Fiji convincingly beat Australia 22-15 at the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard, Saint-Étienne, on Sunday in a match that maybe did not excite, however, it was a great display by Fiji that did what they needed to win.
Ben Donaldson converted a penalty after three minutes of play in the first half to put Austalia in the lead with 03-00. Fiji replied with a converted penalty of their own to level the scores after twelve minutes of play.
With the sides still struggling to establish some sort of dominance it was Fiji's Simione Kuruvoli who converted his second penalty after twenty minutes of play. Fiji led 06-03 at that stage.
Three minutes later Mark Nawaqanitawase scored Australia's first try. Nawaqanitawase made a quick throw-in ten meters from Fiji's tryline and received the final pass to go over in the corner for Australia. Shortly thereafter, Fiji's Simione Kuruvoli converted two penalties to put Fiji back in front with 12-08 and eight minutes to go in the first half.
Fiji led 12-08 going into the second half, however, more important is the fact that Fiji is slowly wrestling dominance from Australia.
Fiji continued in the second half as they ended the first half. They continued to apply pressure on the defence of Australia. Josua Tuisova controlled a bungled up-and-under by Australia and scored in the corner to stretch Fiji's lead to 19-08 after just four minutes of play in the second half.
Fiji's Frank Lomani converted a penalty with fifteen minutes to go in the second half, to lead 22-08. Australia launched desperate attacks when Suli Vunivalu eventually barged his way over Fiji's tryline to close the gap on Fiji. Fiji led 22-15 with ten minutes to play.
Scorers:
Australia: Tries: Mark Nawaqanitawase, Suli Vunivalu. Conversion: Carter Gordon. Penalty: Ben Donaldson.
Fiji: Try: Josua Tuisova. Conversion: Simione Kuruvoli. Penalties: Simione Kuruvoli (4), Frank Lomani.
Teams:
Australia: 1 Angus Bell, 2 David Porecki (c), 3 James Slipper, 4 Nick Frost, 5 Richie Arnold, 6 Tom Hooper, 7 Fraser McReight, 8 Rob Valetini, 9 Nic White, 10 Carter Gordon, 11 Marika Koroibete, 12 Samu Kerevi, 13 Jordan Petaia, 14 Mark Nawaqanitawase, 15 Ben Donaldson. Replacements: 16 Jordan Uelese, 17 Blake Schoupp, 18 Zane Nonggorr, 19 Matt Philip, 20 Robert Leota, 21 Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, 22 Lalakai Foketi, 23 Suli Vunivalu.
Fiji: 1 Eroni Mawi, Samuel Matavesi, 3 Luke Tagi, 4 Isoa Nasilasila, 5 Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, 6 Lekima Tagitagivalu, 7 Levani Botia, 8 Viliame Mata, 9 Simione Kuruvoli, 10 Teti Tela, 11 Semi Radradra, 12 Josua Tuisova, 13 Waisea Nayacalevu (c), 14 Jiuta Wainiqolo, 15 Ilaisa Droasese. 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.