In a typically fiercely contested ‘Le Crunch’ battle it was the Rams ace who got the how on the road, some outstanding footwork helping the Fijian sensation beat a trio of would-be defenders before touching down for a score added to by Jack Johnson.
The French replied with an uncoverted short-side score, but the Army hammered home their advantage before the break as second row Dylan Morris bagged a brace, Johnson’s scintillating brace setting up the second.
With the fly-half knocking over two more kicks it was 21-5 at the interval, and things got better for the Red Shirts as former Newcastle Falcon Imi Qorowale blazed over down the left for the hosts’ fourth try.
Another fine Johnson conversion extended the lead before a stunning Solo back-of-the-hand off-load proved pivotal in helping Morris complete a sensational hat-trick.
The 14-man French – who had suffered an early red card – continued to battle and cut the gap with eight minutes remaining, but The Army closed in ruthless fashion.
Firstly replacement Oni Nayagi crossed the whitewash as Johnson found his range again, before Epeli Kotobalavu rode over a powerful rolling maul for a converted try to complete an emphatic victory.
*Picture by Alligin Images
