Naiyaravoro hat-trick boosts Wallabies Cup push

Fijian-born winger Taqele Naiyaravoro gave his hopes of a World Cup call-up by Australia a power of good by scoring a hat-trick of tries in a World XV 45-20 win over Japan.

With the Wallabies slumping to a 41-13 defeat to the All Blacks in Auckland, the 23-year-old Naiyaravoro did his chances of appearing in next month's showpiece no harm at all with three of the invitational team's five tries.

Japan, who are in Pool B at the World Cup alongside two-time champions South Africa, Scotland, Samoa and the United States, struck first on Saturday with a Karne Hesketh try.

Australian fly-half Berrick Barnes kicked four penalties while Naiyaravoro also scored his first try in the opening period as the World XV opened up a 19-7 lead at the break.

New Zealand scrum-half Andy Ellis scored two more tries in the second period as the visitors stretched out to 33-13.

Japan stayed in touch with a penalty try but Naiyaravoro then sprinted over for two late scores to complete his hat-trick.
Source: AFP