Defending men's champions Papua New Guinea have been beaten in their opening match at the AFL International Cup in Melbourne.
2011 winners Ireland defeated the Mosquitoes 41-30 in a rematch of the past two grand finals, with Padraig Lucey kicking three goals.
Ireland got the better of PNG in the opening round. Photo: AFL PNG
The New Zealand Hawks lived up to their pre-tournament favourites tag by thrashing the Nauru Chiefs 81-34, while Fiji thumped France 80-14, with Isimeli Qiolevu and Alipate Kiti scoring three goals a piece.
Meanwhile the PNG Flames marked their return to the International Cup in style, outclassing the European Crusaders 55-0 in the opening round of women's matches, with Tonok Hedwick top-scoring with three goals.
The Papua New Guinea Flames made a winning start. Photo: AFL PNG
