Simione Kuruvoli kicked 14 points as Fiji secured their first win of the 2023 World Cup with a gritty victory over Australia in Saint Etienne on Sunday.
It was a must-win game for Fiji after narrowly losing their opening Pool C match to Wales last week, and they were in impressive form and full value for a 22-15 triumph at Stade Geoffroy-Guichard.
Fiji held a slim 12-8 half-time lead on the back of four penalties from scrumhalf Simione Kuruvoli, while a Ben Donaldson penalty and an unconverted try from winger Mark Nawaqanitawase put the Wallabies on the scoreboard.
The energy 🔥#RWC2023 | #AUSvFIJ pic.twitter.com/SaAijm08FD
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Quick thinking from Nawaqanitawase 🧠#RWC2023 | #AUSvFIJ | @wallabies pic.twitter.com/8IrFbMlgtr
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The Pacific Islanders extended their advantage after the break with a converted touchdown from powerhouse inside centre Josua Tuisova, before replacement Frank Lomani split the uprights.
Wallaby speedster Suliasi Vunivalu crossed the whitewash late on, but a dogged defensive effort from the men in white was enough to keep their quarter-final hopes alive with their first success against the Aussies in 69 years.
Next up for Fiji is a clash versus Georgia on 30 September while the Australians, who comfortably beat the Georgians in the opening round, will look to reignite their campaign when they take on unbeaten Wales on Saturday.
The moment Fiji took charge 🔥#RWC2023 | #AUSvFIJ pic.twitter.com/MAkPJJeeh1
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Photo: Francis Bompard/AFP