It was a crucial match for Widnes as it was the opening fixture of the qualifiers in the Super 8s and with relegation a possibility at the end of the season the Vikings needed a win.

Runciman said before he left Australian shores he was determined to make an immediate impact at Widnes and help them through the Super 8s and it has taken him little time to back up that statement.

After a scoreless first half in the Sunday night (Australian time) match, the former St George centre powered his way across the line early in the second before he completed his double late on to seal the 14-0 result.

The Super 8s pits the bottom four sides from the top grade up against the top four from the second division in a battle for promotion and relegation and Runciman's side entered the match as heavy favourites against the lowly-ranked Halifax.

But the underdogs stuck it to the Vikings and incredibly the match went to half-time with the score at nil-all.

One of the highlights of the first half came early on when Runciman, with his very first touch as a Widnes player, made a break and put Kevin Brown through, only for Brown to be hauled down inside the 20m line.

Runciman then nearly set up the opening try again when he put Patrick Ah Van over but it was called back for a forward pass from the former St John's junior.

But Widnes' class finally shone through in the second half as a kick from Brown in an attacking area was shovelled on to Runciman and he scrambled his way across the line to open the scoring after 48 minutes.

The game continued to be an arm wrestle from there but two minutes from time Widnes prop Alex Gerrard crossed to extend the lead to 10-0.

From the ensuing kick off a Danny Galea break led to Runciman getting the ball and the 22-year-old strolled over for his second.

Runciman's next match is next Sunday night (Australian time) when Widnes meet the Sheffield Eagles.