23 Sep 2015

Wallabies overcome Fiji, miss out on bonus point

Craig Taylor - Sport24

Cape Town - Australia opened their Rugby World Cup campaign with a workmanlike performance, defeating Fiji by 28-13.

Fiji were prepared to run the ball at every opportunity but were extremely error prone, especially in the first half. Australia kept to their structures and by half-time had run up a 18-3 lead, including two tries from driving mauls through No. 8, David Pocock. Flyhalf Bernard Foley converted one and added two further penalties.

Australia seemed to have the game sewn up early in the second half when prop Sekope Kepu burst over from close range. Foley converted and Australia lead 25-3.

Over the course of the next quarter, Fiji produced some scintillating rugby as they continued with their expansive approach but cut down on their errors. They were reward with a try from flyhalf Ben Volavola who stepped his way through a number of defenders to score under the posts. Nadolo converted but Australia still led by 25-13.

A Foley penalty in the 69th minute extended his sides lead to 28-13 but neither team troubled the scoreboard from then on.

Scorers

Australia

Tries: David Pocock (2), Sekope Kepu

Penalties: Bernard Foley (3)

Conversions: Bernard Foley (2)

Fiji

Try: Ben Volavola

Penalties: Nemani Nadolo (2)

Conversions: Nemani Nadolo

TEAMS

Australia

15 Israel Folau, 14 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 13 Tevita Kuridrani, 12 Matt Giteau, 11 Rob Horne, 10 Bernard Foley, 9 Will Genia, 8 David Pocock, 7 Michael Hooper, 6 Scott Fardy, 5 Rob Simmons, 4 Kane Douglas, 3 Sekope Kepu, 2 Stephen Moore (captain), 1 Scott Sio

Replacements: 16 Tatafu Polota-Nau, 17 James Slipper, 18 Greg Holmes, 19 Will Skelton, 20 Dean Mumm, 21 Nick Phipps, 22 Matt Toomua, 23 Kurtley Beale

Fiji

15 Metuisela Talebula, 14 Waisea Nayacalevu, 13 Vereniki Goneva, 12 Gabiriele Lovobalavu, 11 Nemani Nadolo, 10 Ben Volavola, 9 Nikola Matawalu, 8 Netani Talei, 7 Akapusi Qera (captain), 6 Peceli Yato, 5 Leone Nakarawa, 4 Tevita Cavubati, 3 Manasa Saulo, 2 Tuapati Talemaitoga, 1 Campese Ma’afu

Replacement: 16 Viliame Veikoso, 17 Peni Ravai, 18 Isei Colati, 19 Nemia Soqeta, 20 Malakai Ravulo, 21 Nemia Kenatale, 22 Joshua Matavesi, 23 Aseli Tikoirotuma

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