Critics have frequently questioned the competitive balance of the Rugby League World Cup, but the Fiji Bati delivered a compelling display of skill and determination against hosts Australia in Brisbane. The Fiji Bati showed – from the tears on the players cheeks during their anthem, their wondrous pre-match hymn, right through 80 minutes of fearless effort in attack and de, but against the favourites and hosts Australia. So-called World Cup, the naysayers have questioned this increasingly provincial sport and its sometimes laughable and often one-sided. It was no less than Fiji deserved, as staggering as that might have been.
Led by an inspiring performance, the Fijians tested the tournament favourites throughout the contest before the depth of the Australian bench, the brilliance of James Tedesco, and the finishing ability of Tom Trbojevic ultimately sealed the result in front of 41,108 fans at Suncorp Stadium. A response to every question, except three, the inspiring Fijians appeared to have answers to every criticism. The class of James Tedesco and the finishing of triple try-scorer Tom Trbojevic finally took down the likeable underdogs, in front of a healthy Sunday night crowd in Brisbane and no doubt millions watching on prime time television, the quality on the Australian bench.
Fiji claimed a lead early in the second half when winger Semi Valemei crossed for the first of his three tries from a pass by five-eighth Kurt Donoghoe. Donoghoe nearly orchestrated another try shortly after to extend the advantage. Behind a pack being monstered by the Fijians, neither were perfect in the first half.
However, that effort was disallowed for an obstruction, allowing the Kangaroos to shift momentum. Sam Walker and Tedesco combined to send Trbojevic over in the corner to tie the score, before Walker converted a penalty goal to put Australia ahead.
Trbojevic soon secured his second from a Tedesco grubber kick and completed his hat-trick with 15 minutes remaining following another concerted attacking play. That put the result beyond doubt with 15 minutes to go, the Manly player completed his hat-trick on the edge of a flowing move featuring Tedesco again. Tom Trbojevic scores hat-trick in Kangaroos’ unconvincing 36-22 win.
Despite scoring three tries, the Australian right edge featuring Trbojevic and Kotoni Staggs faced persistent pressure from the Fijian attack, conceding another late try to Donoghoe that highlighted areas for coach Kevin Walters to address. His right edge alongside Kotoni Staggs was rarely comfortable against the Fijians, and Donoghoe created another try down that side in the final 10 minutes, though Trbojevic scored three tries.
Playing his first Test match since 2023, Tedesco delivered a standout performance, recording over 150 run metres and three try assists. He opened the scoring by drawing two defenders and delivering a short pass for Staggs. And the Roosters’ Clive Churchill medallist was influential early, tedesco was playing his first Test since 2023. The 33-year-old drew two tacklers and a short ball put Staggs over for the first try, after three handling errors ruined a promising Fijian opening.
The veteran entered the tournament following a premiership-winning season, though Reece Walsh’s strong display against New Zealand adds competition for the Australian fullback role. Making him the player many thought should be the Australian No 1, the veteran had entered the tournament as a man reborn after two superb seasons were capped off by a premiership.
Fiji had capitalized on early Australian errors in the first half when Donoghoe exploited a defensive miscount to put Valemei over. Sustained pressure and penalties kept Australia under pressure before Brandon Wakeham set up Taane Milne to give the underdogs a halftime lead. And another two sets left Australia reeling, a penalty and set restart left Fiji camped in the Australian 20-metre area. The pressure was temporarily released when Waqa Blake ran around a teammate to give up an obstruction.
In the halves, Tom Dearden and Walker competed to partner Cameron Munster following the injury withdrawal of Mitch Moses. Both players helped steady the team before halftime, aided by a long-range try involving Trbojevic and Tedesco.
Walters utilized his squad rotations effectively in the second half, bringing on Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, Pat Carrigan, and a recovered Cam Murray to regain control of territory after an early head injury to lock Murray.
Australia finish their pool stage fixtures against the Cook Islands in Townsville on Saturday. Meanwhile, Fiji must face New Zealand on the Gold Coast seeking an upset to reach the semi-finals. The much-anticipated clash between Tonga and Samoa in Parramatta next Sunday night, their opponents in the semi-final will not be known until the final pool stage fixture.
