Blistering Bulikula blast into semis at first World Cup

Fiji Bulikula have stormed into the semi-finals at their first ever World Cup with a stunning 54-6 win over France at Cbus Super Stadium.

The 50-6 victory means Bulikula will face world champions Australia at Allianz Stadium next Sunday in what will be an emotional occasion for Sereana Naitokatoka and her team.

Fiji got off to a flyer with Tahlia Marshall crossing in the fourth minute before Maria Paseka grabbed the second try in the 20th minute in her return from a leg injury.

Interchange forward Aliti Namoce and star playmaker Losana Lutu then crossed in the space of three minutes as the Bulikula took full control although France looked unlucky to be denied a try when winger Haoua Kessely was ruled to have gone into touch when she touched down in the corner in the 23rd minute.

Trailing 20-0 at the break France came out firing in the second term and they had their second try of the tournament in the 39th minute when Fanny Ramos exploded out of dummy half and picked up Stecy Bessiere in support for a try under the sticks.

Fiji had a quick answer through Cassie Staples to take the scoreline out to 24-6 as they closed in on their historic semi-final berth.

Come the 46th minute and Marshall had her fifth try of the tournament after a sweep to the left with Taina Naividi delivering the final pass. The conversion from Luisa Yaranamua made it 32-6.

Powerhouse forwards Latisha Smythe and Leilani Ahsam then grabbed tries in quick succession as the power and pace of the Bulikula proved too much for a brave France outfit.

A hard-charging Lorren Ieli put the finishing touches on a famous win when she left four defenders in her wake to cross in the 68th minute.

Among a host of stars for Fiji it was fullback Staples with 135 run metres and front-rower Smythe (17 runs for 157m) who showed the way, although a leg injury to Paseka in the second half may be of some concern to the camp.

Having pushed the Kiwi Ferns to the absolute limit in an 18-12 loss in week one in Newcastle, the Bulikula will fancy their chances of slaying the giants in Sydney next weekend.