Fiji rewrites history books with historic win
MATCH REPORT: Fiji has pulled off another famous victory by beating Australia 22-15 for the first time in 69 years at the World Cup in Saint Etienne.
It is definitely the year for Flying Fiji after they managed their first ever victory over England in the warm-ups leading up to the World Cup.
Fiji completely overpower Australia with their superior power. They were up in the Aussies face, be in the tight phases or launching the aerial attack, an area where the Wallabies looked nervous and hesitant.
Fiji scrumhalf Simione Kuruvoli kept the scoreboard ticking with his prolific goal kicking, sending four penalties and a conversion through the uprights.
Unfortunately he left the field early in the second half through injury.
But Australia managed to get the first try of the match after trailing by 6-3, when a quick thinking Mark Nawaqanitawase, after Nick White sent the ball downtown, got the ball to Kerevi and received it again to dot down in the corner.
Fiji’s Josua Tuisova was a menace, whether he was running, tackling or stealing balls on the ground.
Australia still fought back defiantly when Suli Vunivalu took matters into his own hands close to the tryline, opting to force his way over in impressive fashion.
It gave Australia the impetus they needed, only trailing by 22-15 with ten minutes to go before full time.
Their efforts however could not be converted into points.
Fiji struggled with their line-outs, yet despite that, they overshadowed a hapless Wallabies for most of the game.
The golden jerseys were attacking the Fiji territory, but Fiji, through the magnificent work of wing Semi Radradra, made another turnover.
Fiji were soaring towards the tryline two minutes before the final whistle, but they were dragged down.
Winding down the clock, Fiji kept calm while also still launching attack upon attack.
Man of the Match: The award goes to Josua Tuisova for his massive presence, not only on the attack, but playing as an extra loose forward, stealing balls on the ground while also being a menace in the Australian faces.
Scorers:
For Australia:
Tries: Nawaqanitawase, Vunivalu
Cons: Donaldson
Pens: Donaldson
For Fiji:
Tries: Tuisova
Cons: Kuruvoli
Pens: Kuruvoli 4, Lomani
Australia: 15 Ben Donaldson; 14 Mark Nawaqanitawase, 13 Jordan Petaia, 12 Samu Kerevi, 11 Marika Koroibete; 10 Carter Gordon, 9 Nic White; 8 Rob Valetini, 7 Fraser McReight, 6 Tom Hooper; 5 Richie Arnold, 4 Nick Frost; 3 James Slipper, 2 David Porecki, 1 Angus Bell
Replacements: 16 Jordan Uelese, 17 Blake Schoupp, 18 Zane Nonggorr, 19 Matt Philip, 20 Rob Leota, 21 Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, 22 Lalakai Foketi, 23 Suli Vunivalu
Fiji: 15 Ilaisa Droasese; 14 Jiuta Wainiqolo, 13 Waisea Nayacalevu (captain), 12 Josua Tuisova, 11 Semi Radradra; 10 Teti Tela, 9 Simione Kuruvoli; 8 Viliame Mata, 7 Levani Botia, 6 Lekima Tagitagivalu; 5 Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, 4 Isoa Nasilasila; 3 Luke Tagi, 3 Samuel Matavesi, 1 Eroni Mawi
Replacements: 16 Tevita Ikanivere,17 Peni Ravai, 18 Mesake Doge, 19 Temo Mayanavanua, 20 Albert Tuisue, 21 Frank Lomani, 22 Vilimoni Botitu, 23 Vinaya Habosi
Referee: Andrew Brace (IRFU)
Assistant Referees: Jaco Peyper (SARU), Chris Busby (IRFU)
TMO: Brian MacNeice (IRFU)