Down to the wire: Wallabies escape with last-minute win over the Flying Fijians

Australia have defeated Fiji 21-18 at a packed McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle on Sunday. But the Wallabies are facing potential issues after a lacklustre performance in the second half.

The rugby international match was the first of the year for both teams. For the Australians, the test provided an opportunity for their Test stars to get their game on the same page. Unfortunately, the misfiring Wallabies found themselves in a desperate struggle against the Flying Fijians in the second half.

In September 2023, Australian rugby suffered one of its worst defeats in history when they were humbled by Fiji in Japan. Sunday's test match forced the Wallabies to confront some of their Rugby World Cup demons against a Fijian team that included 13 players from that historic match. The 22-15 upset endured in 2023 marked Australia's first loss to Fiji in 69 years.

Before Sunday's kickoff, the Wallabies faced a fiery traditional war dance, the Cibi, performed by the Fijians. With both countries' leaders, Sitiveni Rabuka and Anthony Albanese, watching from the grandstand, the Wallabies started strong, taking an early 14-0 lead with two converted tries to hooker David Porecki and lock Fraser McReight.

The Fijians managed to get on the scoreboard thanks to debutant fullback Salesi Rayasi. A well-executed move on the left flank saw winger Jiuta Wainiqolo break through the Australian defence, setting Rayasi up for a try just before halftime.

Some poor Wallabies play opened the door for the Fijians to get into the game, and the visitors sprang into life with their famed offload game. Rayasi had plenty of work to do to finish.

His try sent the Fijian fans, among the record 28,000 crowd, into a frenzy. Wallabies' head coach Joe Schmidt would have been furious with that end to the half by his team, despite leading 14-5 at the break.

In the second half, the Fijians increased the tempo, and there were glimpses of their RWC pool game in France as the visitors dominated the last 40 minutes of the contest.

Fijian flyhalf Caleb Muntz brought his side closer with a penalty kick that hit the post but sailed over the crossbar. The Wallabies lead 14-8.

Another impressive try by Fiji ignited their fans again, allowing them to take the lead for the first time in the game. Wainiqolo made a brilliant, winding run, leaving Wallabies' props James Slipper and Allan Alaalatoa behind. Wainiqolo offloaded to flanker Lekima Tagitagivalu, who scored in the right corner, putting Fiji ahead 15-14 after 57 minutes.

Muntz extended Fiji's lead with another penalty, making it 18-14 after 68 minutes. But 10 minutes later, the Wallabies reclaimed the lead when Wilson scored the game-winner in the 79th minute, sealing a dramatic 21-18 victory.

Wilson's try helped make partial amends for the historic 2023 RWC loss, and he was presented the Vuvale Bowl by Prime Ministers Albanese and Rabuka.

In a post-match interview, Wilson paid tribute to the Fijians, saying, "Such a tough game. It was awesome to go to battle with you guys. It's always a tough one."

A very proud Fijian captain, Tevita Ikanivere, praised his team's efforts against the Wallabies, despite having only a week to prepare.

"I'm very proud of my brothers. It's disappointing, losing in the last minute, but thankful to them for giving their all today to our family and friends, and our fans who came out in numbers. We could hear 'go Fiji go' more than the Aussies," Ikanivere told Stan Sport.

Fiji halfback Simione Kuruvoli sets the backline alight against the Wallabies during their RWC match in France in 2023. Photo/File/Andrew Cornaga/Photosport

Sunday's international served as a warm-up for both teams, with Australia looking to build combinations and confidence ahead of the upcoming British and Irish Lions three-test series, which begins on 19 July in Brisbane.

Before that important test match at Suncorp Stadium, the Lions will face the ACT Brumbies in Canberra on Wednesday and an Invitational New Zealand and Australian side on Saturday, 12 July, in Adelaide.

The British and Irish Lions have won all their games so far: Western Force 54-7, Queensland Reds 52-12, and the NSW Waratahs 21-10.

Wallabies coach Schmidt is also dealing with injuries to No. 10 Noah Lolesio and Porecki. The Australians will take a few days off before Schmidt names his squad next Friday for the 19 July match against the Lions.

Meanwhile, the Fijians will return home to face Scotland next weekend in Suva.

In other rugby international matches played on the weekend: The All Blacks beat France 31-27 in Dunedin on Saturday, while Scotland beat the Māori All Blacks 29-26 in Whangarei earlier in the day. Japan 24-19 Wales. South Africa 42-24 Italy. Ireland 34-5 Georgia. England 35-12 Argentina.

FIJI (15-1): Salesi Rayasi, Kalaveti Ravouvou, Iosefo Masi, Josua Tuisova, Jiuta Wainiqolo, Caleb Muntz, Simione Kuruvoli, Viliame Mata, Elia Canakaivata, Lekima Tagitagivalu, Temo Mayanavanua, Isoa Nasilasila, Peni Ravai, Tevita Ikanivere (c), Eroni Mawi. Reserves: Sam Matavesi, Haereiti Hetet, Mesake Doge, Mesake Vocevoce, Albert Tuisue, Philip Baselala, Isaiah Ravula, Sireli Maqala.

WALLABIES (15-1): Tom Wright, Harry Potter, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Len Ikitau, Max Jorgensen, Noah Lolesio, Tate McDermott, Harry Wilson (c), Fraser McReight, Langi Gleeson, Jeremy Williams, Nick Frost, Allan Alaalatoa, David Porecki, James Slipper. Reserves: Billy Pollard, Angus Bell, Zane Nonggorr, Tom Hooper, Carlo Tizzano, Nic White, Ben Donaldson, Filipo Daugunu.

This story has been updated to clarify that the images are from the Fiji-Australia Rugby World Cup match in France in 2023, not from Sunday's international test in Newcastle, NSW.