Australia v Fiji LIVE: Result and reaction from thrilling Rugby World Cup clash
Australia 15-22 Fiji: Fiji keep their quarter-final hopes alive with a first win over the Wallabies since 1954
Fiji threw the outcome of Rugby World Cup Pool C wide open with a 22-15 win over Australia, in the first upset result of the tournament in France.
Fiji, who had lost narrowly to Wales in their opening game, are now in line for a spot in the knockout stages, leaving Australia needing to beat the Welsh and setting up the prospect of a nail-biting tussle to decide the top two places in the pool.
Simione Kuruvoli kicked four first-half penalties to give Fiji, better known for their running rugby, a 12-8 lead at the break and a Wallaby defensive error allowed Josua Tuisova to score a try early in the second half.
Fiji opened up a 22-8 lead with 12 minutes left before Suli Vunivalu reduced the deficit with a try for Australia, for whom Mark Nawaqanitawase also scored a first-half try, but Fiji held on for a first win over the Wallabies since 1954.
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Australia 8-19 Fiji, 63 mins
The Fiji lineout isn’t functioning well though, a Tevita Ikanivere overthrow gives the ball immediately back to the men in gold.
Referee Andrew Brace then has a word with Tuisova about a high tackle. Another chance for the Wallabies in the opposition 22 though...
Australia 8-19 Fiji, 60 mins
Good scrum by the Wallabies - Fiji are punished for letting it wheel and Australia can kick up to the 22.
Ball secured at the lineout but yet again, it’s a Fiji turnover. Their breakdown work has been amazing. Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta gets over the ball and jackals it away. Superb!
Australia 8-19 Fiji, 58 mins
The Wallabies have lost a lot of experience and know-how with White and Slipper exiting proceedings.
They’ve got a decent platform to work off here though. It’s scrappy with the ball hitting the ground but going backwards. Marika Koroibete then makes a few yards.
BUT IT’S A TURNOVER! Great work five metres out by Tuisova to get over the ball and Fiji can clear. Superb breakdown work again.
Australia 8-19 Fiji, 56 mins
A couple of Australia changes as Issak Fines-Leleiwasa is on at scrum half for Nic White and James Slipper is off for Zane Nonggorr.
Fiji changed their entire front row a short while ago as well.
Australia 8-19 Fiji, 55 mins
The Wallabies finally with a bit of territory and they secure a lineout just outside the Fijian 22. The Fiji defence up quickly to limit the yards they can make though.
Then they counter-ruck and think they’ve secured a turnover but Semi Radradra knocks on as he tries to pick up the ball they’ve secured.
WATCH: Tuisova pounces as Wallabies watch the ball bounce
Here was Tuisova’s try that has put Fiji in control. Question marks surrounding the Australia defence.
Australia 8-19 Fiji, 51 mins
Ah, missed opportunity for Fiji! They surge forward and go wide to the left but Botia’s skip pass is just too far in front of Radradra.
He had space in front of him if it went to hand... Fiji piling the pressure on though.
MISSED PENALTY! Australia 8-19 Fiji, 49 mins
An immediate test for Frank Lomani’s kicking after replacing Kuruvoli... Uh oh. He drags the penalty wide of the left post. IT was eminently kickable, just outside the 22, although left of centre. Hmmm...
To be fair, we don’t know whether Kuruvoli was actually injured or just had cramp but if he could’ve stayed on and that was a tactical substitution, then Fiji may live to regret it.
Australia 8-19 Fiji, 46 mins
A big change for Fiji. Goal-kicker extraordinaire Simione Kuruvoli taken off to be replaced by Frank Lomani. I wonder if Kuruvoli limping after that bit of cramp has anything to do with it?
He’s kicked like a dream today, although Lomani is probably the more explosive scrum half in the open field. How will his kicking be?
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