13 January, 2026, 1:45 pm Central - 25°C Rain

We have to throw our bodies on the line against Wallabies - Mata

We have to throw our bodies on the line against Wallabies - Mata

By Alipate Narawa
13/09/2023
[Photo: Fiji Rugby]

Fiji Water Flying Fijians forward Viliame Mata says they have to throw their bodies on the line if they are to win against the Wallabies, because it’s a crucial game and against a better opponent.

Mata says it is always a great honor to represent Fiji and if named in the run-on team to face Australia in their second Rugby World Cup pool match on Monday he will do his best.

The 31-year-old says the players have regrouped and analysed the game against Wales and are ready for the challenge.

He says he is ready for the Wallabies and is expecting a tough challenge.

Head coach Simon Raiwalui says Viliame Mata has been a leader in their group and performed very well in the first game.

Raiwalui says Mata has always been working hard and is a very fantastic player who performs to his very best against any team.

Mata featured against the Wallabies in the 2019 World Cup for only 40 minutes, and was replaced due to an injury he sustained in the first half.

Fiji plays Australia at 3.45am Monday in Lyon.


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