Fiji set to challenge Wallabies before Lions series
Fiji are set to provide the Wallabies with a benchmark for their preparations for the British and Irish Lions after the Pacific islanders named a strong squad for their Test match in Newcastle next month.
Fiji and Australia will meet on July 6 in Australia's only international before facing the Lions in a three-Test series beginning in Brisbane on July 19.
It's the first time the teams have squared off since Fiji shocked the Wallabies at the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France, breaking a 69-year drought.
The Fiji win helped send the Australians crashing out of the tournament at the pool stage.
Coach Mick Byrne on Thursday announced a 32-member squad to face the Wallabies and also Scotland in Suva on July 12.
While 13 players are from the Fijian Drua, who finished 10th in the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific competition, Byrne has also selected 10 players based in France and five in England.
The backline is set to include European stars such as Josua Tuisova (Racing 92), who scored a try in their World Cup win over Australia, Sireli Maqala (Bayonne) and Salesi Rayasi (Vannes).
Former powerhouse NRL winger Semi Radradra, who plays for Lyon, is a notable omission.
Veteran forwards Eroni Mawi (Saracens), Samuel Matavesi (Lyon), and Albert Tuisue (Gloucester) bolster a dominant forward pack.
Tevita Ikanivere, Caleb Muntz, and Iosefo Masikau Baleiwairiki are among players named from the Drua after strong Super Rugby performances.
"Both Australia and Scotland are established Tier One sides, and we know the level we need to rise to," Byrne said in a statement.
"We've focused on combinations that give us both tactical adaptability and the trademark Fijian spirit.
"We want to win but more importantly, we want to win playing our brand of rugby.
"This squad reflects the depth, strength, and we will give a performance that will make all Fijians proud."
Fiji squad:
Forwards: Eroni Mawi, Luke Tagi, Haereiti Hetet, Mesake Doge, Peni Ravai, Tevita Ikanivere, Samuel Mativesi, Kavaia Tagivetaua, Isoa Nasilasila, Mesake Vocevoce, Temo Mayanavanua, Setareki Turagacoke, Viliame Mata, Elia Canakaivata, Lekima Tagitagivalu, Albert Tuisue, Etonia Waqa, Motikai Murray.
Backs: Simione Kuruvoli, Philip Baselala, Sam Wye, Caleb Muntz, Isaia Armstrong-Ravula, Vilimoni Botitu, Josua Tuisova, Iosefo Masikau Baleiwairiki, Sireli Maqala, Kalaveti Ravouvou, Ponipate Loganimasi, Jiuta Wainiqolo, Selesitino Ravutaumada, Salesi Rayasi.
Fiji are set to provide the Wallabies with a benchmark for their preparations for the British and Irish Lions after the Pacific islanders named a strong squad for their Test match in Newcastle next month.
Fiji and Australia will meet on July 6 in Australia's only international before facing the Lions in a three-Test series beginning in Brisbane on July 19.
It's the first time the teams have squared off since Fiji shocked the Wallabies at the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France, breaking a 69-year drought.
The Fiji win helped send the Australians crashing out of the tournament at the pool stage.
Coach Mick Byrne on Thursday announced a 32-member squad to face the Wallabies and also Scotland in Suva on July 12.
While 13 players are from the Fijian Drua, who finished 10th in the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific competition, Byrne has also selected 10 players based in France and five in England.
The backline is set to include European stars such as Josua Tuisova (Racing 92), who scored a try in their World Cup win over Australia, Sireli Maqala (Bayonne) and Salesi Rayasi (Vannes).
Former powerhouse NRL winger Semi Radradra, who plays for Lyon, is a notable omission.
Veteran forwards Eroni Mawi (Saracens), Samuel Matavesi (Lyon), and Albert Tuisue (Gloucester) bolster a dominant forward pack.
Tevita Ikanivere, Caleb Muntz, and Iosefo Masikau Baleiwairiki are among players named from the Drua after strong Super Rugby performances.
"Both Australia and Scotland are established Tier One sides, and we know the level we need to rise to," Byrne said in a statement.
"We've focused on combinations that give us both tactical adaptability and the trademark Fijian spirit.
"We want to win but more importantly, we want to win playing our brand of rugby.
"This squad reflects the depth, strength, and we will give a performance that will make all Fijians proud."
Fiji squad:
Forwards: Eroni Mawi, Luke Tagi, Haereiti Hetet, Mesake Doge, Peni Ravai, Tevita Ikanivere, Samuel Mativesi, Kavaia Tagivetaua, Isoa Nasilasila, Mesake Vocevoce, Temo Mayanavanua, Setareki Turagacoke, Viliame Mata, Elia Canakaivata, Lekima Tagitagivalu, Albert Tuisue, Etonia Waqa, Motikai Murray.
Backs: Simione Kuruvoli, Philip Baselala, Sam Wye, Caleb Muntz, Isaia Armstrong-Ravula, Vilimoni Botitu, Josua Tuisova, Iosefo Masikau Baleiwairiki, Sireli Maqala, Kalaveti Ravouvou, Ponipate Loganimasi, Jiuta Wainiqolo, Selesitino Ravutaumada, Salesi Rayasi.
Fiji are set to provide the Wallabies with a benchmark for their preparations for the British and Irish Lions after the Pacific islanders named a strong squad for their Test match in Newcastle next month.
Fiji and Australia will meet on July 6 in Australia's only international before facing the Lions in a three-Test series beginning in Brisbane on July 19.
It's the first time the teams have squared off since Fiji shocked the Wallabies at the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France, breaking a 69-year drought.
The Fiji win helped send the Australians crashing out of the tournament at the pool stage.
Coach Mick Byrne on Thursday announced a 32-member squad to face the Wallabies and also Scotland in Suva on July 12.
While 13 players are from the Fijian Drua, who finished 10th in the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific competition, Byrne has also selected 10 players based in France and five in England.
The backline is set to include European stars such as Josua Tuisova (Racing 92), who scored a try in their World Cup win over Australia, Sireli Maqala (Bayonne) and Salesi Rayasi (Vannes).
Former powerhouse NRL winger Semi Radradra, who plays for Lyon, is a notable omission.
Veteran forwards Eroni Mawi (Saracens), Samuel Matavesi (Lyon), and Albert Tuisue (Gloucester) bolster a dominant forward pack.
Tevita Ikanivere, Caleb Muntz, and Iosefo Masikau Baleiwairiki are among players named from the Drua after strong Super Rugby performances.
"Both Australia and Scotland are established Tier One sides, and we know the level we need to rise to," Byrne said in a statement.
"We've focused on combinations that give us both tactical adaptability and the trademark Fijian spirit.
"We want to win but more importantly, we want to win playing our brand of rugby.
"This squad reflects the depth, strength, and we will give a performance that will make all Fijians proud."
Fiji squad:
Forwards: Eroni Mawi, Luke Tagi, Haereiti Hetet, Mesake Doge, Peni Ravai, Tevita Ikanivere, Samuel Mativesi, Kavaia Tagivetaua, Isoa Nasilasila, Mesake Vocevoce, Temo Mayanavanua, Setareki Turagacoke, Viliame Mata, Elia Canakaivata, Lekima Tagitagivalu, Albert Tuisue, Etonia Waqa, Motikai Murray.
Backs: Simione Kuruvoli, Philip Baselala, Sam Wye, Caleb Muntz, Isaia Armstrong-Ravula, Vilimoni Botitu, Josua Tuisova, Iosefo Masikau Baleiwairiki, Sireli Maqala, Kalaveti Ravouvou, Ponipate Loganimasi, Jiuta Wainiqolo, Selesitino Ravutaumada, Salesi Rayasi.
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Since then, Australia have won two ODI World Cups (2015, 2023), a T20 trophy (2021), and the 2023 WTC decider against India at The Oval. Their record in global finals goes to 8-4, dating back to the first ODI World Cup back in 1975. Australia have been the cause of much of South Africa's pain, beating them in ODI World Cup semi-finals in 1999, 2007 and 2023. South Africa's run chase was the second-highest successful pursuit in fourth-innings in a Test at Lord's, equal with England's 282 against New Zealand back in 2004. In a final that exceeded the hype, South Africa boldly took it up to the Australians from the moment Bavuma decided to bowl first after winning the toss. Beau Webster (72) and Steve Smith (66) carried Australia on the first day, rolled for 212 after Proteas spearhead Kagiso Rabada fired with 5-51 in his first Test since receiving a one-man ban for testing positive to cocaine. 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The Brumbies' quest to end a 0-20 record suffered a major setback with Wallabies No.10 Lolesio departing just 10 minutes in after an accidental head-knock while making a tackle. His replacement, Jack Debreczeni, who has hardly played this Super season, did an admirable job but the Brumbies still missed their chief playmaker, who is shifting his career to Japan. The Canberra outfit were well in the hunt at halftime, only trailing 19-12, with hooker Billy Pollard rumbling across and winger Corey Toole scoring the first of his two tries off a Debreczeni cross-field kick. The home side's points came from Emoni Narawa with the winger catching the defence offside with a quick pick and go. But the Brumbies' penalty count was already double the Chiefs, including one after the halftime hooter which McKenzie slotted. While the Brumbies scored first in the second half, with Toole bumping off McKenzie en route to a brilliant individual try to get within two, Narawa hit straight back for his second. The ACT side were unable to add to their tally while two McKenzie penalties and the No.10 offloading to Josh Jacomb sealed a dominant win. Because they lost their qualifying final to the Blues, the table-topping Chiefs must play the grand final in Christchurch, with the Crusaders beating the Blues 21-14 in the other semi-final. The Chiefs last faced the Crusaders in the 2023 grand final, losing 25-20, after also beating the Brumbies in the semis. McKenzie praised his team's composure to again put the leading Australian side to the sword. "Outstanding performance from the lads," he said. "Brumbies come out of the box fast, like we knew they would, and just loved the way we were really composed to stick to our game. "It's never easy playing the Brumbies boys, they've been outstanding all year so to come away with that one and obviously get ourselves into a final, I'm stoked." Australia's wait for a Super Rugby Pacific finals winner in New Zealand continues after the ACT Brumbies crashed 37-17 to the Chiefs in Hamilton, with playmaker Noah Lolesio an early casualty. Playing in their fourth successive semi-final, the gallant Brumbies again missed a grand final berth while the Chiefs will play in their third straight title decider, taking on the Crusaders next Saturday. No Australian team have ever won a final across the Tasman, with the Brumbies following Queensland out of the competition after the Reds were beaten by the Crusaders in the qualifying final. Skipper Allan Alaalatoa lamented another finals four exit for his team. 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His replacement, Jack Debreczeni, who has hardly played this Super season, did an admirable job but the Brumbies still missed their chief playmaker, who is shifting his career to Japan. The Canberra outfit were well in the hunt at halftime, only trailing 19-12, with hooker Billy Pollard rumbling across and winger Corey Toole scoring the first of his two tries off a Debreczeni cross-field kick. The home side's points came from Emoni Narawa with the winger catching the defence offside with a quick pick and go. But the Brumbies' penalty count was already double the Chiefs, including one after the halftime hooter which McKenzie slotted. While the Brumbies scored first in the second half, with Toole bumping off McKenzie en route to a brilliant individual try to get within two, Narawa hit straight back for his second. The ACT side were unable to add to their tally while two McKenzie penalties and the No.10 offloading to Josh Jacomb sealed a dominant win. Because they lost their qualifying final to the Blues, the table-topping Chiefs must play the grand final in Christchurch, with the Crusaders beating the Blues 21-14 in the other semi-final. The Chiefs last faced the Crusaders in the 2023 grand final, losing 25-20, after also beating the Brumbies in the semis. McKenzie praised his team's composure to again put the leading Australian side to the sword. "Outstanding performance from the lads," he said. "Brumbies come out of the box fast, like we knew they would, and just loved the way we were really composed to stick to our game. "It's never easy playing the Brumbies boys, they've been outstanding all year so to come away with that one and obviously get ourselves into a final, I'm stoked."
Perth Now
4 hours ago
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South Africa end title drought with upset of Australia
South Africa have ended decades of heartbreak in global tournaments, upsetting Australia by five wickets at Lord's to become World Test champions. Applied with the 'chokers' tag following years of blowing sudden-death ICC matches, the Proteas upstaged the No.1-ranked Australians in a gripping WTC final at the home of cricket to lift their first senior world trophy. Led superbly by opener Aiden Markram's 136, and a gritty captain's knock from hobbling hero Temba Bavuma (66), South Africa chased down the target of 282 just before lunch on day four. Going to stumps on Friday night in pole position at 2-213, this largely unheralded South Africa team required just 69 runs to create history legends such as Jacques Kallis, Dale Steyn, Shaun Pollock and AB De Villiers never could. Bavuma, who continued to bat with a hamstring injury, was dismissed early on Saturday, but Markram was dismissed only six runs away from glory to write himself into South African cricket folklore. The turnaround for the Proteas has been remarkable. This defining moment comes less than 18 months after they sent a heavily depleted squad to New Zealand so their stars could stay home and play in the country's T20 league instead. South Africa were predictably thrashed 2-0 by the Black Caps, but then went on to complete eight wins in a row to claim an unexpected Test title. It was Australia's first loss in a world final since England beat them to claim the 2010 T20 title. Since then, Australia have won two ODI World Cups (2015, 2023), a T20 trophy (2021), and the 2023 WTC decider against India at The Oval. Their record in global finals goes to 8-4, dating back to the first ODI World Cup back in 1975. Australia have been the cause of much of South Africa's pain, beating them in ODI World Cup semi-finals in 1999, 2007 and 2023. South Africa's run chase was the second-highest successful pursuit in fourth-innings in a Test at Lord's, equal with England's 282 against New Zealand back in 2004. In a final that exceeded the hype, South Africa boldly took it up to the Australians from the moment Bavuma decided to bowl first after winning the toss. Beau Webster (72) and Steve Smith (66) carried Australia on the first day, rolled for 212 after Proteas spearhead Kagiso Rabada fired with 5-51 in his first Test since receiving a one-man ban for testing positive to cocaine. But Australia's pace artillery struck back in typical fashion, running through the Proteas for only 138 thanks to Pat Cummins' 6-28. During one of his greatest spells, the star quick became the eighth Australian take 300 Test wickets, joining teammates Nathan Lyon and Mitchell Starc. But the first-innings lead of 74 quickly seemed like nowhere near enough when Australia suffered a collapse of 5-29 in just 45 minutes late on day two. Starc (58 not out) and Alex Carey (43) steered them out of dire trouble, but batting became significantly easier at the start of day three to give South Africa's batters confidence they could complete the chase. This AAP article was made possible by support from Amazon Prime Video, which is broadcasting the World Test Championship final.
