The Wallabies have gotten the win in their first Test of 2017, comfortable running past Fiji for a 37-14 victory on Saturday afternoon in Melbourne.
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Final score
Australia 37
Fiji 14
International rugby returns to Melbourne today with the Wallabies taking on Fiji in what promises to be a compelling contest. Join The Roar for live scores and a blog from 3pm AEST.
After a losing 2016, the Wallabies will be keen to get their 2017 season started on the right foot, while there is a sense of optimism too around a Fiji side looking this year to cement their position for the 2019 World Cup, as the top qualifying nation from the Pacific Islands.
There’s always a buzz at the start of the year around the announcement of the first Wallabies squad, and this time around is no exception.
Coach Michael Cheika has followed through with two players, Karmichael Hunt and Ned Hanigan, selected to make their Wallabies debut this afternoon, with another pair, Richard Hardwick and Joe Powell likely to debut from the bench.
There was one major selection surprise, hooker Stephen Moore announced as squad captain, then left out of the starting side for Tatafu Polota-Nau.
Sam Carter gets a start at lock over Rory Arnold, reward for a strong Super Rugby season where he has been Australia’s leading lineout forward.
Aside from the Rebels’ Ben Volavola, who has also played Super Rugby for the Waratahs and Crusaders, most of the Fijian side will be unknown to Australian fans.
But don’t let this mislead; the side is packed full of experience with a number of players standing out in the English Premiership and French Top 14.
Skipper, No.8 Akapusi Qera has 54 Test caps, prop Campese Ma’afu 44, while outstanding lock Leone Nakarawa has 39 Test caps plus an Olympic Games gold medal under his belt. This is not a Fijian pack that is going to be bullied around by the Wallabies.
As is the norm for Fiji, coach John McKee has not enjoyed the luxury of a long preparation, and it is likely that this side will get better as the June internationals progress.
This week they are missing starting players Nemani Nadolo (concussion) and Josua Tuisova (returning from Top 14 final), but even if they lack combinations at this stage, there is real talent right across the park.
It will be fascinating to see how the Wallabies start their year; with Australian Super Rugby stocks running so low, it is critical that the national side makes a positive beginning. Nothing less than an emphatic win will suffice.
The backline has an exciting look to it, so expect to see an effort to re-cycle the ball quickly, to bring in-form players like Henry Speight and Israel Folau into the game.
Prediction
The last meeting between the sides was a tight, competitive affair, the Wallabies winning 28-13 during pool play at the 2015 World Cup. Expect to see a similar result this afternoon.
Wallabies by 15
Join The Roar from 3pm AEST for pre-match discussion, live scores, commentary and debates.
Mike
Guest
That's my belief. Not as flashy, but does the job better overall Of course in some situations one will shine more. I agree with thugby that foley should be first selected, which is not just a matter of passing game in isolation from other factors We need two first choice No 10s anyway
Geoff Parkes
Expert
Presser; now Michael Cheika and Michael Hooper Cheika… Typical first hit out. Work rate very good. Probably had to defend a bit much but all in all the defence was solid. When we did have the ball we did some good things in attack. We’ve made some system changes in attack and defence so that will take some time to cement in. Folau very dangerous, playing with confidence, we need to get more ball to him. Very happy with Hunt’s debut. A couple of good carries and string defence. Great work rate. Will Genia, a class player who has a real desire to play for Australia. Consistent energy and effort, top class! We scrambled well too, Nakarawa’s offloading was difficult to contain but we got back and fixed most things up. Scrum went ok. Fiji bring a low set, they’re handy scrummagers, but when we got our set up right we were solid. Hooper… very impressed with Hannigan’s debut. Higgs seems like he hasn’t missed a beat. Cheika… we’ll probably make changes, look at different combinations and set-ups and give some other guys game time. Not sure we’ll get to use all 34 players in the squad but we’re trying to have ourselves relatively interchangeable. No injuries to come out of the match. Hooper… very honoured to lead the team out. But we got great value from some of the leaders like Moore and Foley. Having the kids out on the ground afterwards was fantastic. It’s great to play in the afternoon, and great for Melbourne to put up such a good showing, and the players love mingling with the kids like that. Cheika… Scotland will challenge us next week at the set piece. The match will be a great opportunity for us to work on all of the set piece things that we need as a platform for our attacking game.
Geoff Parkes
Expert
Hope the weather is obliging Huw!
Geoff Parkes
Expert
Press conference – first up Fiji’s John McKee and Ben Volavola McKee… We’re a little disappointed. We came here with a high expectation. We had a lot of ball but weren’t as clinical as the wallabies. We took a while to get into our rhythm and the pace of the game. A lot of good individual performances, some good debuts, happy with that. In particual Leone Nakarawa was enormous out there today. Peni Kovekolau also outstanding at tight head. Set piece was ok, although some our scrum ball was a bit slow. Our maul defence was good. The difference on the day was the Wallabies finishing off with more precision. And it was obvious their players being used to a more high paced game. We took some wrong options at vital times. And we need to start better and not end up chasing the game. We’re looking for a big step up next week, back at home. Volavola…. Apart from losing, it was good fun, everyone is keen and looking forward to next week. McKee… obviously we’re building to the World Cup qualifying matches. We get some good players back this week, and more time together in camp, so this is a good step along that pathway. No disrespect to Italy but I think we can look forward with some confidence.
Geoff Parkes
Expert
Cheers TF, don't hold back on the beers!
Dave_S
Roar Rookie
Yeah their 9 had a good game too
Geoff Parkes
Expert
A bit slow with the pressers today, the players are still out on the field mingling with heaps and heaps of kids - a great initiative.
Xiedazhou
Guest
Do you seriously believe Foley has a better passing game than Cooper?
ThugbyFan
Roar Guru
Ouch Fionn, I felt the pain just looking at that Bismark hit. :)
sittingbison
Roar Pro
Hardwick immediately won a turnover in tbe ruck Noyce one Dickie
Reverse Wheel
Guest
Oy vey
Fionn
Guest
Freak mate, he's unbelievably good.
Mike
Guest
No, just the truth
Worlds Biggest
Guest
Great stuff Huw, that will be a belter. let's hope we get an Aussie double today. Good work thanks Geoff, solid first up win for Wallas.
Fionn
Guest
Just one, mate, just one. https://youtu.be/I7ki47GZiN8
Highlander
Guest
thanks geoff
Mark
Guest
He's in Japan with the Tahs mate, playing Suntory
bigbaz
Roar Guru
Is there a better sight than a 10 sending long passes to outside runners in space.
ThugbyFan
Roar Guru
Nice way to finish the match. Try to Fiji then 3 minutes later a try to H.Speight. So 5 tries to 2, the WB win the bonus point (ha ha). The commentators say the WB missed 34 tackles, which better prepared teams will really punish them for. The WB need to bring out the tackle bags and hone those tackling skills. One thing I didn't see as much of today was N.Grays defence musical chairs. B.Foley kept his position and tackled some big blokes coming through the 10-12 channel but those that he missed were cleaned up by K.Hunt at IC. As usual, Geoff did a great blog and his efforts are appreciated. Thanx Mate, now enjoy the post-match beers. :)
Huw
Guest
Thanks for your work Geoff! Good reading whilst on the train to Birmingham to watch England v Australia in the Champions Trophy cricket. Good to see Izzy and Speight getting a brace each. Outside backs scoring is a good sign!