It was back in 1954 that Fiji recorded their last win over their Oceania neighbours Australia. Roll on 69 years and the Fijians set this Rugby World Cup alight as they dominated the Aussies to secure a 22-15 victory in St Etienne. The win puts both teams on 6 points in Pool C.
Mastercard Player of the Match Josua Tuisova, nicknamed the Human Bulldozer, when asked about the long gap between victories over Australia, said: "I know it's a long time for us, Fiji, since 19... I don't know, back in the day. It's history for us. I just want to thank the boys for their hard work. They gave everything."
Australia head coach Eddie Jones said: "Thoroughly deserved victory for Fiji, they outplayed us, particularly around the ruck. They executed three times more turnovers than us, and in a close game like that, that's the difference."
With Wales winning on Saturday against debutants Portugal (28-8) to top the group with 10 points, Pool C is now wide open as to which two teams will make the quarter finals in Marseille. Next up is Georgia vs Portugal in Toulouse on Saturday with the Wales vs Australia clash on Sunday 24 September in Lyon.
Elsewhere England made it two wins out of two as they beat Japan in Nice (34-12) to top Pool D. Samoa opened their account against Chile on Saturday with a convincing win (43-10). Argentina need a victory to keep their quarter final aspirations alive after their opening week end defeat and now face Samoa next Friday in St Etienne. England take on Chile in Lille the following day.
On the other side of the draw in Pool A, a much changed French side defeated Uruguay (27-12) and New Zealand recovered from that opening day loss to the hosts by recording a huge win over Namibia (71-3). Next up for Italy in this group is Uruguay in Nice on Wednesday. The following day France head to the south coast to face Namibia in Marseille.
However, the tie of next week end is in Pool B where world number 1 ranked side Ireland face the reigning world champions South Africa. The Stade de France in Paris awaits this clash of the titans next Saturday evening. Both teams warmed up for this eagerly awaited tie with victories against Tonga (59-16) and Romania (76-0) respectively. Scotland face a tricky encounter against Tonga in Nice on the Sunday with both sides seeking their first points.
To check the available hospitality options (including gold category tickets) for the following upcoming pool matches visit DAIMANI.
- France vs Namibia – Thursday 21 September in Marseille
- England vs Chile – Saturday 23 September in Lille
- South Africa vs Ireland – Saturday 23 September in Paris
- Scotland vs Tonga – Sunday 24 September in Nice
- Wales vs Australia – Sunday 24 September in Lyon
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