Nitesh Raniga 
[Source: World Rugby]
The Wallabies had to come from behind to beat Fiji 39-21 in their first pool match of the Rugby World Cup at Sapporo Dome in Japan.
Samu Kerevi and Marika Koroibete scored a try each to help the Wallabies win as the Flying Fijians led till the first quarter of the second half.
Disappointed, but proud of the first half performance with plenty to build on ?
Hear from @fijirugby skipper Dominiko Waqaniburotu as he reflects on a pulsating #AUSvFIJ clash
#RWCSapporo #RWC2019 pic.twitter.com/TW27VmIMV1
— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) September 21, 2019
The Fijians could not hold onto their lead as the Wallabies applied continuous pressure in the second half.
“I’m not going to complain at all…”@wallabies head coach Michael Cheika gives respect to @fijirugby after a tough encounter in their opening #RWC2019 match #AUSvFIJ#SuperSaturday pic.twitter.com/B0nAMsfhKA
— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) September 21, 2019
Ben Volavola put the Flying Fijians on the scoreboard in the 4th minute of the first half through a penalty, 3-0.
Peceli Yato increased Fiji’s lead with a brilliant try to make it 8-0.
Yato had to be replaced a few minutes later after being injured.
The Wallabies settled down and captain Michael Hooper scored a try to narrow the gap to 8-7.
. @wallabies captain Michael Hooper praises the Australia “finishers” for making the difference in his sides 39-21 win over @fijirugby #AUSvFIJ#RWC2019 pic.twitter.com/Oe1y9xVei0
— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) September 21, 2019
Ben Volavola increased the Flying Fijians lead with a penalty taking the scores to 11-7.
Volavola did not waste the opportunity and made sure he got Fiji’s another three-pointer to make it 14-7.
Wallabies came back and scored through Reece Hodge to read the scores 14-12 at the breather.
The Flying Fijians kicked off the second half on a high with Waisea Nayacalevu diving to the try line taking the scores to 21-12.
Wallabies Hodge Reece penalty took the scores to 21-15.
After scoring two tries for @wallabies, your @Mastercard Player of the Match for #AUSvFIJ is front row power house Tolu Latu #StartSomethingPriceless #POTM #RWC2019 pic.twitter.com/oVsdMErrCX
— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) September 21, 2019
Tolu Latu narrowed the scores to 21-20 with a try for the Wallabies.
Tolu Latu scores a try for the wallabies [Source: World Rugby]
Latu scored his second try to give Wallabies a 25-21 lead.
Tolu Latu scores a try for the wallabies [Source: BBC]
The Flying Fijians went down to 14 players when Levani Botia was sin-binned as Samu Kerevi increased Wallabies lead to 32-21.
The Wallabies increased their lead to 39-21 with a Marika Koroibete try.
It’s been a powerful start for Fiji against Australia #AUSvFIJ #RWC2019
Follow it LIVE: https://t.co/z0BgdPH0sf
LIVE Match Centre: https://t.co/227lf49bgc pic.twitter.com/0r4w9TIVQk
— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) September 21, 2019
.@fijirugby perform their first Cibi of #RWC2019 #AUSvFIJ pic.twitter.com/AuxGknhB2G
— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) September 21, 2019
This is what it means to these players.#RWC2019 #AUSvFIJ pic.twitter.com/SVQQPyjOVB
— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) September 21, 2019
Ready to embark on their first match at Rugby World Cup 2019, @fijirugby arrive at #RWCSapporo
Watch the game LIVE at 13:45hrs (GMT+9): https://t.co/z0BgdPH0sf #RWC2019 #AUSvFIJ pic.twitter.com/P3Tcud0xsg
— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) September 21, 2019
The Flying Fijians next match is against Uruguay at 5.15pm on Wednesday.
