Wales' poor World Cup campaign has ended with a third successive defeat - but not before they went down fighting in Neath. <\/p>\n
With a final score of 28-24, the Cook Islands ultimately posted their first World Cup victory at the sixth attempt, yet they had to hang on despite building a 22-4 lead just after half-time. <\/p>\n
Centre Keith Lulia ran the show for his team, scoring a first-half try, while Isaac John, Daniel Fepuleai, Dominique Peyroux and Jonathon Ford also touched down, with Chris Taripo kicking four goals. <\/p>\n
Wales, though, threatened a second-half revival when Lloyd White, Christiaan Roets (two) and Rhodri Lloyd claimed tries following Rob Massam's first-half score, while White and Danny Jones landed one goal apiece, but it proved too little too late. <\/p>\n
Wales had exited the tournament with indecent haste, failing to recover from their Millennium Stadium defeat against Italy a fortnight ago before being beaten by the United States in Wrexham and conceding 56 points across both games. <\/p>\n
They had plenty of incentive to bow out on a high, though, with Jordan James equalling the Wales cap record of 30 appearances before retiring from the international game, while prop Neil Budworth also bade Wales colours farewell. <\/p>\n
The Cook Islands dominated early territory, and they deservedly went ahead after eight minutes when hooker Fepuleai powered over from close range. <\/p>\n
Taripo added the extras, and Wales could have few complaints, but they stirred into life six minutes later as full-back Elliot Kear made a telling entry into the line, found Rhys Evans in support and Massam finished off. <\/p>\n
It was a strong response by the home team, which knocked the Cook Islands out of their initial rhythm, but Lulia had developed into the game's dominant figure. <\/p>\n
His initial break nine minutes before half-time caused panic stations in the Wales defence, and he crossed unopposed. <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
See the article here:<\/p>\n
Wales suffer 28-24 loss to Cook Islands<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Wales' poor World Cup campaign has ended with a third successive defeat - but not before they went down fighting in Neath. With a final score of 28-24, the Cook Islands ultimately posted their first World Cup victory at the sixth attempt, yet they had to hang on despite building a 22-4 lead just after half-time. Centre Keith Lulia ran the show for his team, scoring a first-half try, while Isaac John, Daniel Fepuleai, Dominique Peyroux and Jonathon Ford also touched down, with Chris Taripo kicking four goals Continue reading