Australia v Fiji Talking Points Australia: 50 (Joey Fittok 2, Izaia Perese 2, Sione Tuipulotu, Reece Hewat, Harley Fox; Connor O’Shea 4 con, 1 pen, Harrison Goddard 2 con) Fiji: 15 (Manasa Mataele, Jone Tuva tries; Mataele 1 pen; Onisimo Dakaikuro 1 con) Fiji made a spectacular start when they scored a try in the first-minute. First-five Fillipe Qoro launched a high-kick for Manasa Mataele to purse. The centre soared high above the Australian fullback and snatched the ball out of Jordan Fullvai’s hands to score. Defensively Fiji was guilty of attempting to hit too high and often bounced off tackles. The fitness of their forwards was inferior to that of Australia whose greater structure provided vital. Fiji kicked a lot of possession away. They were much more effective when they held onto it. When Fiji did pick and goes they were aggressive, made ground and preserved the ball well. They had some nice backs (especially centre Mataele) but they need more time together to learn how to involve them more effectively. Australian halfback Nicholas Duffy cleared the ball flat, accurately and quickly. Australia’s lineout was very efficient. They did not lose a single throw on their own ball and spoiled Fiji’s ball occasionally, despite Fiji having the tallest player in the game in behemoth lock Jone Seuvou. Australian lock Andrew Vatuvei played strongly, but Australia is not a tall team. Fiji more than held their own at scrum time. Tighthead Shambecker Vui carried strongly. Hooker Sitiveni Kubu and Halfback Waisea Daroko were lively for Fiji, through Kubu did struggle with his throwing at times. Connor O’Leary kicked three tough sideline conversions. The Australian midfield of Perese and Tuipulotu was strong, especially centre Perese who looked class with his ability to breach the line and put his left wing away for two nice tries. rugby.au/News/NewsArticle/tabid/1699/ArticleID/14103/Australian-Schools-get-off-to-a-flier-against-Fiji.aspx
Posted on: Sat, 27 Sep 2014 01:10:54 +0000
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