Tom Trbojevic scores a spectacular second-half hat-trick as Australia overcomes a determined Fiji side in Brisbane. The defending world champions secure their place in the semi-finals, but coach Kevin Walters admits his team must improve after another challenging performance.
Australia’s Kangaroos have secured their place in the Rugby League World Cup semi-finals after surviving a remarkable challenge from Fiji to claim a hard-fought 36-22 victory at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium.
In front of 41,108 spectators, the defending world champions were pushed to their limits by a fearless Fijian side that twice took the lead and threatened to produce one of the greatest upsets in the tournament’s history.
A brilliant second-half hat-trick from Tom Trbojevic eventually rescued Australia, while captain James Tedesco delivered an influential performance in his return to international rugby league.
But the final score told only part of the story.
For much of the contest, Fiji matched and occasionally outplayed the tournament favourites, exposing defensive weaknesses and forcing the Kangaroos into an uncomfortable battle for control.
Fiji stun the defending champions
Australia began strongly, with Tedesco creating the opening try for Kotoni Staggs through a perfectly timed pass that sent the centre through the Fijian defence.
An early Australian victory appeared possible, but Fiji quickly demonstrated they had no intention of becoming another easy opponent.
Inspired by the outstanding Kurt Donoghoe, the Bati began dominating territory and applying sustained pressure through their powerful forwards.
Semi Valemei crossed for Fiji’s first try after a superb long pass from Donoghoe, before Taane Milne capitalised on a clever Brandon Wakeham kick to put the visitors ahead 10-6.
Australia struggled to establish its usual attacking rhythm, with handling errors and poor last-tackle options repeatedly interrupting promising movements.
The Kangaroos eventually regained the lead through a moment of individual brilliance from Tedesco.
The returning captain broke through the defensive line and combined with Sam Walker and Trbojevic before Walker finished the movement under the posts.
Australia entered half-time with a narrow 12-10 advantage, but Fiji had already demonstrated that the contest was far from decided.
Fiji threaten a historic upset
The second half began in dramatic fashion.
Fiji immediately resumed its attacking pressure, and another precise Donoghoe pass created the opportunity for Valemei to score his second try.
Wakeham converted, giving the underdogs a 16-12 lead.
Moments later, Solomone Saukuru appeared to have extended Fiji’s advantage with another try, but the video referee ruled it out following an obstruction.
The decision proved to be a turning point.
Instead of falling further behind, Australia moved quickly into attacking territory, with Tedesco again instrumental in creating an opportunity for Trbojevic.
The Manly star crossed for his first try of the evening, bringing the scores level at 16-16.
A Sam Walker penalty goal subsequently restored Australia’s lead, but the Kangaroos still faced considerable resistance from a Fijian side refusing to surrender.
Trbojevic’s hat-trick changes the game
The contest finally swung towards Australia during a devastating attacking spell midway through the second half.
Trbojevic collected a deflected kick from Tedesco and crossed for his second try before completing his hat-trick only minutes later.
His third followed a sweeping attacking movement that stretched the tiring Fijian defence.
Within a short period, Australia had transformed an intensely competitive contest into a 30-16 advantage.
Yet Fiji still had one more response.
Valemei completed his own hat-trick after another outstanding contribution from Donoghoe, narrowing the deficit to 30-22 and keeping the possibility of a dramatic comeback alive.
The final decisive moment came when Jacob Preston powered through the defence for Australia’s sixth try.
Walker added the conversion, securing the 36-22 result and confirming the Kangaroos’ progression to the semi-finals.
Donoghoe named player of the match
Despite finishing on the losing side, Fiji’s Kurt Donoghoe received the player-of-the-match award following an exceptional individual performance.
The five-eighth played a central role in three of Fiji’s tries, combining accurate passing, powerful running and intelligent attacking decisions.
His partnership with Wakeham and captain Api Koroisau repeatedly unsettled the Australian defence.
Fiji’s performance represented a significant statement of its growing competitiveness on the international stage.
The Bati entered the contest as overwhelming outsiders, but their determination, physical strength and attacking confidence made them one of Australia’s most challenging opponents of the tournament.
Valemei’s three tries further underlined the danger Fiji can pose to stronger-ranked opposition.
Walters demands improvement
While Australia celebrated another victory, coach Kevin Walters acknowledged that his side had considerable room for improvement.
“We need more from everyone,” Walters admitted after the match.
The coach praised Fiji’s determination and recognised that his team had struggled to maintain control during several periods of the contest.
Australia had already survived a narrow 24-22 victory against New Zealand in its opening World Cup match, and another difficult encounter has raised questions about its defensive consistency.
Walters must also make important selection decisions ahead of the knockout stages.
Tedesco’s excellent return has intensified competition for the fullback position with Reece Walsh, while the combination in the halves remains under consideration.
Sam Walker impressed on his international debut, although Cameron Munster’s expected return will give Walters further options.
The challenge now is to identify the strongest possible combination before Australia faces the tournament’s remaining contenders.
Kangaroos and Jillaroos heading for Sydney semi-finals
With two victories from their opening two matches, Australia has secured qualification for the men’s World Cup semi-finals.
The Kangaroos will play at Sydney’s Allianz Stadium on Sunday, November 8, with kick-off scheduled for 8:05 pm AEDT.
The match will form part of a major double-header alongside Australia’s women’s national team, the Jillaroos, who are scheduled to begin their semi-final at 5:45 pm.
Before then, the Kangaroos will complete their group-stage commitments against the Cook Islands in Townsville on October 31.
Fiji, meanwhile, still has an opportunity to advance.
The Bati will face New Zealand on the Gold Coast in their final group match, knowing that victory could keep their semi-final ambitions alive.
After their performance against Australia, their chances of producing another major result cannot be dismissed.
Victory secured, but questions remain
For Australia, the result extends its unbeaten World Cup campaign and brings the defending champions another step closer to retaining their title.
However, the contest also demonstrated that reputation and individual talent alone will not guarantee success against determined opposition.
Fiji exposed weaknesses in Australia’s defence, dominated significant periods of possession and demonstrated the ability to challenge the world’s leading rugby league nations.
The Kangaroos ultimately relied on the attacking brilliance of Trbojevic, the leadership of Tedesco and their greater depth to avoid defeat.
For Fiji, the result was disappointing, but the performance offered genuine encouragement ahead of the decisive clash with New Zealand.
Australia moves into the World Cup semi-finals, but Fiji leaves Brisbane having delivered a clear message: the gap between international rugby league’s traditional powers and its emerging challengers is narrowing.
ALLORA! ONLINE | SPORTS
By the ALLORA! ONLINE Sports Desk
