Australia vs Fiji final score, result and highlights as Wallabies fall to Fiji in World Cup thriller

Jonathan Burnett

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Australia vs Fiji final score, result and highlights as Wallabies fall to Fiji in World Cup thriller image

Fiji created rugby union history in Saint-Etienne, defeating Australia 22-15 to blow Pool C of the 2023 Rugby World Cup wide open.

The game had the feeling of a tight-knit encounter right from the off, with neither side giving an inch at the breakdown and some bruising defence from the backs slowing each team's forward momentum.

Ben Donaldson's penalty opened the scoring for Australia but new scrum-half Simione Kuruvoli pegged the Wallabies back with two three-pointers of his own.

The next points came in the 24th minute, as Mark Nawaqanitawase's quick-thinking at a line-out allowed him to finish off Samu Kerevi's offload and score Australia's only try of the first half. Fiji weren't fazed whatsoever, as Kuruvoli nailed two more penalties to give his side a 12-8 lead at the break.

MORE: Watch all the action from the Rugby World Cup with every match streaming ad-free, live and on demand in 4K UHD, only on Stan Sport.

That four-point advantage was extended further within minutes of the second half starting. Australia let the ball bounce from Kuruvoli's threatening box-kick, and Josua Tuisova was on hand to pick up the scraps and race over in the corner; his scrum-half converting to open up a 19-8 lead in Fiji's favour.

Kuruvoli's withdrawal through injury later in the half saw Frank Lomani assume kicking duties, and, after an earlier miss, the half-back added another three points to create a 14-point gap between the sides. Back came Australia, as Fijian-born winger Suliasi Vunivalu dived over from close range to bring the Wallabies back to within a converted try.

It was to be Fiji's day though, as Simon Raiwalui's side continued to push their way forward. Captain Waisea Nayacalevu's late break came to nothing, but the Pacific Islanders kept up their brutal defence for the full 80 and an increasingly solid set-piece came up trumps in the final seconds.

A scrum penalty won with the clock in the red inked that 22-15 scoreline into the history books and secured a result that now creates a three-way shoot-out for the two quarter-final places on offer in Pool C. 

Australia vs. Fiji final score

  1H 2H FT
Australia 8 7 15
Fiji 12 10 22

Tries: Nawaqanitawase, Vunivalu; Tuisova

Conversions: Donaldson; Kuruvoli

Penalties: Donaldson; Kuruvoli (4), Lomani

World Cup progress on the line for Wounded Wallabies

A pre-match injury to captain Will Skelton continued the injury crisis which has blighted an already inexperienced Australia squad, and despite Dave Porecki stepping into the breach and performing well, that lack of experienced was exposed by Fiji, particularly around the breakdown. Seventeen penalties conceded, five of which were converted into 15 crucial Fijian points by Kuruvoli and Lomani, shows that the Wallabies can be exploited by more streetwise sides, and Eddie Jones will be fully aware of the threat Wales pose in this area ahead of his side's next game, which following this result, is do-or-die for Australia at this tournament.

Fantastic Fiji put in a generation-defining performance

From the very first minute, Fiji had a game plan and stuck to it religiously - take the points when they're on offer, and only turn on the style out wide when necessary. Lead by the enigmatic Botia, the Fijians had the ruck on lockdown for near enough the entire match, with those aforementioned penalties proving to be the difference despite being out-scored by two tries to one. Having won and lost one each of their games with Pool C's 'big two', the Raiwalui's men have put themselves in qualifying contention, and with Georgia up next, will back themselves to secure another victory which will put them on the brink of the last eight.

Australia vs. Fiji full commentary, highlights

FT: And that's us for today, thanks for riding that wave with us as Fiji create history in Saint-Etienne! The Wallabies will lick their wounds ahead of a must-win clash against Wales next time around, while Fiji face a Georgia side who are still far too good to be discounted as the race for Pool C hots up!

FT: FIJI HAVE DONE IT!!! They hang on for a 22-15 victory over the Wallabies to blow Pool C wide open and etch themselves into rugby folklore. Tuisova's early second-half try put 11 points between the two sides, and the sensational game management we saw in the first half continued. Lomani replaced the influential Kuruvoli to add another penalty as the final 10 approached, and despite Vunivalu crossing for the Wallabies to close the gap to seven points, Fiji held on to secure the biggest win in the history of Fijian rugby.

81 mins: How's that for a shove?! The Fiji scrum stands tall and powers right through Australia's pack, winning the Pacific Islanders a penalty that confirms the victory! Lomani drags the resultant kick wide, but he won't care, as he and his teammates have just created history!

80 mins: The Fijians bring the ball down from a line-out and carry into Australia's half, but a loose ball gifts Australia a scrum feed and the chance for one last attack!

79 mins: Fiji go oh so close to sealing the game! A right-foot Nayacalevu step sends the captain through the line, and he draws the full-back before passing wide to Habosi. He charges towards the open try line, but Koroibete races back at speed to make a match-saving tackle, and the replacement winger's offload goes out over the sideline!

74 mins: Another Fiji line-out is stolen and forward come the Wallabies. Nawaqanitawase steps his way into the 22 after wrapping round from fullback, but he's pinged on the ground for not rolling away in the ruck!

73 mins: Australia pile numbers forward with the game's momentum very much swinging their way, but a wide ball to Vunivalu leaves the try-scorer isolated and Radradra gets over the ball to win a ruck penalty!

71 mins: Frost, on for Arnold after being called into the match-day squad at short notice, wastes no time in having an impact at the set-piece as he steals two Fijian line-outs in quick succession!

69 mins: TRY - Australia 15-22 Fiji! Here come the Wallabies! Australia win a penalty and drive slowly towards the Fijian line with a heavily-populated maul. Porecki, back on for Uelese, breaks off the back before being grounded short of the line, and Vunivalu is there to pick, go and dot the ball down! Donaldson adds the two, and the Wallabies trail by seven points with 10 minutes to play.

76 mins: The two back-three's engage in an end-to-end kicking battle, which ends when Droasese's long punt looks to have bounced out for a 50-22. Australia play on though with a quick line-out, and it's play-on after replays show the full-back's kick went out on the full!

66 mins: PENALTY - Australia 8-22 Fiji. Uelese was actually penalised for his attempted tackle as he hit Ikanivere off the ball, and so Lomani steps up to convert the penalty and makes no mistake in extending his side's lead to 14 points.

65 mins: Replacement Wallabies hooker Jordan Uelese flies up from the defensive line looking to either intercept or make a big tackle, but mistimes it completely and catches his head on his opposite number's hip. He's prone on the ground seeking urgent attention but is eventually able to get back to his feet and head off the field for a HIA.

62 mins: Cirikidaveta wins a well-timed turnover penalty to give Fiji good field position, but replacement hooker Tevita Ikanivere over-throws from the line-out and the Wallabies re-take possession on halfway.

59 mins: A Lomani box-kick collides with the cable of the stadium's spider camera suspended above the pitch, and the ball comes down to bounce all over the place, eventually going forward off a Fijian to give the Wallabies head-and-feed at the scrum!

58 mins: Issak Fines-Leleiwasa is on for White at nine, and provides quick ball for Nawaqanitawase, Koroibete and Bell to charge their way deep into Fiji's 22.

55 mins: Nayacalevu nudges a kick deep into Australia's 22, but it's taken well by Vunivalu. He steps past Wainiqolo before being shunted into touch by Lomani, but the scrum-half was offside from the kick-chase and is penalised.

53 mins: Suliasi Vunivalu's on for Gordon, and is found by Hooper as Australia move the ball to the right. The Fiji-born wing kicks ahead, but is smashed in the process and his wayward punt bounces out of play. 

52 mins: Fiji come forward again after Botia pinches the ball from the base of a ruck. Droasese brings it left, but his wide pass for Radradra goes astray and sails over the touchline!

50 mins: Australia are pinged for offside from a Fijian line-out, but Lomani, overtaking kicking duties from Kuruvoli, pushes the penalty attempt slightly wide of the far post.

47 mins: A good carry from Gordon gives Petaia time and space to kick in behind the defence, but it's a touch too long and Droasese shepherds the grubber over the dead-ball line. Elsewhere, Kuruvoli is forced off with injury, and the introduction of Frank Lomani may bring about a different style of play from the Fijians.

45 mins: Arnold charges down Kuruvoli's clearing box-kick to re-take possession in the 22, but he's penalised for offside by the referee and Fiji get a reprieve!

44 mins: TRY - Australia 8-19 Fiji! A slice of luck allows the Fijians to fly over the line for their first try! Kuruvoli's high, hanging box-kick is missed by Gordon, the bounce sits up perfectly for Tuisova. He rushes onto it and has a free run to the try-line, diving over in the corner to extend Fiji's lead to nine points! Kuruvoli steps up for the sideline conversion, and nails it yet again to make that lead 11!

42 mins: A strong Botia carry opens up space for Wainiqolo to wrap around and poke his nose through the line, but his late offload to Tagitagvalu on the edge of the 22 goes to ground.

41 mins: Kuruvoli gets us back underway in Saint-Etienne, punting deep into Wallaby territory as Gordon fields the kick!

HT: We're back, ready and raring to go ahead of the second half at Stade Geoffroy-Guichard. If it's anything like the first, this game is going right down to the wire!

Watch: Mark Nawaqanitawase starts and finishes the only five-pointer of the first half (UK)

HT: That's half-time, and it's Fiji who lead by four in this cagey, evenly-matched contest in Saint-Etienne. Expected by fans and pundits alike to throw the ball around whenever possible, Fiji's game management has instead been superb, kicking for points on offer from most penalties with Kuruvoli yet to be off-target. All 12 of their points have come from the boot of their scrum-half, with Donaldson notching one himself for the Wallabies. Australia crossed for the only try of the first half, with Nawaqanitawase popping up to finish off some quick thinking by White and Kerevi. It's wide open with the second half approaching, and certainly far too close to call at this early stage!

40 mins: A strong Radradra carry from an inside ball gets Fiji back into the 22, and opens up space for Droasese out wide. He kicks ahead with Wainiqolo giving chase, but Nawaqanitawase is back there to watch the ball roll over the touchline as the clock turns red.

38 mins: Possession lost at a line-out doesn't deter Fiji, who win a ruck penalty from the next phase. Rather than pointing to the posts, Kuruvoli kicks to the corner, but Matavesi's throw from the sideline is stolen by the Wallabies once again!

36 mins: Play is halted as Arnold goes down requiring treatment. He should be okay to carry on, with another injury in the second-row the last thing Eddie Jones needs given the original wearer of the number five jersey, captain Will Skelton, withdrew an hour before kick-off.

34 mins: Gordon fields another Fijian clearance and shapes to kick straight back, but instead dummies and darts over halfway, beating three defenders before the ball is dislodged by a thumping Botia tackle.

32 mins: PENALTY - Australia 8-12 Fiji. Successive penalties help the Fijians exit their own 22 and march up-field. Kuruvoli elects to kick the points again from their second, and slots it over from 45 metres out to extend his side's lead to four points.

27 mins: PENALTY - Australia 8-9 Fiji. The TMO alerts his on-field compatriot to a high tackle from White as Kuruvoli was reeled in, and the scrum-half soon recovers to send the resultant penalty over as the Fijians re-take a one-point lead.

26 mins: An Australian maul rolls over halfway, but the ball spills out and is seized by Kuruvoli. He darts into the 22, but from the next phase Tagitagivalu knocks on from dummy-half to gift possession back to the Wallabies.

24 mins: TRY - Australia 8-6 Fiji! Ingenious Wallaby play yields the opening try of the match! White stabs a kick into Fijian territory which bounces out for a 50-22, and Kerevi pops up on the sideline to take the line-out quickly! Fiji are caught out at the back, and Nawaqanitawase arrives to catch his centre's throw and score! Donaldson pulls his conversion wide, as Australia take the lead arguably against the run of play!

22 mins: Gordon catches a Fijian clearance on halfway, but he's immediately smothered and dumped over the touchline by leading kick-chaser Wainiqolo!

21 mins: PENALTY - Australia 3-6 Fiji! Kuruvoli steps up again to kick the points from just inside halfway, and slots the ball over to give his side the lead for the first time!

20 mins: Botia peels off the back of a line-out to carry over halfway for the Fijians. He offloads to Matavesi, who wins a ruck penalty on the floor as his supporting pack pile in to pilfer the ball!

17 mins: From another successful score, Fiji look to their right and Nayacalevu feeds Wainiqolo. He steps inside and offloads, but White's there to intercept and steal possession back for Australia!

15 mins: Fiji break wide from a scrum win as Radradra charges into open pasture down the left. He crosses halfway but is smashed by Kerevi in cover, and McReight gets over the ball to win the Wallabies a turnover penalty!

13 mins: Gordon takes the ball to the line in a bid to exploit space down the blindside, but he's absolute rattled by the tackle of Fijian front-rower Mawi and spills possession!

12 mins: PENALTY - Australia 3-3 Fiji. Kuruvoli is on kicking duty for the Fijians, and slots over the long range penalty for three equalising points.

10 mins: An evenly-matched scrum goes Fiji'a way, and they come forward moving the ball through the hands. Wainiqolo cuts inside to take a strong carry over halfway, and the quick ball produced by the Pacific Islanders yields an offside penalty for Kuruvoli.

7 mins: Big carries from Nayacalevu and Mata take Fiji to the edge of Australia's 22, but a wide pass from Radradra to Tagitagivalu drifts forward so we'll pack down for a Wallabies scrum.

5 mins: A long, wide pass from Tuisova bounces into the hands of Radradra, who bumps off his first tackler before offloading inside, but Gordon intercepts for the Wallabies.

3 mins: PENALTY - Australia 3-0 Fiji. Another high shot yields a Wallabies penalty, and this time Donaldson elects to kick for points, slotting over the first three of the game from right in front.

2 mins: An big tackle from Matavesi on Petaia catches the centre high, and Donaldson kicks for the corner rather than the posts in an early statement of attacking intent!

Kick-Off: Nayacalevu leads the Cibi as Fiji lay down the challenge to Australia, and it's the Wallabies who get us up and running via the boot of Donaldson!

5 mins from kick-off: With the anthems underway, we're just seconds away from the start of this match, and the Wallabies are all set to face Fiji's war cry, the Cibi, prior to kick-off!

10 mins from kick-off: Here they come! Captains Porecki and Nayacalevu are ready to lead their respective troops from the tunnel, and in just a few short moments, they'll be on the pitch and ready to go!

15 mins from kick-off: No changes to the 23 for Fiji, who have plenty of their own strike weapons out wide, with Semi Radradra, Josua Tuisova, and captain Waisea Nayacalevu likely to cause Australia plenty of problems. 

30 mins from kick-off: The Wallabies back three of Ben Donaldson, Mark Nawaqanitawase and Marika Koroibete all excelled in the opener, but  Australia have been forced into a late change prior to kick-off, with captain Will Skelton sadly ruled out. The rotation will see Richie Arnold start at lock with Matt Philip coming onto the bench, and hooker Dave Porecki will lead the Wallabies out for the first time.

45 mins from kick-off: Ahead of the tournament though, the two sides' form was quite the opposite. Australia lost five straight matches leading into the World Cup, with the win against Georgia being Eddie Jones' first back at the helm, while Fiji had climbed above the Wallabies in World Rugby's rankings following an historic August victory over England at Twickenham.

60 mins from kick-off: Fiji almost had a dream start to their tournament too, but despite scoring two late tries against Wales, they couldn't quite overturn an 18-point deficit and were defeated 32-26 in game that was perhaps the perfect advert for the Rugby World Cup.

75 mins from kick-off: The Wallabies' World Cup campaign began in sensational style, scoring four tries to defeat Georgia 35-15 at the Stade de France, with exciting full-back Ben Donaldson crossing for two himself in the second half.

90 mins from kick-off: Hello, and welcome to The Sporting News' live coverage of today's Rugby World Cup match in Pool C, as Australia take on Fiji in a game that's a must-win for both sides.

MORE: Player ratings for each player in Wallabies' World Cup win over Georgia

Australia vs. Fiji confirmed line-ups

24-year-old Waratah Ben Donaldson announced himself on the world stage against Georgia, making his first start for the Wallabies and scoring two tries, three conversions and penalties apiece. His 25-point haul sees him retain the number 15 jersey for this game, and he's joined in the backline by fellow scorers Jordan Petaia and Mark Nawaqanitawase.

Co-captain Tate McDermott was forced off with a first-half head knock against the Lelos, meaning Will Skelton will lead the side throughout and the experienced Nic White will wear number nine. Up front, an untimely injury to Taniela Tupou, another standout in the opener, could see him miss the rest of the tournament, and former captain James Slipper will slot in at tighthead in the Tongan Thor's place.

Australia starting XV: Ben Donaldson, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Jordan Petaia, Samu Kerevi, Marika Koroibete, Carter Gordon, Nic White; Angus Bell, Dave Porecki, James Slipper, Nick Frost, Will Skelton, Tom Hooper, Fraser McReight, Rob Valetini.

Australia replacements: Jordan Uelese, Blake Schoupp, Zane Nonggorr, Richie Arnold, Rob Leota, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, Lalakai Foketi, Suliasi Vunivalu.

It's a Fijian back-line absolutely jam-packed with quality, as Josua Tuisova and captain Waisea Nayacalevu, both try-scorers against Wales, start in the centres. Tuisova's promotion from the bench to the 12 jersey sees Semi Radradra shift to the left wing, a position he's excelled at in both rugby league and union. 

Fiji's pack pulverised Wales' at times in the opener, with three of their forwards being denied close-range scores that would've turned the game in their favour. One of these forwards, exciting utility Levani Botia, moves from the bench to start at openside, moving Lekima Tagitagivalu, who finished the Fijians' second first-half try in as many minutes, to the other flank. The prop combination of Eroni Mawi and Luke Tagi will also look to cause the Wallabies plenty of problems at scrum-time.

Fiji starting XV: Ilaisa Droasese, Jiuta Wainiqolo, Waisea Nayacalevu, Josua Tuisova, Semi Radradra, Teti Tela, Simione Kuruvoli; Eroni Mawi, Sam Matavesi, Luke Tagi, Isoa Nasilasila, Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, Lekima Tagitagivalu, Levani Botia, Viliame Mata.

Fiji replacements: Tevita Ikanivere, Peni Ravai, Mesake Doge, Temo Mayanavanua, Albert Tuisue, Frank Lomani, Vilimoni Botitu, Vinaya Habosi.

MORE: The Wallabies squad seeking Rugby World Cup glory at France 2023

Australia vs. Fiji TV channel, live stream

TV networks worldwide will be showing all 48 matches at the tournament live, including many on free-to-air television.

On social platforms alone, video content from the Rugby World Cup and organisers World Rugby drew more than 2.1 billion views in 2019 – almost six times the previous figure.

  TV channel Streaming
USA — Peacock
Canada TSN

TSN+

UK ITV ITV X
Australia Channel 9 Stan Sport, 9Now
New Zealand Sky GO Sky GO
India — Fan Code
Hong Kong BeIN Sports BeIN Sports
Malaysia BeIN Sports BeIN Sports
Singapore BeIN Sports BeIN Sports

The tournament also has its own app, delivering highlights, news and more across the seven weeks of action in France.

MORE: All previous winners of the Rugby World Cup

Australia vs Fiji betting odds, prediction

Pool C is shaping up to be one of, if not the most competitive of the four groups at this World Cup, with Australia, Fiji, Georgia and Wales all fancying their chances of reaching the last eight.

Australia's win over Georgia in their opener saw the Wallabies finish their chances clinically, scoring with two early attacks inside the opening 10 minutes, and capitalising on errors from the Lelos to add another two in the second half.

In contrast, Fiji, while also crossing for four tries themselves, blew another three opportunities with Wales' try-line there for the taking, with two knock-ons and a double movement proving costly. Therefore, given the Wallabies are an equally attack-minded team, we're tipping Australia to execute their chances and defeat Fiji by the narrowest of margins. 

Result Australia (Unibet) UK (BetOnSports)
Australia win 1.40 1/3
Draw 23.00 20/1
Fiji win 3.10 5/2

Jonathan Burnett

Jonathan Burnett Photo

Jonathan is a freelance content producer and commentator for Sporting News UK, with a focus on international rugby tournaments like the Six Nations and Rugby World Cup. He also works as a commentator for StatsPerform’s football network, covering matches across Europe including the Champions League, 2022 FIFA World Cup, and the 2023 Women's World Cup. He’s a regular contributor to the history and statistics website Rugby League Project.

Jonny graduated from Leeds University with a journalism degree in 2021 and was Head of Media at Widnes Vikings RLFC in 2023. A self-confessed nerd of rugby league, union and football (soccer). Jonathan’s coverage across several sports can be found on the TSN site.