Australia’s World Cup marketing campaign is in jeopardy after Eddie Jones’ males suffered a irritating 22-15 loss to Fiji in Saint-Etienne on Monday morning AEST.
The Wallabies, who conceded 17 penalties, have been outclassed in all aspects all through the topsy-turvy contest at Stade Geoffroy-Guichard, capturing themselves within the foot with ill-discipline and errors on the breakdown.
It marks the primary time Fiji has defeated Australia in a Take a look at match since 1954.
The Fijians have been excellent in defence, notably as Australia threatened to mount an unlikely comeback within the second half, with the seven-point victory protecting their World Cup marketing campaign alive.
In the meantime, Jones’ choice selections and use of replacements will little question come beneath the microscope over the approaching days.
“Completely deserved victory for Fiji,” Jones stated after the defeat.
“They outplayed us, notably across the ruck.
“For some purpose, we have been simply off as we speak.
“We have been a poor model of ourselves as we speak.
“There’s a little bit of soul-searching to do.”
Australia is now susceptible to being knocked out within the pool levels of a Rugby World Cup for the primary time in historical past.
MATCH CENTRE: Australia vs Fiji rating
The Wallabies have been with out captain Will Skelton and halfback Tate McDermott for the pool match, with Dave Porecki main the facet in his absence.
Australia took an early lead after Josua Tuisova’s deal with on Rob Valetini was deemed too excessive, with Ben Donaldson slotting a penalty kick within the third minute.
Nevertheless, Fiji returned serve with a three-pointer of their very own after the Wallabies have been penalised on the breakdown, with Simione Kuruvoli nailing the kick from 40 metres out.
The Fijians edged forward within the twenty first minute after Fraser McReight was pinged for being off his ft within the ruck, with Kuruvoli booting one other long-range penalty kick.
An excellent 50-22 kick from halfback Nic White arrange the Wallabies’ opening strive, with Australia taking a fast lineout because the Fijians have been caught napping. Samu Kerevi offloaded the footy to winger Mark Nawaqanitawase who dived over, however Donaldson missed the conversion.
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Fiji edged forward within the twenty sixth minute after White was penalised for a contentious excessive deal with, with Kuruvoli slotting the three-pointer, and the lead prolonged to 4 factors after the Australians have been pinged for collapsing a driving maul.
The Wallabies survived a late assault earlier than the interval, however the second half began horrifically for the Australians.
Kurivoli’s field kick landed untouched after Carter Gordon and Nawaqanitawase backed out of a bounce, with Joshua Tuisova retrieving the footy and scoring within the nook. Kuruvoli nailed the conversion to provide the Fijians a wholesome 11-point lead within the forty fourth minute.
The Fijian halfback was substituted out a couple of minutes later, and alternative Frank Lomani missed his first penalty kick, with the try crusing to the left of the sticks.
Gordon, who had an evening to overlook in Saint-Etienne, was hooked within the fiftieth minute.
Fiji’s defence was impenetrable within the second half, with sloppy errors on the breakdown repeatedly halting Australia’s momentum.
The Wallabies out of the blue trailed by two transformed tries when Lomani booted a penalty kick within the 66th minute, with alternative prop Jordan Uelese going off for an HIA.
Australia had a glimmer of hope when winger Suliasi Vunivalu scored off the again of a driving maul within the 68th minute, with Donaldson changing the regulation kick to slim the deficit to seven factors.
Fiji misplaced back-to-back lineouts to reward Australia possession within the dying minutes, however one more breakdown error annoyed the determined Wallabies.
The Australians have been pushed off the ball within the remaining scrum, with Fiji unsuccessfully making an attempt a final-minute penalty kick to disclaim the Wallabies a bonus level.
“Actually pleased with the boys. It was an important contest in opposition to an important Australian facet,” Fiji coach Simon Raiwalui stated.
“It was an important match — saved us guessing till the tip.
“I couldn’t be prouder. It’s not simply as we speak. It’s a mixture of the work we’ve achieved for the reason that starting of the marketing campaign. The boys have labored actually onerous and pushed them to the restrict. They’ve by no means as soon as complained. Whenever you work onerous you get outcomes.”
Australia will subsequent face Wales in a must-win pool match in Lyon on Monday, September 25 at 5am AEST.
