Rugby World Cup: Fiji’s historic feat against Australia in a crazy atmosphere

2023-09-18 02:45:08

Pool C of the Rugby World Cup is completely relaunched. After wasting a victory that held out their arms against Wales last Sunday, Fiji relaunched their World Cup by defeating Australia this Sunday in Saint-Étienne (22-15). Coupled with the two bonus points gleaned against the Welsh, this success allows the Fijians to regain second place from the Wallabies.

Unlike the first match, this time the Fijians did not miss their opportunities to offer themselves a first victory against Australia since 1954. Despite the penalty from Ben Donaldson, the Australian full-back, in the 3rd minute of play, and Mark Nawaqanitawase’s try in the 23rd minute, the teammates of Levani Botia, the La Rochelle third row, perfectly controlled the first half. Very pragmatic, they piled up twelve points against the poles, each time via the foot of Simione Kuruvoli.

Strong in defense, effective in attack

The start of the second half was an opportunity for Fiji to take off thanks to an Australian disagreement. While Kuruvoli had just sent a little kick over the top, Nawaqanitawase and Gordon did not understand each other and let Josua Tuisova grab the ball to score the second try of this match. An achievement which ignited the audience at the Geoffroy-Guichard stadium, totally committed to the cause of the Fijians.

Extremely solid in defense, including numerous very valuable scratches a few meters from their line, the Fijians then mastered their subject. A try from Suliasi Vunivalu still offered a little suspense to the spectators. But the Australians never managed to regain the advantage, despite several clear chances. It was ultimately a huge melee which allowed the Pacific players to obtain a final penalty and confirm their historic victory. Missed by Frank Lomani, it still offers a defensive bonus point to Australia.

This victory therefore completely reshuffles the cards in this group C. Thanks to its two improved victories, Wales is in the lead with 10 points, ahead of Fiji (6 points) and Australia (6 points). But the Fijians are the only ones to have faced the two big names in the group. With Portugal and Georgia as the remaining opponents, the road to the quarters has clearly opened up.