The Fijian under 20 side went down 46-37 to a 14-men Australian side in their first game at the World Rugby U20 Championship 2023.
The Australian side struck first through hooker Liam Bowron followed quickly by tries to prop Nick Bloomfield and David Vaihu.
Fiji under 20 captain Motikiai Murray led from the front as he powered his way through for a try closing the lead down to 24-20 with Australia leading at halftime.
Fast hands and fast feet
— World Rugby (@WorldRugby) June 24, 2023
Gassing away is Waqa Nalaga for Fiji 🇫🇯#WorldRugbyU20s | @fijirugby pic.twitter.com/k5Ypd54GeM
Timoci Nakalevu put Fiji back in front with a try, and a penalty easily converted by flyhalf Isaiah Ravula extending their lead to eight.
Australian prop Marley Pearce was shown a red card after the TMO reviewed a high shot on Fijian lock Mesake Vocevoce.
A yellow card to fullback Tupeni Waqalala proved costly for the Fijian side as it led to Darby Lancaster taking advantage of the overlap and crossing over for a try.
Unbelievable tries, incredible skills and outrageous pace today from both teams 💨#WorldRugbyU20s | @wallabies | @fijirugby pic.twitter.com/bXY3cdtAMC
— World Rugby (@WorldRugby) June 24, 2023
Australia ran away with the game after two more tries to winger Ronan Leahy and fullback Mason Gordon. Fiji’s next game is against England at 5am this Friday.
In other games, South Africa beat Georgia 33-23, New Zealand edged Wales 27-26, France thrashed Japan 75-12, England drew with Ireland 34-all and Argentina demolished Italy 43-15.
"We'll fix our mistakes and focus on our next game" 🛠
— World Rugby (@WorldRugby) June 24, 2023
Despite the defeat, @fijirugby captain Moti Murray is staying positive 🇫🇯#WorldRugbyU20s pic.twitter.com/TK4xisecJB
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