The Wallabies have got their 2017 season off to a winning start, too strong for Fiji this afternoon in Melbourne, winning by 37-14.
The Wallabies shot out of the blocks early, a pinpoint cross-kick by Bernard Foley setting up Israel Folau to challenge for the catch then fall on the ball for the opening try, after only 3 minutes.
All the wash-up from Wallabies vs Fiji
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The Wallabies line speed in defence proved too much for the Fijians to handle early, and coupled with some poor Fijian discipline in the tackle area, it was no surprise when they added a second try, also in the right corner to Henry Speight.
Fiji gradually worked themselves back into the game, coming close to scoring on two occasions, but they lacked a little of the composure needed at this level. Also, the Wallabies defence was sound, Bernard Foley, twice knocking down rampaging forwards.
The second half followed a similar pattern, both defences cancelling each other out until a superb backline move saw Foley set Folau through a huge hole in the 54th minute; his angled run and goose-step taking him all the way to the corner for a thrilling try.
(AAP Image/Joe Castro)
Fiji stayed in the fight however, and after some loose play, big winger Vereniki Goneva found space and ran away from Dane Haylett-Petty and Speight for Fiji’s opening try.
It wouldn’t be a game of rugby without Stephen Moore scoring a maul try from a lineout, and he duly obliged in the 67th minute, putting the home side out to 32-7.
Fiji fought back again however, this time the other winger, Timoci Nagusa burrowing over from close range, to make the score 32-14, which is where it looked like it would stay.
However the Wallabies backline had the last say, after the siren, putting the ball through the hands nicely to construct an overlap try for Henry Speight.
This was a typical ‘first-up’ test match for both sides, with plenty of errors and a lack of cohesion obvious. As a spectacle the game certainly didn’t match the beautiful overhead and pitch conditions, although there were some well-taken tries to keep the crowd – Australian and Fijian – entertained.
Interestingly, the Wallabies individual missed tackle tally was high, but overall, considering the amount of possession conceded, the Wallabies defence applied plenty of pressure on the Fijian runners, making it difficult for them to get their ensemble game rolling.
Foley in particular, stood out for two great one on one tackles against big units who were charging at him.
Halfback Will Genia, on his return, looked sharp and efficient, and was deservedly named man of the match. Wallabies fans will also be delighted to see Israel Folau running with flair and confidence from the back.
(AAP Image/Richard Wainwright)
Up front, the scrum battle was fairly even, although Adam Coleman will be pleased with his efforts against the big Fijian pack.
His opposite, Leone Nakarawa was a standout for the visitors, running and chip kick like a back, seemingly forgetting his huge frame. Both wingers too had their moments, and there is plenty for coach John McKee to feel confident about, moving forward.
All in all, not one of the memorable Test matches, but an entertaining afternoon in Melbourne, finished off with a great touch, hundreds of fans, young and old, allowed on to the pitch to mingle closely with their Wallabies heroes.
Final score
Australia 37
Fiji 14
Crazy Horse
Guest
A mistake the Sydneycentric ARU makes over and over. Just look at the Force games being repeatedly fixtures to kick off when Premier Grade teams are still in the showers. Or at 6:00 on a working day. Or failing to notice other big drawcards (sporting and other) are on and fixturing in opposion.
Crazy Horse
Guest
Except that he is one of the best fullbacks in Super Rugby.
FrancisF
Roar Pro
The Fijians put pressure on the Wallabies through a combination of off loads and pick and run by the forwards from lose scrums and tackles. The English team under Eddie Jones have made offloads as one of the key elements in their armoury. The Wallabies will be punished like schoolboys in the Bedisloe Cup games if Chejka and Larkham don't wake up quickly to this fact... Defensive tactics against offloads and offensive strategies using offloads in combination with other tactics.
Mielie
Guest
It's good to see that the Fijian A team has learnt to defend, though they did allow in 14 points.
Why heavy
Guest
Mate that was rather a b Fiji team ...missing all their big stars in the backline ..Tuisova, Nadolo, Botia,Tikoirotuma,Talebula,....Prop Manasa Sauolo, No 7 Yato..who r world rated players...so can imagine if they were all available for this match...hmmm
Redsfan1
Guest
Very true. Fiji really showed the Wallabies what a good offoad game looks like.
Redsfan1
Guest
Apparently Hannigan is 194cm and 110kgs the same as Higginbotham. I think Higgers looks to have more size though...
Jibba Jabba
Roar Guru
Agree re the kicking for touch, watching the U/20s the other night and their 1st 5s were kicking the ball regularly 20 plus metres more than foley.
Mielie
Guest
It is so good to see the Fijian A team has substantially improved their defense, even though they allowed 14 points to get through.
ads2600
Guest
I did say "half-full".
PeterK
Roar Guru
right about offloads. Only Folau is competent at it for the wallabies. He had 4 against Fiji various others had 1. Part of the issue though is lack of close support players, Coleman looks around to offload and no one is there so has to go to ground is an example
Gepetto
Guest
Foley played well; I doubt that would be the case if Phipps was in the #9 jersey
PeterK
Roar Guru
point is folau can and has kicked the ball deep into the opposition half, the coach's game plan is keep ball in hand
Fionn
Guest
100% right, mate, cheers.
Pinetree
Guest
John - how did Izzy embarrass Fionn? We all know against weaker opposition that Izzy scores a truck load of tries. This is because teams like Fiji are unable to put the pressure on making Izzy create exits deep in his own half without a acceptable kicking game, thus leaving him tackled and stranded for a possible turnover in the ruck, or 2-3 rucks after with poor territory gained. Compare his try scoring against strong opponents like the ABs or England. As far as I am aware, Fionn has always advocated for Izzy at 14 to let Izzy do what he does best, which is attack in open space, and leave the fullback duties to someone who can kick the ball deep into opposition half, so constant territory is not lost.
mzilikazi
Guest
Good man, Fionn.......stick to your "guns".......I agree with you. The immensely talented Israel I would like to see on the wing. As you say, it is all about where the team is best served, is better balanced. It is one hell of a risk to put Hunt at centre, where he is inexperienced, and not at fullback, where he has excelled.
Mitcher
Guest
I fully support positivity. But I'm not sure throwing out 'World No. 10' heaps on any credibility. Quite the opposite considering the actual depth in the international game that represents.
Katipo
Guest
Great to see a rugby game played in daylight. Thanks ARU for actually listening to what fans want, for once.
Reverse Wheel
Guest
Solid. Got a future. Everyone would love him if he played for the force.
FrancisF
Roar Pro
A. Creating Spaces Israel Folau and Henry Speight are Wallabies's scoring machines. But they can only be effective if they are given space to run and to accelerate. Izzy is devastating once he has space, so is Speight. I am not sure whether Wallabies coaches have tactics in their set pieces for other players to create space on the field for these two. Speight is a magician running along the touch lines, whereas Folau needs more width. Fo example, All Blacks Israel Dagg is a dangerman when he is given space to run. One of the first things the Lions did in their match against the Crusaders last night was to shut down the space for Israel Dagg. He never had a chance to run more than 5 metres before they gang tackled him down or forced him to kick. Whereas All Backs Ben Smith is more dangerous in tight spaces as he has the knack of spinning and dodging himself out of a crowd of players. I don't see any Wallabies who has the quick presence of mind like Ben Smith to see escape routes when they are caught in a tight corner of players around them. Their first instinct id to fall to the ground with the ball. B. OFF LOAD RUGBY SKILLSL And almost all the AllBlacks players had master the skill and art of playing OFF-LOAD RUGBY... Wallabies are still playing a one dimensional game of rushing-head first and fall to the ground with the ball to recycle without any attempt to try to off-load . Too predictable. Off-load rugby wins games, because the opponents are caught somewhat unprepared with an offload in a loose tackle and loose open play. Wallabies coached should learn from the folks across the ditch on how to play Off-Load Rugby. In fact, Steve LArkham should know that passing-rugby is entertaining but does not win games most of the time in rugby of the modern era, nor is recycle-rugby, if you don't develop off-load skills in the Wallabies team ...for forwards especially and for the backs in particular.