Wainiqolo creates history with fastest Top 14 hat-trick

Flying Fijians and Lyon winger Jiuta Wainiqolo made Top 14 history yesterday by scoring the fastest hat trick in the history of the championship against Montauban.

He scored his three tries in under 7 minutes and 23 seconds marking the fastest hat trick in Top 14 history as they thrash Montauban, 73-12, at Matmut Stadium de Gerland, Lyon.

His first try came after 53 seconds, following a break by his fly-half, Martin Méliande.

Wainiqolo then showcased his speed in the 4th minute, bursting down the right wing and beating the last Montauban defender with a sidestep, before scoring again by slicing through the opposing defense.

He could have further cemented his place in Championship history, had he gifted his team’s fourth try to Gabin Lorre in the 17th minute.

The 26-year-old is the current top try scorer this season with 15 tries so far.

In other Top 14 matches, Salesi Rayasi scored a double for his Bordeaux side in their 57-32 win against Vuate Karawalevu’s Castres side.

Lekima Tagitagivalu also scored for Racing 92 when they beat Bayonne, 41-36, while Tevita Ratuva scored their opening try against Toulon; Clermont won, 34-14.