The Cook Islands held off a last-ditch charge from Wales to sneak home 18-12 in a thrilling contest at Leigh Sports Village Stadium.
The Cook Islands found themselves down by four at halftime, but an inspirational cameo from South Sydney forward Davvy Moale off the bench in his first test inspired them to a comeback win with 111 metres, four tackle busts, a linebreak and a crucial second half try.
Wales hadn’t won a World Cup match in 22 years, but when within a pass of scoring a try in the final minute which could have locked up the scores at 18-18.
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Wales opened the scoring with a try to Rhodri Lloyd in the 13th minute to shock the Cook Islands early.
Five-eighth Esan Marsters set up the first try for the Cook Islands for Anthony Gelling with some brilliant footwork to get them back in the contest.
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Wales retook the lead in the 26th minute when five-eighth Ollie Olds finished off some great lead-up work by halfback Josh Ralph.
An off-side penalty against Wales on the stroke of halftime gave Steven Marsters the chance to cut the deficit to 12-8 at the break.
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It took a piece of individual brilliance form Moale in the second half to break the game open, barging through from close range taking several defenders with him.
Brad Takairangi produced a pinpoint kick for Steven Marsters outjumped Rhys Williams and extend the Cook Islands lead.
Wales produced an intercept chargedown with three minutes to play to set up a nervy finish, but a final pass was knocked down as the Cook Islands held on to notch their first win of the tournament.
