Wallabies player ratings: How the men in gold fared against Fiji
4. Nick Frost - 6.5
Led tackle count for Australia (23) and won nine lineouts. Played a strong part in the Wallabies' early success in the rolling mauls.
5. Jeremy Williams - 5
Not a great outing for this talented player. Was pinged for an obvious obstruction with the Wallabies desperately chasing a win late in the game on an attacking lineout metres out from the Fiji line. His lack of discipline could have proved highly costly. An abrasive presence as ever, though.
6. Langi Gleeson - 6.5
Was desperate to impress on his return for the Wallabies and made a strong start with biting carries at the Fiji defence. Led the Wallabies in beating four defenders while carrying 20 metres.
7. Fraser McReight - 7
Scored a fine try and was at the centre of the Wallabies' work at the breakdown, coming up with two crucial steals.
8. Harry Wilson - 6.5
Calmness under pressure was never more evident than when, with his team doing everything possible to lose the game, he spun and somehow touched the ball down over the line to rescue victory with just minutes left. Also impressed getting up to steal a Fiji lineout.
9. Tate McDermott- 6
The halfback was lively with his trademark snipes early in the game, but his influence waned as the Fijians found their rhythm.
10. Noah Lolesio - 4.5
Left the field in a neck brace, but waved to the crowd to signal he was OK. Whether he will be fit to return for the Wallabies Test series with the Lions is another matter. Lolesio's game management was poor and with half-time looming, he put over a risky chip-kick that was plucked by Fiji and finished by Salesi Rayasi for a try.
11. Max Jorgensen - 6
Looked dangerous on his return from injury, but wasn't perfect – with an unforced knock-on after 70 minutes and three missed tackles.
12. Len Ikitau - 6
Had some lovely early touches, with a trademark flick to bamboozle the Fijian defence. Missed three tackles which is frustrating from a man of his defensive quality. Led with 14 carries.
13. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii - 6
Relished the one-on-one battle with Fiji star Josua Tuisova. His reads in defence were largely sound and had some nice touches that exploited space. His understanding with Ikitau is still there from November.
14. Harry Potter - 5.5
Kicked the ball almost every time he received it, almost certainly acting under instructions. It rarely came off in the way he would have liked. Showed up well in aerial battles.
15. Tom Wright - 5
A consistently world-class player who will not remember this game with much fondness. Two Wallabies tries were rubbed out due to his forward passes. Was unable to find the space to run the ball and was shackled.
16. Billy Pollard - 5
Came on far earlier than expected. Was busy in the loose but shaky with his lineout throwing.
17. Angus Bell - 5
Limited to just five carries in his 34 minutes on the field after coming on for James Slipper. Will be a key starter in the Test series.
18. Zane Nonggorr- 5
Went about his business quietly but didn't look out of place.
19. Tom Hooper - 6.5
Reminded Australia of his quality in a 16-minute cameo. Led team in carries per minute.
20. Carlo Tizzano - 5
Will be frustrated he wasn't able to stamp his authority on the breakdown in his 23 minutes.
21. Nic White - 6
Brought calmness and a strong kicking game when the Wallabies needed it.
22. Ben Donaldson- 5
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The Advertiser
8 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Brumbies brothers join forces in bid to be Lion tamers
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Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham hailed the talents of the younger Hooper, who he watched and helped develop over the years through the ACT rugby system. "We really wanted them to be here together, and we really wanted them to play together, and we just didn't get the opportunity this year," he said. "But hopefully everything goes to plan and they get on the field and they really enjoy not only the moment, but the way that we play the game." Tom, 24, returns to the starting side after playing 12 minutes in the Wallabies' ugly 21-18 victory over Fiji in Newcastle on Sunday, but several big-name Test players will be absent, including Rob Valetini and captain Allan Alaalatoa. "We've been planning for this for a while, and yeah, second row was certainly a position that we were a little bit light-on," Larkham said. Taming the Lions will be a tough ask for Larkham's inexperienced side. The tourists posted half-centuries against the Queensland Reds and the Force, and despite a strong performance from the NSW Waratahs still prevailed 21-10 in Sydney. Looking at the scorelines, Larkham conceded it was hard to argue that the Lions had yet to face a proper challenge in Australia. "Although I thought the Waratahs were pretty good on the weekend," he said. "I thought it was a very impressive game against the Reds. "We've learned a lot from that. We get the benefit of playing last so we get to see three of their games in Australia, they've had their Argentinian game as well, so we've sort of studied them quite closely. "We feel that we've had a pretty good run at our preparation compared to the other teams. "They (the Waratahs) came into the game with some tactics that worked pretty well, and we've learned a little bit out of the Waratahs game as well." Wednesday's game will also serve as a Brumbies farewell for Jack Debreczeni and Ben O'Donnell, who will join French side Aurillac on a two-year deal. BRUMBIES: Lington Ieli, Lachlan Lonergan, Rhys van Nek, Lachie Shaw, Cadeyrn Neville, Tom Hooper, Rory Scott, Tuaina Taii Tualima, Ryan Lonergan, Declan Meredith, Corey Toole, David Feliuai, Ollie Sapsford, Ben O'Donnell, Andy Muirhead. Bench: Liam Bowron, Cameron Orr, Feao Fotuaika, Lachie Hooper, Luke Reimer, Harrison Goddard, Jack Debreczeni, Hudson Creighton LIONS: Ellis Genge, Dan Sheehan, Tadhg Furlong, Maro Itoje, Joe McCarthy, Ollie Chessum, Tom Curry, Jack Conan, Jamison Gibson-Park, Finn Russell, James Lowe, Bundee Aki, Garry Ringrose, Tommy Freeman, Blair Kinghorn. Bench: Ronan Kelleher, Andrew Porter, Will Stuart, Josh van der Flier, Henry Pollock, Alex Mitchell, Marcus Smith, Mack Hansen Hooper brothers Lachie and Tom will link for potentially the first and last time as ACT Brumbies as the Australian rugby powerhouse club plots another Lions taming. Scrumhalf Ryan Lonergan will captain the side, with Lachie Hooper's debut off the bench against the British and Irish Lions on Wednesday. It will be the 21-year-old's first chance to line up professionally alongside big brother and Wallaby Tom, who departs for England's Exeter Chiefs in the off-season. The Brumbies humbled the Lions 14-12 on their last visit 12 years ago, becoming the first Australian club to beat them since 1971. Wary of a repeat, the Lions have reinstalled lock and captain Maro Itoje and will start Bristol firebrand Ellis Genge in the front row, while Ireland's former Brumbies winger Mack Hansen earns a homecoming from the bench. "This year they were the leading Australian team in Super Rugby (making the semi-finals), so we are fully aware of the challenge in front of us," Lions coach Andy Farrell said. Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham hailed the talents of the younger Hooper, who he watched and helped develop over the years through the ACT rugby system. "We really wanted them to be here together, and we really wanted them to play together, and we just didn't get the opportunity this year," he said. "But hopefully everything goes to plan and they get on the field and they really enjoy not only the moment, but the way that we play the game." Tom, 24, returns to the starting side after playing 12 minutes in the Wallabies' ugly 21-18 victory over Fiji in Newcastle on Sunday, but several big-name Test players will be absent, including Rob Valetini and captain Allan Alaalatoa. "We've been planning for this for a while, and yeah, second row was certainly a position that we were a little bit light-on," Larkham said. Taming the Lions will be a tough ask for Larkham's inexperienced side. The tourists posted half-centuries against the Queensland Reds and the Force, and despite a strong performance from the NSW Waratahs still prevailed 21-10 in Sydney. Looking at the scorelines, Larkham conceded it was hard to argue that the Lions had yet to face a proper challenge in Australia. "Although I thought the Waratahs were pretty good on the weekend," he said. "I thought it was a very impressive game against the Reds. "We've learned a lot from that. We get the benefit of playing last so we get to see three of their games in Australia, they've had their Argentinian game as well, so we've sort of studied them quite closely. "We feel that we've had a pretty good run at our preparation compared to the other teams. "They (the Waratahs) came into the game with some tactics that worked pretty well, and we've learned a little bit out of the Waratahs game as well." Wednesday's game will also serve as a Brumbies farewell for Jack Debreczeni and Ben O'Donnell, who will join French side Aurillac on a two-year deal. BRUMBIES: Lington Ieli, Lachlan Lonergan, Rhys van Nek, Lachie Shaw, Cadeyrn Neville, Tom Hooper, Rory Scott, Tuaina Taii Tualima, Ryan Lonergan, Declan Meredith, Corey Toole, David Feliuai, Ollie Sapsford, Ben O'Donnell, Andy Muirhead. Bench: Liam Bowron, Cameron Orr, Feao Fotuaika, Lachie Hooper, Luke Reimer, Harrison Goddard, Jack Debreczeni, Hudson Creighton LIONS: Ellis Genge, Dan Sheehan, Tadhg Furlong, Maro Itoje, Joe McCarthy, Ollie Chessum, Tom Curry, Jack Conan, Jamison Gibson-Park, Finn Russell, James Lowe, Bundee Aki, Garry Ringrose, Tommy Freeman, Blair Kinghorn. Bench: Ronan Kelleher, Andrew Porter, Will Stuart, Josh van der Flier, Henry Pollock, Alex Mitchell, Marcus Smith, Mack Hansen Hooper brothers Lachie and Tom will link for potentially the first and last time as ACT Brumbies as the Australian rugby powerhouse club plots another Lions taming. Scrumhalf Ryan Lonergan will captain the side, with Lachie Hooper's debut off the bench against the British and Irish Lions on Wednesday. It will be the 21-year-old's first chance to line up professionally alongside big brother and Wallaby Tom, who departs for England's Exeter Chiefs in the off-season. The Brumbies humbled the Lions 14-12 on their last visit 12 years ago, becoming the first Australian club to beat them since 1971. Wary of a repeat, the Lions have reinstalled lock and captain Maro Itoje and will start Bristol firebrand Ellis Genge in the front row, while Ireland's former Brumbies winger Mack Hansen earns a homecoming from the bench. "This year they were the leading Australian team in Super Rugby (making the semi-finals), so we are fully aware of the challenge in front of us," Lions coach Andy Farrell said. Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham hailed the talents of the younger Hooper, who he watched and helped develop over the years through the ACT rugby system. "We really wanted them to be here together, and we really wanted them to play together, and we just didn't get the opportunity this year," he said. "But hopefully everything goes to plan and they get on the field and they really enjoy not only the moment, but the way that we play the game." Tom, 24, returns to the starting side after playing 12 minutes in the Wallabies' ugly 21-18 victory over Fiji in Newcastle on Sunday, but several big-name Test players will be absent, including Rob Valetini and captain Allan Alaalatoa. "We've been planning for this for a while, and yeah, second row was certainly a position that we were a little bit light-on," Larkham said. 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Perth Now
13 hours ago
- Perth Now
Brumbies brothers join forces in bid to be Lion tamers
Tom Hooper will be joined by his brother Lachie when the Brumbies take on the touring Lions. (Andrew Cornaga/AAP PHOTOS) Tom Hooper will be joined by his brother Lachie when the Brumbies take on the touring Lions. (Andrew Cornaga/AAP PHOTOS) Credit: AAP Lachie Hooper's debut game for the ACT Brumbies, against the might of the British and Irish Lions, will be his first chance to line up professionally alongside big brother Tom. But it could also be the pair's last game together in Brumbies colours. Lachie, 21, will start on the bench in Canberra on Wednesday night after being handed his debut by coach Stephen Larkham. It's Wallabies flanker Tom's final appearance before he departs for English-based team Exeter Chiefs in the off-season. Larkham hailed the talents of the younger Hooper, who he watched and helped develop over the years through the ACT rugby system. "He's amazing when he goes on the field," he said. "We really wanted them to be here together, and we really wanted them to play together, and we just didn't get the opportunity this year. "But hopefully everything goes to plan and they get on the field and they really enjoy not only the moment, but the way that we play the game." Tom, 24, returns to the starting side after playing 12 minutes in the Wallabies' ugly 21-18 victory over Fiji in Newcastle on Sunday, but several big-name Test players will be absent, including Rob Valetini and captain Allan Alaalatoa. "We've been planning for this for a while, and yeah, second row was certainly a position that we were a little bit light-on," Larkham said. Also receiving his Brumbies debut against the Lion will be prop forward Cameron Orr, who will also start from the bench. The 30-year-old was drafted from the Seattle Seawolves in the US Major League Rugby competition for the game, but has a wealth of Super Rugby experience with the Western Force and the now-defunct Melbourne Rebels. Taming the Lions will be a tough ask for Larkham's inexperienced side. The tourists posted half-centuries against the Queensland Reds and the Force, and despite a strong performance from the NSW Waratahs still prevailed 21-10 in Sydney. Looking at the scorelines, Larkham conceded it was hard to argue that the Lions had yet to face a proper challenge in Australia. "Although I thought the Waratahs were pretty good on the weekend," he said. "I thought it was a very impressive game against the Reds, the British and Irish Lions put out there. "We've learned a lot from that. We get the benefit of playing last so we get to see three of their games in Australia, they've had their Argentinian game as well, so we've sort of studied them quite closely. "We don't know who we're playing against at this stage, we don't know what their selection is. But we feel that we've had a pretty good run at our preparation compared to the other teams. "You'd like to think that the Waratahs had that little bit of extra preparation watching those other games. They came into the game with some tactics that worked pretty well, and we've learned a little bit out of the Waratahs game as well." Wednesday's game will also serve as a Brumbies farewell for Jack Debreczeni and Ben O'Donnell, who will join French side Aurillac on a two-year deal.
West Australian
15 hours ago
- West Australian
Western Force's Simon Cron, Brandon Paenga-Amosa and Mac Grealy named in AUNZ invitational side
Having already impressed against the British and Irish Lions, a pair of Western Force starters — and their coach — will get a chance at an encore in Adelaide this week. Brandon Paenga-Amosa and Mac Grealy will be the Force representatives named in the AUNZ squad to face the Lions at Adelaide Oval on Saturday in their final tune-up before the Wallabies Tests begin. Force coach Simon Cron will also serve as an assistant to departing Reds and incoming Wallabies coach Les Kiss. The AUNZ invitational squad, which features players from both Australia and New Zealand, was officially unveiled today following the drip-feeding of several members over the past month. Hooker Paenga-Amosa, who had an injury-affected first season out west, showed his class against the Lions in the Force's clash with them at Optus Stadium. The Wallabies front-rower helped the Force turn the tables on the Lions' scrum and after he missed out on selection for Australia's squad to face Fiji, Paenga-Amosa will have another chance to catch Joe Schmidt's eye. Grealy's selection comes after his impressive showing against the Lions, where he repeatedly threatened with the ball in hand. The outside back finished the match with a team-high 71 carry metres and nine broken tackles. Eight All Blacks have been named in the 30-man squad, and a host of Super Rugby Pacific-based Kiwi stars have also been included, such as Hoskins Sotutu. There are also nine former Wallabies in the side, including Darcy Lancaster, who impressed for the Waratahs against the Lions over the weekend and has been linked with a move to the Force. Two-time John Eales Medalist Marika Koroibete has flown in from Japan for the game after the winger struggled to impress Schmidt for the Wallabies last year.
