Latest news with #Muntz
San Francisco Chronicle
14 hours ago
- Sport
- San Francisco Chronicle
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. 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. A tale of two halves 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." 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.
Hamilton Spectator
14 hours ago
- Sport
- Hamilton Spectator
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. 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. A tale of two halves 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.' 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:
Winnipeg Free Press
14 hours ago
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
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. 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. 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. A tale of two halves The Wallabies may have dominated the first half, but it was all Fiji in the second. Muntz added a penalty goal after the break to narrow the margin to six points before the match was 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. 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 Advertiser
14 hours ago
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Wallabies survive Fiji flair for comeback victory
The Wallabies have shown they have a mountain to climb to match the British and Irish Lions after clawing their way to an ugly 21-18 victory over Fiji in Newcastle. Losing their last Test against the Pacific Islanders, ending a 69-year win streak, the Australians narrowly avoided more unwanted history as Fiji looked to go back-to-back for the first time. There were shades of Saint Etienne, where the Wallabies suffered their World Cup humiliation, when Australia fell behind in the 55th minute but they managed to scramble for the much-needed win. Skipper Harry Wilson managed to get the ball down over his head with just over a minute remaining to secure a heart-stopping win. But it came at a cost with flyhalf Noah Lolesio stretchered from the field in the 60th minute after his head slammed into the turf as he was tackled. The Wallabies' bumbling performance overshadowed the Lions' own struggles ahead of the July 19 series opener in Brisbane after the tourists battled to see off an undermanned Waratahs outfit in Sydney on Saturday night. Despite perfect conditions in front of a 28,000-strong crowd for the day match at McDonald Jones Stadium and with the prime ministers of both countries in the stands, Australia failed to mount any real pressure in the first half with too many turnovers and some aimless kicking. The hosts led 14-5 at halftime with Dave Porecki opening the scoring in the eighth minute through a Wallabies maul. The hooker was playing his first Test in 652 days, sidelined in 2024 due to an achilles injury, but Porecki only last 26 minutes before being forced off due to a head knock. The Wallabies had to wait until the 36th minute when the finally strung some attack together to send Fraser McReight across the line. But they then let a 14-point lead slip when Lolesio ignored sending the ball dead for halftime and instead put a dinky kick through that Fiji pounced on. They worked the ball to Salesi Rayasi, with the debutant fullback beating three Australian defenders to put his team on the scoreboard. Australia looked to play with more width in the second half with winger Max Jorgensen crossing in the 48th minute, but the try was disallowed due to a forward pass from fullback Tom Wright in the build-up. Fellow winger Harry Potter also had a first half try denied due to Wright forward pass. Momentum then swung the Fijians way as they embraced their traditional sevens style of play, putting the Wallabies on the back foot. After a Caleb Muntz penalty they hit the lead when winger Jiuta Wainiqolo made a jinking run downfield before off-loading for flanker Lekima Tagitagivalu to score. Muntz added the extras for a 15-14 lead. They looked to have added another minutes later but the try was denied with Australia's Potter going into the touch before the ball was turned over. Another Muntz penalty in the 67th minute left Australia needing a try to snatch back the lead, with Wilson finding his way through the Fiji defence to secure the win. The Wallabies have shown they have a mountain to climb to match the British and Irish Lions after clawing their way to an ugly 21-18 victory over Fiji in Newcastle. Losing their last Test against the Pacific Islanders, ending a 69-year win streak, the Australians narrowly avoided more unwanted history as Fiji looked to go back-to-back for the first time. There were shades of Saint Etienne, where the Wallabies suffered their World Cup humiliation, when Australia fell behind in the 55th minute but they managed to scramble for the much-needed win. Skipper Harry Wilson managed to get the ball down over his head with just over a minute remaining to secure a heart-stopping win. But it came at a cost with flyhalf Noah Lolesio stretchered from the field in the 60th minute after his head slammed into the turf as he was tackled. The Wallabies' bumbling performance overshadowed the Lions' own struggles ahead of the July 19 series opener in Brisbane after the tourists battled to see off an undermanned Waratahs outfit in Sydney on Saturday night. Despite perfect conditions in front of a 28,000-strong crowd for the day match at McDonald Jones Stadium and with the prime ministers of both countries in the stands, Australia failed to mount any real pressure in the first half with too many turnovers and some aimless kicking. The hosts led 14-5 at halftime with Dave Porecki opening the scoring in the eighth minute through a Wallabies maul. The hooker was playing his first Test in 652 days, sidelined in 2024 due to an achilles injury, but Porecki only last 26 minutes before being forced off due to a head knock. The Wallabies had to wait until the 36th minute when the finally strung some attack together to send Fraser McReight across the line. But they then let a 14-point lead slip when Lolesio ignored sending the ball dead for halftime and instead put a dinky kick through that Fiji pounced on. They worked the ball to Salesi Rayasi, with the debutant fullback beating three Australian defenders to put his team on the scoreboard. Australia looked to play with more width in the second half with winger Max Jorgensen crossing in the 48th minute, but the try was disallowed due to a forward pass from fullback Tom Wright in the build-up. Fellow winger Harry Potter also had a first half try denied due to Wright forward pass. Momentum then swung the Fijians way as they embraced their traditional sevens style of play, putting the Wallabies on the back foot. After a Caleb Muntz penalty they hit the lead when winger Jiuta Wainiqolo made a jinking run downfield before off-loading for flanker Lekima Tagitagivalu to score. Muntz added the extras for a 15-14 lead. They looked to have added another minutes later but the try was denied with Australia's Potter going into the touch before the ball was turned over. Another Muntz penalty in the 67th minute left Australia needing a try to snatch back the lead, with Wilson finding his way through the Fiji defence to secure the win. The Wallabies have shown they have a mountain to climb to match the British and Irish Lions after clawing their way to an ugly 21-18 victory over Fiji in Newcastle. Losing their last Test against the Pacific Islanders, ending a 69-year win streak, the Australians narrowly avoided more unwanted history as Fiji looked to go back-to-back for the first time. There were shades of Saint Etienne, where the Wallabies suffered their World Cup humiliation, when Australia fell behind in the 55th minute but they managed to scramble for the much-needed win. Skipper Harry Wilson managed to get the ball down over his head with just over a minute remaining to secure a heart-stopping win. But it came at a cost with flyhalf Noah Lolesio stretchered from the field in the 60th minute after his head slammed into the turf as he was tackled. The Wallabies' bumbling performance overshadowed the Lions' own struggles ahead of the July 19 series opener in Brisbane after the tourists battled to see off an undermanned Waratahs outfit in Sydney on Saturday night. Despite perfect conditions in front of a 28,000-strong crowd for the day match at McDonald Jones Stadium and with the prime ministers of both countries in the stands, Australia failed to mount any real pressure in the first half with too many turnovers and some aimless kicking. The hosts led 14-5 at halftime with Dave Porecki opening the scoring in the eighth minute through a Wallabies maul. The hooker was playing his first Test in 652 days, sidelined in 2024 due to an achilles injury, but Porecki only last 26 minutes before being forced off due to a head knock. The Wallabies had to wait until the 36th minute when the finally strung some attack together to send Fraser McReight across the line. But they then let a 14-point lead slip when Lolesio ignored sending the ball dead for halftime and instead put a dinky kick through that Fiji pounced on. They worked the ball to Salesi Rayasi, with the debutant fullback beating three Australian defenders to put his team on the scoreboard. Australia looked to play with more width in the second half with winger Max Jorgensen crossing in the 48th minute, but the try was disallowed due to a forward pass from fullback Tom Wright in the build-up. Fellow winger Harry Potter also had a first half try denied due to Wright forward pass. Momentum then swung the Fijians way as they embraced their traditional sevens style of play, putting the Wallabies on the back foot. After a Caleb Muntz penalty they hit the lead when winger Jiuta Wainiqolo made a jinking run downfield before off-loading for flanker Lekima Tagitagivalu to score. Muntz added the extras for a 15-14 lead. They looked to have added another minutes later but the try was denied with Australia's Potter going into the touch before the ball was turned over. Another Muntz penalty in the 67th minute left Australia needing a try to snatch back the lead, with Wilson finding his way through the Fiji defence to secure the win.
Perth Now
15 hours ago
- Sport
- Perth Now
Wallabies survive Fiji flair for comeback victory
The Wallabies have shown they have a mountain to climb to match the British and Irish Lions after clawing their way to an ugly 21-18 victory over Fiji in Newcastle. Losing their last Test against the Pacific Islanders, ending a 69-year win streak, the Australians narrowly avoided more unwanted history as Fiji looked to go back-to-back for the first time. There were shades of Saint Etienne, where the Wallabies suffered their World Cup humiliation, when Australia fell behind in the 55th minute but they managed to scramble for the much-needed win. Skipper Harry Wilson managed to get the ball down over his head with just over a minute remaining to secure a heart-stopping win. But it came at a cost with flyhalf Noah Lolesio stretchered from the field in the 60th minute after his head slammed into the turf as he was tackled. The Wallabies' bumbling performance overshadowed the Lions' own struggles ahead of the July 19 series opener in Brisbane after the tourists battled to see off an undermanned Waratahs outfit in Sydney on Saturday night. Despite perfect conditions in front of a 28,000-strong crowd for the day match at McDonald Jones Stadium and with the prime ministers of both countries in the stands, Australia failed to mount any real pressure in the first half with too many turnovers and some aimless kicking. The hosts led 14-5 at halftime with Dave Porecki opening the scoring in the eighth minute through a Wallabies maul. The hooker was playing his first Test in 652 days, sidelined in 2024 due to an achilles injury, but Porecki only last 26 minutes before being forced off due to a head knock. The Wallabies had to wait until the 36th minute when the finally strung some attack together to send Fraser McReight across the line. But they then let a 14-point lead slip when Lolesio ignored sending the ball dead for halftime and instead put a dinky kick through that Fiji pounced on. They worked the ball to Salesi Rayasi, with the debutant fullback beating three Australian defenders to put his team on the scoreboard. Australia looked to play with more width in the second half with winger Max Jorgensen crossing in the 48th minute, but the try was disallowed due to a forward pass from fullback Tom Wright in the build-up. Fellow winger Harry Potter also had a first half try denied due to Wright forward pass. Momentum then swung the Fijians way as they embraced their traditional sevens style of play, putting the Wallabies on the back foot. After a Caleb Muntz penalty they hit the lead when winger Jiuta Wainiqolo made a jinking run downfield before off-loading for flanker Lekima Tagitagivalu to score. Muntz added the extras for a 15-14 lead. They looked to have added another minutes later but the try was denied with Australia's Potter going into the touch before the ball was turned over. Another Muntz penalty in the 67th minute left Australia needing a try to snatch back the lead, with Wilson finding his way through the Fiji defence to secure the win.
