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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TRY! Australia 8-19 Fiji (Josua Tuisova, 43 mins)
Oh my word! Out of nowhere - Josua Tuisova scores!
Simione Kuruvoli sticks up a box kick and, inexplicably, Carter Gordon, Mark Nawaqanitawase and Nic White all let it bounce between them. Tuisova says thank you very much, scoops up the loose ball and races over down the left for the score!
Gordon probably should have been the one to take control as he was coming forward for it but Fiji don’t care. And then THAT IS BRILLIANT from Kuruvoli, as he nails the touchline conversion for a 19-8 lead! His kicking today has been exemplary.
Australia 8-12 Fiji, 42 mins
Ooof! No subtlety there from Levani Botia as he just runs straight at Jordan Petaia and Carter Gordon. Petaia in particular did well to wrap him up.
Bad news for Fiji though as winger Jiuta Wainiqolo gets his leg caught at the bottom of a tackle. He looks in pain and is forced to hobble off, with Vinaya Habosi on instead. Hopefully he’s ok
KICK-OFF! Australia 8-12 Fiji
Back underway. a huge 40 minutes upcoming.
HALF-TIME! Australia 8-12 Fiji
A physical, bruising first half
HALF-TIME! Australia 8-12 Fiji
A couple of highlights from that compelling first half.
HALF-TIME! Australia 8-12 Fiji
Safely won and Australia kick into the stands for half-time.
What a compelling first half! Physical, as you would expect, but Fiji’s kicking for the tee has been exquisite through Simione Kuruvoli.
They lead 12-8 at the break, although the only try came for the Wallabies from the quick thinking of Mark Nawaqanitawase. What a second half we have in store.
Australia 8-12 Fiji, 39 mins
One last chance for Fiji before the break, with ball in the Australian half. Matavesi spins his way up to the 22.
Tela tries a kick through and it just goes into touch. One last defensive lineout for Australia to get to half-time.
Australia 8-12 Fiji, 38 mins
Again, the execution of the lineout isn’t there from Fijian hooker Samuel Matavesi and Nick Frost gets up to knock it back to the Australian side.
Carter Gordon hammers clear. Great lineout defence by the Wallabies. Botia then knocks on after another lineout move. Head in his hands, he looks distraught.
Will they regret turning down those three points?
Australia 8-12 Fiji, 37 mins
Lineout gets stolen by the Wallabies but they’re immediately pinged. This time Fiji turn down the points and kick to the corner!
Australia 8-12 Fiji, 35 mins
Good rush defence by Australia to force the Fijians back from halfway but a couple of penalties for offside undo the good work.
Teti Tela bangs a kick down into the Australian 22. This is a good platform for the Pacific Islanders
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