Australia secured their spot in the Rugby League World Cup semi-finals with a dramatic 36-22 victory over Fiji, capping a pulsating encounter that saw the hosts overcome significant early pressure. Despite a stunning 16-12 halftime deficit and a first-half territorial disadvantage, Kevin Walters’ side reclaimed momentum during a critical 60-second spell in the second half. The turning point came when Solomone Saukuru’s apparent try was disallowed for obstruction, allowing Australia to capitalize immediately and level the score, shifting the psychological balance of the match in front of a stunned Brisbane crowd.
Tom Trbojevic’s hat-trick seals 36-22 victory as hosts bounce back from first-half scare.
Tom Trbojevic was the decisive factor in the turnaround, scoring a hat-trick of tries to dismantle Fiji’s defensive efforts. Although Trbojevic appeared vulnerable in defense at times, his attacking prowess proved decisive as he crossed three times to secure the win. The match featured high intensity, with Fiji’s Semi Valemei also completing a hat-trick, but Jacob Preston’s additional try for Australia ensured the hosts maintained control in the closing stages. This victory ends a recent run of poor results for Australia, who had lost their previous five meetings against Fiji by an aggregate score of 246-16.
The result marks a significant psychological reset for Australia, who had struggled to assert dominance in recent encounters. By converting a late momentum shift into a comfortable win, Walters’ team has demonstrated the resilience required for the tournament’s final stages. For New Zealand, this result also signals a return to form for the broader region’s top teams, setting the stage for intense semi-final clashes. Australia’s ability to respond to adversity under pressure will be crucial as they prepare for their next opponent, having proven they can navigate high-stakes matches against formidable Pacific Island rivals.
Source: BBC Sport
