Fiji record stunning win as Wallabies RWC campaign in tatters
Fiji has scored a landmark victory at the Rugby World Cup, defeating the Wallabies for the first time since 1954, and putting the Australian team’s campaign in serious trouble.
The 22-15 triumph has cast serious doubts over Australia’s Rugby World Cup aspirations.
Under the helm of new coach Eddie Jones, Australia has now suffered six losses out of seven Tests, and the team teeters on the edge of an early exit from the tournament in France.
The Wallabies must now win their remaining two group stage matches against the formidable and unbeaten Wales and Portugal to be any hope of progressing.
Jones, who faced boos from segments of the audience and whose visage on the big screen was met with notable discontent, remarked post-match that given his squad’s performance, the crowd might as well have been “throwing baguettes and croissants” at him.
Despite tries from wings Mark Nawaqanitawase and Suli Vunivalu, the Wallabies failed to dominate, leading Jones to admit it was a “thoroughly deserved victory for Fiji, they outplayed us.”
The repercussions of this defeat extend beyond just the match, with Fiji now surpassing the Wallabies in global rankings. Rugby legend David Campese criticised the Australian team’s strategy on Twitter, advocating for ball possession over repeated kicks.
Fiji, rebounding from a narrow loss to Wales, demonstrated their prowess on the field. Their coach, Simon Raiwalui, beamed with pride, reflecting on the culmination of hard work that led to this significant win.
Despite leading initially, Australia struggled to capitalize on their opportunities. Their defences were breached in the second half when Josua Tuisova, awarded the Man of the Match, scored for Fiji.
The Wallabies opened their campaign with a patch win over minnows Georgia, but simply do not appear strong enough to challenge at this year’s World Cup, which looks to be South Africa’s to lose.
Australia now faces a pivotal match against Wales next Monday (September 25), a clash for which they will be a heavy underdog when bookmakers launch odds on it.
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