Wales put in a brave display but ultimately succumbed to a second half comeback as the Cook Islands secured an 18-12 win in their Group D World Cup opener.
Wales head coach John Kear could barely contain his excitement when he spoke to The Sportsman ahead of the game, even if his expectations were realistic rather than pie in the sky. But the rugby league legend will have been delighted with what he saw tonight from his side in the first half. But they couldn't hold out.
The Cook Islands’ haka set the tone for an intense performance and their side was made up of current and former Super League stars while Wales had just one Super League player in their starting XIII.
Wales got off to a perfect start after some constant pressure when Rhodri Lloyd made a sensational pick up to get his side in front, before Matty Fozard converted to make it 6-0. However, this seemed to spark the Cook Islands into life and they fought back. They thought they’d got a response of their own, but Tepai Moeroa spilt the ball as he tried to ground it.
However, they would get that try after a great run from set up Anthony Gelling to finish simply at a ground he knows so well after a spell at Leigh Centurions.
But then the Welsh fought back. A wonderful bit of footwork from Ollie Olds the half back absolutely sold the big Cook Islands defence as Wales went back in front. They defended incredibly well up the break, when only a late penalty cut the deficit and made the score 12-8 at the break.
Tony Iro’s Cook Islands, known for their expansive gameplay, were simply unable to get going in that first period. They’ve never really been able to put it together on the big stage despite having some top individuals here they failed to dominate. In such a tough group, with games against Tonga and Papua New Guinea to come, both sides knew how vital the second half would be.
Iro’s side came out the stronger, using their physical superiority to put Wales under pressure, but they stuck to their guns. Remember this is a Wales side coping without their two brightest rising stars after Morgan Knowles switched his allegiance to England and Regan Grace is injured and on his way union. But in their place have risen new stars.
Captain Elliot Kear, who now plays for Championship outfit Bradford Bulls, was remarkably in the same school year as Sam Warburton and Gareth Bale. Lions captain, Wales football captain at the World Cup and now Kear joins them amongst the elite.
But the Cook Islands did get themselves with some brutally direct rugby. The big man Davvy Moale bullied his way through three Wales players and bundled his way over the line before the conversion from Steven Marsters put them 14-12 ahead. Just a few minutes later Marsters himself had a try and the game was out of reach.
He caught a high kick in the corner and magnificently put it down, making something so difficult look simple. Wales’ brave resilience had been broken and after a spirited first half, they just lost their grip on the match.
They fought back. In the very last minute they broke through and gave it their all, until one loose pass ended their dreams. The chance was there but ultimately, they couldn’t take it as the Cook Islands secured a vital win.
There were tears during the national anthem and at full time, but after a tense encounter at Leigh Sports Village, the Welsh are left with nothing.
