The Fijians had to win. And they did. This Thursday in Saint-Étienne, Levani Botia’s teammates overpowered Australia (15-22). After a frustrating defeat last weekend against Wales (32-26), the Flying Fijians have rectified their situation and remain in the race for qualification in the final stages. The Wallabies, for their part, have burned out a cartridge and find themselves under pressure before facing the Leek XV next week.
Fijian indiscipline was quickly punished by scorer Ben Donaldson at the start of the game (3rd). But Kuruvoli, the Fijian scrum-half, showed that his selection had perhaps (finally) found their scorer. The latter scored two penalties before Australian winger of Fijian origin Mark Nawaqanitawase scored the first try of the match (24th) on a quick touch by Samu Kerevi. Simon Raiwalui’s men then gained the upper hand over Eddie Jones’ charges and scored two new penalties (27th, 33rd) before the break.
In the second half, the Fijians also found the fault. The excellent Kuruvoli hit a candle, recovered by no one, except Tuisova. The Racing 92 player recovered and took off for the try (43rd). Geoffroy-Guichard was on fire! This same Tuisova, accompanied by Botia or Mata then annihilated all Australian offensives. Lomani then scored three more points (66th), before Vunivalu, for Australia, reduced the score (69th). At the end of a stifling end to the match, the Fijians won the standoff and can still believe in qualifying.
