The Fiji women's rugby team has fallen 33-15 to the Wallaroos in Canberra, with Australia’s late surge sealing the Vuvale Bowl.
The match was far closer than it suggests, with the Fijiana creating key chances but unable to convert when it mattered most.
Australia struck first through debutant Nicole Ledington, whose solo try helped the Wallaroos build an early 14-0 lead and still, the Fijiana stayed composed and worked their way back into the match before half-time.
Forward pressure paid off when Carletta Yee crashed over from close range, narrowing the gap to 14-10 at the break and setting up a strong second half.
Fijiana carried that momentum after the restart allowing Josivini Neihamu to power over following a break from Kolora Lomani, bringing the visitors within striking distance at 21-15.
At that stage, the game was there for the taking but crucial moments slipped away as a potential try was ruled out for a knock-on, and another golden chance went begging when a loose ball near the line could not be grounded cleanly.
Winger Maya Stewart crossed in the corner after a well-worked move, extending the lead and easing the pressure on the hosts.
From there, the Wallaroos slowed the game down and controlled possession.
Fijiana continued to push but were dealt a late blow when Salanieta Kinita was sent to the sin bin for a deliberate knockdown, reducing them to 14 players in the closing minutes.
With time almost up, Desiree Miller sealed the result, diving over in the corner to give Australia a 33-15 victory.
