Australia and Fiji created history in their Pool C clash at the Rugby World Cup, but not for the reason the Wallabies would've hoped for. A 22-15 defeat is Australia's first to their pacific neighbours in 69 years, and one in which they were second-best for large parts.
An early Ben Donaldson penalty got the Wallabies up and running, and Mark Nawaqanitawase's cleverly-worked try in the corner showed the intuition we've come to expect from this youthful crop of Australia players.
However, Fiji hit back through five penalties and a Josua Tuisova try to lead 22-8 in the final quarter of the game, holding on despite the Wallabies pulling a try back through Suliasi Vunivalu.
Australia had one last throw of the dice at a late scrum, but the Fijian shove drove through the Wallabies pack to end the game and consign Eddie Jones' side to a loss which leaves them at a real risk of not making the quarter-finals.
Here's how the Wallabies rated out of 10 in the match:
MORE: Fiji soar to new heights in history-making defeat of Wallabies
Wallabies player ratings in 22-15 loss to Fiji
15. Ben Donaldson - 6
Slotted an early penalty but with the game being dominated by both packs, didn't see much action with ball-in-hand compared to last week against Georgia. Shifted to fly-half early in the second period but had little impact with Fiji dominating both the breakdown and the kicking battles.
14. Mark Nawaqanitawase - 8
Was in the right place at the right time to finish off the Wallabies' only first-half try and was solid under the high ball, looking for work whenever possible and popping up on both wings, before shifting to fullback to similar effect mid-way through the second half.
13. Jordan Petaia - 6
Tried to provide a create outlet alongside Gordon and Kerevi but few of his carries, passes or kicks were effective. Defended well throughout, but was sometimes left exposed when Fiji threw the ball wide.
12. Samu Kerevi - 8
Led the Wallabies defence brilliantly against the country of his birth. Kerevi spent the first half putting massive shots on Radradra and co, before producing some quick-thinking at line-out time to put Nawaqanitawase over for the first try. Continued to front up both with and without the ball in the second period, before being withdrawn for Foketi 15 minutes from time.
11. Marika Koroibete - 6
Much quieter than his wing partner Nawaqanitawase, but still chipped in with a copious number of carries, making metres with most of them and proving solid in defence against the dangerous Wainiqolo.
10. Carter Gordon - 5
Struggled with ball-in-hand and was on the receiving end of some heavy Fijian tackles. Kicked well in the first half, but mis-timed the high ball which allowed Tuisova to run through and score Fiji's only try of the match, before being hooked not long afterwards.
9. Nic White - 7
Was a constant presence around the ruck and put in some smart kicks, most notably the 50-22 which led to Nawaqanitawase's first-half try. Ball speed slowed significantly in the second though as Fiji took control of the breakdown, with Fines-Leleiwasa introduced for the final quarter.
1. Angus Bell - 7
As his fellow tight-five forwards went on and off with injuries, Bell held strong for a whopping 78 minutes, carrying, rucking and tackling wherever needed in a gallant performance, though the Wallabies' scrum did begin to falter towards the back end of the game.
2. Dave Porecki - 7
The short-notice captain stood in well for Skelton, leading a rather successful Wallabies line-out and coming back on following Uelese's injury in the second half.
3. James Slipper - 7
Slotted in for the injured Taniela Tupou and was solid as a rock at tight-head, propping up a solid scrum and emptying everything in his tank before being replaced by Nonggorr.
4. Nick Frost - 6
Was heavily involved at the breakdown and never shied away from a carry either, being a nuisance for Fiji at line-out time and not backing down for the full 80 minutes.
5. Richie Arnold - 5
Drafted into the XV at short notice, Arnold overcame a first-half knock to produce some solid hits and carries, though he was penalised in the ruck on more than one occasion.
6. Tom Hooper - 6
Did a good bulk of the Wallabies' carrying in the first half, running from deep and making good metres. Stayed on for the full 80 also, utilising his powerful frame and good fitness as Australia did their best to stem the flow of Fijian breakdown penalties in the second half.
7. Fraser McReight - 6
Also carried well and popped up in wide channels to receive and give offloads to his outside backs, but was thoroughly outmatched on the floor by opposite number Botia.
8. Rob Valetini - 5
Was on the end of a few first-half penalties that led directly to Fijian points through Kuruvoli, but carried strongly for the full 80 and was always looking to offload late in the tackle.
Replacements:
16. Jordan Uelese - N/A - Had hardly been on the pitch before picking up a nasty head knock that ruled him out for the rest of the game.
17. Blake Schoupp - N/A - Replaced Bell with little over two minutes on the clock, and had little involvement other than the final scrum.
18. Zane Nonggorr - 6 - Came on for Slipper and brought a new dimension, putting in strong carries with every touch of the ball and helping to solidify the Australian scrum.
19. Matt Philip - 7 - Replaced Arnold to good effect on 65 minutes, stealing three Fijian line-outs in quick succession, the latter of which led to Vunivalu's late score.
20. Rob Leota - 6 - Came on for McReight as Australia tried to re-gain some control of the breakdown, but didn't;t have much impact in this area despite carrying well.
21. Issak Fines-Leleiwasa - 6 - Replaced White mid-way through the second half and Australia's ball speed went up several notches immediately. He's certainly worth trying from the off against Wales or Portugal, particularly with Tate McDermott still out.
22. Lalakai Foketi - 5 - Replaced Kerevi at inside centre but had nowhere near the impact of his starting 12 in the 14 minutes he was on the pitch.
23. Suliasi Vunivalu - 7 - His introduction in Gordon's place saw the back-line reshuffled to accommodate him for the last half-hour, but was a constant threat down the right wing and capped a strong cameo with his first Wallabies try.
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