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Washington Post
20 hours ago
- Sport
- Washington Post
Harry Wilson's late try saves Australia in a 21-18 win over Fiji
NEWCASTLE, Australia — A last-gasp try by captain Harry Wilson has salvaged a dramatic 21-18 win for Australia on Sunday in its international season-opener against Fiji. Wilson twisted and spun over from close range after several minutes of the Wallabies pressuring the Fijian line defense to earn a narrow, comeback victory that had appeared unlikely after a stunning Fijian rally. Wilson's try with less than two minutes remaining saved what would have been a difficult two weeks of reflection for the Wallabies ahead of the series-opening test against the British and Irish Lions in Brisbane on July 19. 'Such a tough game,' Wilson said. 'It was awesome to go to battle with you guys. It's always a tough one.' A spectacular long-range try for Fiji midway through the second half appeared to be enough for the visitors to claim a another famous victory over Australia — the latest being at the 2023 Rugby World Cup — before Wilson's late intervention. After a frantic start from both teams, the Wallabies found the line through hooker Dave Porecki, playing his first test in almost two years since the 2023 World Cup, when he dived over from the back of a rolling maul in the eighth minute. Noah Lolesio added the conversion. The best move of the first half — frequently punctuated by stoppages which stifled any match momentum — led to the Wallabies' second try when a sweeping backline move featuring Len Ikitau and Joseph Suaali'i allowed Fraser McReight to score in the corner. Lolesio again converted to stretch the lead to 14-0. Fullback Salesi Rayasi responded almost immediately for Fiji just before the halftime break, somehow finding space to to wriggle through the defense to score in the corner after his team had counterattacked from an ill-advised chip kick by the Wallabies. The Australians had only needed to maintain possession for a few seconds more to preserve a 14-point margin into the break. Flyhalf Caleb Muntz missed the conversion from the sideline for a 14-5 half-time score. The Wallabies may have dominated the first half, but it was almost all Fiji in the second. Muntz added a penalty goal after the break to narrow the margin to six points before the Wallabies had their second try of the match disallowed after the referee spotted a forward pass. The match was then upended by some vintage Flying Fiji attack. Jiuta Wainiqolo gained possession after broken play inside Fiji's half, the winger then slalomed his way through four defenders in a weaving run before guiding a looping pass for Lekima Tagitagivalu to score and spark jubilant celebrations by the large number of Fiji supporters at Newcastle. Muntz converted to give Fiji a 15-14 lead. The Fijians almost went further ahead, appearing to score another thrilling try down the same right flank but it was overruled by the Television Match Official who found that an Australian player had stepped into touch while in possession in the leadup to the try. Another Muntz penalty goal extended the lead to four points with 14 minutes remaining, and meant Australia needed to score at least a try for victory. 'Very proud of my brothers,' said Fiji captain Tevita Ikanivere. 'It's a disappointing loss losing in the last minute, but thankful to them for giving their all today to our family and friends, our fans who came out in numbers.' The battered Wallabies have two weeks to recover before the much-anticipated first test against the Lions. On Saturday, the Lions maintained their unbeaten record on their Australian tour with a third straight win , but delivered their least convincing performance yet against a depleted New South Wales Waratahs lineup missing most of its Wallabies. The match ended with a hint of controversy, with Lions head coach Andy Farrell suggesting the Allianz Stadium surface had been intentionally over-watered by the Waratahs to disrupt his team's style of play. The Lions have a tour match against Australia's strongest provincial team, the Brumbies, in Canberra on Wednesday. ___ AP rugby:
Yahoo
20 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Harry Wilson's late try saves Australia in a 21-18 win over Fiji
NEWCASTLE, Australia (AP) — A last-gasp try by captain Harry Wilson has salvaged a dramatic 21-18 win for Australia on Sunday in its international season-opener against Fiji. Wilson twisted and spun over from close range after several minutes of the Wallabies pressuring the Fijian line defense to earn a narrow, comeback victory that had appeared unlikely after a stunning Fijian rally. Advertisement Wilson's try with less than two minutes remaining saved what would have been a difficult two weeks of reflection for the Wallabies ahead of the series-opening test against the British and Irish Lions in Brisbane on July 19. 'Such a tough game,' Wilson said. 'It was awesome to go to battle with you guys. It's always a tough one.' A spectacular long-range try for Fiji midway through the second half appeared to be enough for the visitors to claim a another famous victory over Australia — the latest being at the 2023 Rugby World Cup — before Wilson's late intervention. After a frantic start from both teams, the Wallabies found the line through hooker Dave Porecki, playing his first test in almost two years since the 2023 World Cup, when he dived over from the back of a rolling maul in the eighth minute. Noah Lolesio added the conversion. Advertisement The best move of the first half — frequently punctuated by stoppages which stifled any match momentum — led to the Wallabies' second try when a sweeping backline move featuring Len Ikitau and Joseph Suaali'i allowed Fraser McReight to score in the corner. Lolesio again converted to stretch the lead to 14-0. Fullback Salesi Rayasi responded almost immediately for Fiji just before the halftime break, somehow finding space to to wriggle through the defense to score in the corner after his team had counterattacked from an ill-advised chip kick by the Wallabies. The Australians had only needed to maintain possession for a few seconds more to preserve a 14-point margin into the break. Flyhalf Caleb Muntz missed the conversion from the sideline for a 14-5 half-time score. A tale of two halves Advertisement The Wallabies may have dominated the first half, but it was almost all Fiji in the second. Muntz added a penalty goal after the break to narrow the margin to six points before the Wallabies had their second try of the match disallowed after the referee spotted a forward pass. The match was then upended by some vintage Flying Fiji attack. Jiuta Wainiqolo gained possession after broken play inside Fiji's half, the winger then slalomed his way through four defenders in a weaving run before guiding a looping pass for Lekima Tagitagivalu to score and spark jubilant celebrations by the large number of Fiji supporters at Newcastle. Advertisement Muntz converted to give Fiji a 15-14 lead. The Fijians almost went further ahead, appearing to score another thrilling try down the same right flank but it was overruled by the Television Match Official who found that an Australian player had stepped into touch while in possession in the leadup to the try. Another Muntz penalty goal extended the lead to four points with 14 minutes remaining, and meant Australia needed to score at least a try for victory. 'Very proud of my brothers," said Fiji captain Tevita Ikanivere. "It's a disappointing loss losing in the last minute, but thankful to them for giving their all today to our family and friends, our fans who came out in numbers." Advertisement Lions next The battered Wallabies have two weeks to recover before the much-anticipated first test against the Lions. On Saturday, the Lions maintained their unbeaten record on their Australian tour with a third straight win, but delivered their least convincing performance yet against a depleted New South Wales Waratahs lineup missing most of its Wallabies. The match ended with a hint of controversy, with Lions head coach Andy Farrell suggesting the Allianz Stadium surface had been intentionally over-watered by the Waratahs to disrupt his team's style of play. The Lions have a tour match against Australia's strongest provincial team, the Brumbies, in Canberra on Wednesday. ___ AP rugby: The Associated Press
The Guardian
21 hours ago
- Sport
- The Guardian
Wallabies score late to snatch win against surging Fiji as Lions await
The Wallabies have got their 2025 season off to a victorious start and struck a crucial blow in the quest to win the 2027 World Cup at home with a tense 21-18 triumph over Fiji in Newcastle. The 79th minute shading of their fierce south Pacific rivals ignites Australia's hopes ahead of the first British & Irish Lions Test in Brisbane on 19 July. The result was only decided by a late try by captain Harry Wilson but buries the demons left by the Flying Fijians' cataclysmic defeat of Australia at the 2023 World Cup. It also sends a warning shot to the world that Joe Schmidt's rebuilding side are again a force to be reckoned with. Dave Porecki, captain in that 19-23 defeat at Saint-Étienne, started the exorcism. The tough hooker was returning from a 643-day injury exile and he lit up McDonald Stadium by crashing over from a rolling maul in the fifth minute. It was just reward for an electric start by the Wallabies, as hard running by the forwards and fast hands by the backline sent early disarray into the Fijian defensive patterns. Inspired by the Waratahs' brave showing against the British & Irish Lions on Saturday night, the Wallabies brought physicality with finesse, stealing lineouts and scavenging ball on the ground. All the while they showed a willingness to kick long and short while chasing like greyhounds. This was the high speed, high risk, high reward style that shocked England at Twickenham on the Spring Tour last year. At times it was too frantic, a forward pass scratching a Harry Potter try in the 16th minute. But the tempo pinned the Fijians in their own territory for much of the first half. Still, with 80% of the ball, Australia's dominance didn't show on a scoreboard stalled at 7-0. Too often they kicked away possession and spilt fast passes, Pedantic refereeing by Frenchman Pierre Brousset also hampered the contest's flow. It took 38 minutes for Australia to make good on the glut of possession, fast hands by Len Ikitau and Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii spearing flanker Fraser McReight into the corner. However the two-try margin lasted just seconds. Fiji swooped on a loose ball and pin-balled it 60-metres for Salesi Rayasi to scramble over in the corner for 14-5. Having stifled the flair of Fiji's running game, the late lapse infuriated home fans. Yet it lit up the huge contingent of visiting vuvale (family) who had cheered the Cibi war dance after Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese and his Fijian counterpart Sitiveni Rabuka, a former Test front-rower, presented the Vuvale Bowl up for grabs. Sure enough, the Fijians came out for the second half breathing fire. Only desperate defence by Australia's loose forwards and handling errors cruelled their comeback. The Wallabies too were guilty of over-playing their hand in counterattack, another needless forward pass scrubbing Max Jorgensen's diving try in the 48th minute. Sign up to The Breakdown The latest rugby union news and analysis, plus all the week's action reviewed after newsletter promotion It was a costly show of hubris. Fiji's brand of rugby is based on rip and tear footy in broken space. Jiuta Wainiqolo proved it when he scooped up another loose pass and sprinted downfield before basketball passing to Lekima Tagitagivalu to score. With a conversion from the sideline, Fiji had snatched a 15-14 lead with 25 minutes to play. Another try from broken play made it 20-14 before the TMO spared the home side. But with crucial World Cup ranking points in play, Schmidt must've broken a cold sweat that turned even chillier when Noah Lolesio was tackled heavily and stretchered off. A penalty goal in the 68th minute extended Fiji's advantage to four points. But Wilson's late charge, with a minute in the clock, secured the win and furthered Australia's reputation as a never-say-die side. It also furthered the claims of fringe Test players Tate McDermott, superb at halfback, and winger Jorgensen, returning from a 14-week lay-off while gilding the reputation of Len Ikitau and Joseph-Aukuso Suaali as a threat to counter the Lions monster midfield.
The Advertiser
3 days ago
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Porecki gets Wallabies nod to erase Fiji demons
Dave Porecki is back in the Wallabies line-up for the first time since the 2023 Rugby World Cup, where he captained Australia to a historic loss to Fiji. The hooker was named to face Fiji on Sunday in Newcastle in a forward pack that is missing big guns Will Skelton and Rob Valetini, who both have calf injuries. Waratahs skipper Jake Gordon and Red playmaker Tom Lynagh were also unavailable for selection as they make their way back from injury. Starting at No.8, Harry Wilson has retained the Wallabies captaincy after leading the side on the northern hemisphere spring tour. The Wallabies are gearing up for their first Test against the British and Irish Lions in Brisbane on July 19, but are aware Fiji could rock those preparations. Porecki is one of nine players backing up from their last clash during the 2023 tournament in France, where Fiji posted their first victory over the Wallabies in 69 years, winning 22-15. He captained Australia in three World Cup matches with the Wallabies bowing out at the pool stage for the first time. Porecki then missed all of 2024 due to a chronic Achilles issue and then battled a calf problem, but the 32-year-old did enough in the back end of the NSW season to impress Test coach Joe Schmidt. "The whole squad has worked hard on and off the field and reconnected well with a short runway from our assembly through to the Test on Sunday against Fiji," Schmidt said in a statement."I think the players and the wider management are keen to get underway, especially in front of a big crowd here in Newcastle, as we kick off an exciting but incredibly demanding 2025 Test match schedule." Porecki will anchor an experienced front row of James Slipper and Allan Alaalatoa, with Jeremy Williams and Nick Frost the locks after five appearances in 2024. Waratahs No.8 Langi Gleeson will start at blindside flanker with Fraser McReight on the other side of the scrum. Tate McDermott and Noah Lolesio are the starting halves, while Len Ikitau will link in the centres with Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, who is playing is first Test in Australia. Harry Potter in also making his home debut with Max Jorgensen the other wing and fullback Tom Wright rounding out the backline. Wallabies: James Slipper, David Porecki, Allan Alaalatoa, Nick Frost, Jeremy Williams, Langi Gleeson, Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson (c), Tate McDermott, Noah Lolesio, Max Jorgensen, Len Ikitau, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Harry Potter, Tom Wright . Res: Billy Pollard, Angus Bell, Zane Nonggorr, Tom Hooper, Carlo Tizzano, Nic White, Ben Donaldson, Filipo Daugunu. Dave Porecki is back in the Wallabies line-up for the first time since the 2023 Rugby World Cup, where he captained Australia to a historic loss to Fiji. The hooker was named to face Fiji on Sunday in Newcastle in a forward pack that is missing big guns Will Skelton and Rob Valetini, who both have calf injuries. Waratahs skipper Jake Gordon and Red playmaker Tom Lynagh were also unavailable for selection as they make their way back from injury. Starting at No.8, Harry Wilson has retained the Wallabies captaincy after leading the side on the northern hemisphere spring tour. The Wallabies are gearing up for their first Test against the British and Irish Lions in Brisbane on July 19, but are aware Fiji could rock those preparations. Porecki is one of nine players backing up from their last clash during the 2023 tournament in France, where Fiji posted their first victory over the Wallabies in 69 years, winning 22-15. He captained Australia in three World Cup matches with the Wallabies bowing out at the pool stage for the first time. Porecki then missed all of 2024 due to a chronic Achilles issue and then battled a calf problem, but the 32-year-old did enough in the back end of the NSW season to impress Test coach Joe Schmidt. "The whole squad has worked hard on and off the field and reconnected well with a short runway from our assembly through to the Test on Sunday against Fiji," Schmidt said in a statement."I think the players and the wider management are keen to get underway, especially in front of a big crowd here in Newcastle, as we kick off an exciting but incredibly demanding 2025 Test match schedule." Porecki will anchor an experienced front row of James Slipper and Allan Alaalatoa, with Jeremy Williams and Nick Frost the locks after five appearances in 2024. Waratahs No.8 Langi Gleeson will start at blindside flanker with Fraser McReight on the other side of the scrum. Tate McDermott and Noah Lolesio are the starting halves, while Len Ikitau will link in the centres with Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, who is playing is first Test in Australia. Harry Potter in also making his home debut with Max Jorgensen the other wing and fullback Tom Wright rounding out the backline. Wallabies: James Slipper, David Porecki, Allan Alaalatoa, Nick Frost, Jeremy Williams, Langi Gleeson, Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson (c), Tate McDermott, Noah Lolesio, Max Jorgensen, Len Ikitau, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Harry Potter, Tom Wright . Res: Billy Pollard, Angus Bell, Zane Nonggorr, Tom Hooper, Carlo Tizzano, Nic White, Ben Donaldson, Filipo Daugunu. Dave Porecki is back in the Wallabies line-up for the first time since the 2023 Rugby World Cup, where he captained Australia to a historic loss to Fiji. The hooker was named to face Fiji on Sunday in Newcastle in a forward pack that is missing big guns Will Skelton and Rob Valetini, who both have calf injuries. Waratahs skipper Jake Gordon and Red playmaker Tom Lynagh were also unavailable for selection as they make their way back from injury. Starting at No.8, Harry Wilson has retained the Wallabies captaincy after leading the side on the northern hemisphere spring tour. The Wallabies are gearing up for their first Test against the British and Irish Lions in Brisbane on July 19, but are aware Fiji could rock those preparations. Porecki is one of nine players backing up from their last clash during the 2023 tournament in France, where Fiji posted their first victory over the Wallabies in 69 years, winning 22-15. He captained Australia in three World Cup matches with the Wallabies bowing out at the pool stage for the first time. Porecki then missed all of 2024 due to a chronic Achilles issue and then battled a calf problem, but the 32-year-old did enough in the back end of the NSW season to impress Test coach Joe Schmidt. "The whole squad has worked hard on and off the field and reconnected well with a short runway from our assembly through to the Test on Sunday against Fiji," Schmidt said in a statement."I think the players and the wider management are keen to get underway, especially in front of a big crowd here in Newcastle, as we kick off an exciting but incredibly demanding 2025 Test match schedule." Porecki will anchor an experienced front row of James Slipper and Allan Alaalatoa, with Jeremy Williams and Nick Frost the locks after five appearances in 2024. Waratahs No.8 Langi Gleeson will start at blindside flanker with Fraser McReight on the other side of the scrum. Tate McDermott and Noah Lolesio are the starting halves, while Len Ikitau will link in the centres with Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, who is playing is first Test in Australia. Harry Potter in also making his home debut with Max Jorgensen the other wing and fullback Tom Wright rounding out the backline. Wallabies: James Slipper, David Porecki, Allan Alaalatoa, Nick Frost, Jeremy Williams, Langi Gleeson, Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson (c), Tate McDermott, Noah Lolesio, Max Jorgensen, Len Ikitau, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Harry Potter, Tom Wright . Res: Billy Pollard, Angus Bell, Zane Nonggorr, Tom Hooper, Carlo Tizzano, Nic White, Ben Donaldson, Filipo Daugunu.
ABC News
3 days ago
- Sport
- ABC News
Ex-Wallabies skipper Dave Porecki named for Fiji Test ahead of Lions series
Hooker Dave Porecki is back in the Wallabies' starting XV for the first time since the 2023 Rugby World Cup, where he captained Australia in a historic loss to Fiji. Porecki was named to face Fiji in Newcastle on Sunday in a forward pack that is missing Rob Valetini and Will Skelton, who both have calf injuries. ABC Sport will have live blog coverage of the British and Irish Lions' tour of Australia this July and August. Waratahs skipper Jake Gordon and Red fly-half Tom Lynagh were also unavailable for selection as they work their way to full fitness. Starting at number eight, Harry Wilson has retained the Wallabies captaincy after leading the side on the Northern Hemisphere spring tour. The Wallabies are gearing up for their first Test against the British and Irish Lions in Brisbane on July 19 but are aware Fiji could rock those preparations. Porecki is one of nine players backing up from the last clash between the two nations during the 2023 tournament in France, where Fiji posted their first victory over the Wallabies in 69 years, winning 22-15. He captained Australia in three World Cup matches, with the Wallabies bowing out at the pool stage for the first time. Porecki then missed all of 2024 due to a chronic Achilles tendon issue. He has been named ahead of the Brumbies' Billy Pollard, who was the stand-out Australian hooker in Super Rugby Pacific. The 32-year-old's selection suggests Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt wants to give the Waratahs rake more match time after he was sidelined for part of the Super Rugby Pacific season because of injury. "The whole squad has worked hard on and off the field and reconnected well with a short runway from our assembly through to the Test on Sunday against Fiji," Schmidt said in a statement. "I think the players and the wider management are keen to get underway, especially in front of a big crowd here in Newcastle, as we kick off an exciting but incredibly demanding 2025 Test match schedule." Porecki will anchor an experienced front row of James Slipper and Allan Alaalatoa, with Jeremy Williams and Nick Frost the locks after five appearances in 2024. Waratahs number eight Langi Gleeson will start at blindside flanker, with Fraser McReight on the other side of the scrum. Tate McDermott and Noah Lolesio are the starting halves, while Len Ikitau will link in the centres with Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, who is playing his first Test in Australia. Harry Potter in also making his home debut with Max Jorgensen the other wing and fullback Tom Wright rounding out the backline. Wallabies team: James Slipper, David Porecki, Allan Alaalatoa, Nick Frost, Jeremy Williams, Langi Gleeson, Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson (c), Tate McDermott, Noah Lolesio, Max Jorgensen, Len Ikitau, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Harry Potter, Tom Wright Reserves: Billy Pollard, Angus Bell, Zane Nonggorr, Tom Hooper, Carlo Tizzano, Nic White, Ben Donaldson, Filipo Daugunu AAP/ABC
