday.
It was an embarrassing loss for PNG because Wales is not a Test-playing nation like PNG, France, Australia and New Zealand and doesn’t augur well for the upcoming test against France next month
The Kumuls scored their first try through lanky forward and Mendi Muruks terminator George Moni in the opening 10 minutes.
Centre Gimapau Keimelo ensured the conversion to take the handy lead 6-0.
The PNG boys had to put up a strong defence against Wales but could not hold on.
According to the PNG camp, “The cold weather and soft playing field was the disadvantage,” Most of the players were first timers and were not used to the weather and the field.
The PNG boys had to put up with the huge crowd and the change in weather to meet their opponents. It was quite cold which eventually led to the Kumuls downfall, having only arrived in the United Kingdom less than a week ago to acclimatise before the international match.
It was a close match in the first half with both teams exchanging hit-ups and attacks but Wales were the better side as they raced ahead in the first half
Wales dominated the full 80 minutes of football but the PNG Kumuls never gave up trying as they kept their game going. But sloppy play in defence and wrong ball options also contributed to the thrashing.
According to coach Adrian Lam, PNG Kumuls were found wanting in defence and ball handling. He added that they will have to work harder on this before their first Test Match on Sunday against France. He said that they will this time play as a team
Nixon Kolo’s try in the second half were the only points for the visitors in the game as the Kumuls succumbed to Wales 50-10.
The Kumuls are due to leave for France today where they will play against the France A side on Thursday.
The Kumuls play France in their first Test Match against France on Sunday, Nov 4 (2am PNG time).