Australia Struggle to Deliver against Fiji

The final Pool A team to open its campaign, Australia completed an unconvincing 28-13 win over Fiji in Cardiff. The result came close to mirroring that of England vs Fiji on the opening night with the difference being Australia were unable to seal a bonus point win as the Wallabies failed to score a late try.

Early signs, were different with Australia having been hot on attack from the start and playing with intent. A lack of execution though saw passes thrown into touch, knocked on and kicks out on the full. Bernard Foley opened the scoring in the 10th minute with a straight forward penalty goal.

Fiji dominated the following ten minute period to bring the opening quarter to a close with Nemani Nadolo making it a 3-3 game. The penalty came after sustained pressure in which Australia’s scrum was outplayed on two ocassions and Fiji had turned down a penalty attempt to kick for the corner.

Hard-hitting tackles and competiting for the ball at the breakdown saw both teams looking to score the first try. Camped in the Fijian 22 the Wallabies opted against a likely three-pointer to go for a try. It came with David Pocock diving over from an advancing maul in which the Wallabies had assembled from a 5 metre lineout. Foley added the extras to give Australia a 10-3 lead after 27 minutes.

In the lead-up to the try Nadolo had tackled Israel Folau high and he was at it again two minutes later as he tackled Pocock around the neck. Referee Glen Jackson gave Fiji a warning and yellow carded prop Campese Ma’afu instead and Australia capitalised. In missing a forward the Wallabies again scored from a maul with Pocock again the try-scorer.

Foley’s attempted conversion sailed wide but he made up for it in the 38th minute when he gave the Wallabies an 18-3 lead which is how it would remain until the close of the opening half. With Fiji back to fifteen players the second half did not start as planned as Sekope Kepu crossed for Australia’s third try from close range.

Kepu then gave away a penalty which Nadolo landed to make it 25-6 after 46 minutes and when Fiji scored again, through a Ben Volavola try Fiji was in with a chance. Under pressure the Wallabies lineout struggled and back-rower Scott Fardy gave away consecutive penalties. It was, nonetheless, Australia who scored next through a Foley penalty.

With plenty of time left Fiji had further opportunities and threatened the Wallaby defense but were unable to score again. The final quarter saw mistakes from both teams with Wallaby hooker and captain Stephen Moore having struggled with his lineout throwing. It meant the Wallabies missed out on a fourth try and therefore sit in third position behind Wales and England.

Next up for Australia is Uruguay on Sunday while Fiji will take a break before facing Wales next Thursday also in Cardiff.

Scorers
Australia
Try: Pocock (2), Kepu
Conversion: Foley (2)
Penalty: Foley (3)

Fiji
Try: Volavola
Conversion: Nadolo
Penalty: Nadolo (2)

Australia
15 Israel Folau, 14 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 13 Tevita Kuridrani, 12 Matt Giteau, 11 Rob Horne, 10 Bernard Foley, 9 Will Genia, 8 David Pocock, 7 Michael Hooper, 6 Scott Fardy, 5 Rob Simmons, 4 Kane Douglas, 3 Sekope Kepu, 2 Stephen Moore (Captain), 1 Scott Sio

16 Tatafu Polota-Nau, 17 James Slipper, 18 Greg Holmes, 19 Will Skelton, 20 Dean Mumm, 21 Nick Phipps, 22 Matt Toomua, 23 Kurtley Beale

Fiji
15 Metuisela Talebula, 14 Waisea Nayacalevu, 13 Vereniki Goneva, 12 Gabiriele Lovobalavu, 11 Nemani Nadolo, 10 Ben Volavola, 9 Nikola Matawalu, 8 Netani Talei, 7 Akapusi Qera (Captain), 6 Peceli Yato, 5 Leone Nakarawa, 4 Tevita Cavubati, 3 Manasa Saulo, 2 Tale Tuapati, 1 Campese Ma’afu

16 Viliame Veikoso, 17 Peni Ravai, 18 Isei Colati, 19 Nemia Soqeta, 20 Malakai Ravulo, 21 Nemia Kenatale, 22 Josh Matavesi, 23 Asaeli Tikoirotuma