South Sea Island magicians Fiji finally fulfilled their amazing promise and gave the Rugby World Cup its first upset of the tournament, downing Australia 22-15 in their Pool C game in St.Etienne on Sunday night.
It was the first time in 69 years that Fiji had beaten Australia - the last coming in Sydney way back in 1954, but the impact of the victory and the earth-shattering effect it will have not only on the Pool C standings, but also the tournament in general cannot be underestimated.
For one, it has blown the pool way open and was almost justice for Fiji’s narrow loss to Wales last weekend. It also gives the Fijians the opportunity to make it out of the pool and continue their momentum as tournament darlings that will be embraced by the French crowd.
It also places massive pressure on Australian coach Eddie Jones, who was already under pressure coming into the tournament after dumping several stalwarts and choosing the youngest team in the tournament.
But that shouldn’t take away from an amazing performance by Fiji, and how they have captured the hearts of the tournament with their impressive, passionate performances.
Fiji’s work on the ground was exceptional, as they won turnover after turnover at crucial times throughout the game, and stunted Australia’s momentum almost with ease every time they threatened.
Australia made way too many errors, and conceded 17 penalties, many of them from the breakdown, and lost many of the big moments in the game.
Simione Kuruvoli played an exceptional part in the first half, as his deadshot boot kept Fiji’s scoreboard ticking over, and even when Australia scored, his boot kept the Fijians edging ahead.
Australia’s first try was also a controversial one, as replays showed Richie Arnold handling the ball on the ground as it was turned over and kicked downfield for a 50-22. The lineout was taken quickly and Mark Nawaqanitawase ran it in to score.
Kuruvoli added two late first half penalties to send his side in 12-8.
And it was Fiji who stole the momentum early in the second half as the impressive Josua Tuisova, who was later named man of the match, latched onto an up and under that landed between a bunch of players, seized the moment and ran 40 metres to score.
Kuruvoli’s conversion gave him 14 points for the match and gave Fiji a 19-8 lead.
And Australia’s onslaught continued. They put up phase after phase but every time they came close they were thwarted.
Frank Lomani added another penalty to make it 22-8 and by this time the crowd was strongly behind the Fijians, chanting their name and urging them on to victory.
The Wallabies did strike a blow to give themselves a chance, when with 12 minutes to go Suli Vunivalu stretched over after beating the first defender to score from close range.
It was 22-15 and Australia were looking to do what Wales did a week before, and deny the Fijian dream.
But the Fijian scrum grew in stature, the hits became bigger and every Australian was hunted down and stopped. Everything Australia tried hit a brick wall and a scrum penalty was the perfect foil to finish the game and give the Fijians a famous victory.
And the rest of the rugby world celebrated with them.
Scorers
Fiji - tries: Josua Tuisova. Conversion: Simioni Kuruvoli. Penalties: Kuruvoli (4). Frank Lomani.
Australia - tries: Mark Nawaqanitawase, Suli Vunivalu. Conversion: Ben Donaldson. Penalty: Ben Donaldson.