Fiji topple PNG to take big step towards semi-finals

The Fiji Bulikula have moved one step closer to a semi-final berth after claiming a dominant 40-4 victory over Papua New Guinea in Port Moresby. 

Playing in front of a raucous crowd at Santos National Football Stadium, the Bulikula quickly silenced the home fans with a dominant first half. 

Fiji ran in five tries to one in the opening 35 minutes to jump out to a 30-4 lead at the break.

Two tries to Tahlia Marshall in the first 10 minutes of the second half put the game to bed and ensured the Bulikula would claim their first victory at a World Cup. 

The result puts Fiji in pole position to progress to the final four, while Papua New Guinea's semi-final hopes are now in jeopardy. 

The Orchids will need to shock New Zealand next weekend to keep their tournament alive, while a win over France will likely be enough to send the Bulikula into the knockout phase at their first World Cup. 

Fiji came agonisingly close to upsetting the Kiwi Ferns last weekend and Saturday's performance showed it was no fluke.

The opening exchanges in Port Moresby were brutal, with both teams aiming up in defence. 

Fiji winger Sienna Laing was the first to cross the line in the fourth minute before PNG hit back through Ua Ravu moments later.

Luisa Yaranamua made it 12-4 after 20 minutes, with the Bulikula then producing an impressive defensive stand to hold out the Orchids. 

Fiji turned defence into attack soon after, Lorren Ieli bursting through the PNG line to set up Taina Naividi for her side's third.

From there the Bulikula took complete control, Losana Lutu and Marshall crossing in the final minutes of the first half to make it 30-4 at the break. 

Fiji picked up where they left off after half-time, Marshall crossing for her second in the 42nd minute. 

It didn't take long for the winger to complete her hat-trick before the game developed into an arm-wrestle. 

PNG had multiple chances to close the gap but the Bulikula defence held firm to secure a 36-point win.