Hong Kong qualify for first Rugby World Cup
Hong Kong are only the second Asian nation after Japan to reach the World Cup in tournament history.
They booked a spot in the 2027 tournament in Australia, expanded to 24 teams for the first time.
"It is pretty overwhelming, and I am super proud of our group, our management and coaches and everyone involved," captain John Hrstich said.
Hong Kong just missed out on the 2019 and 2023 World Cups after reaching the final qualifying tournaments.
On Saturday in Incheon, they were too good for South Korea even after a red card to centre Ben Axten-Burrett just before halftime for head-on-head contact.
They also swept aside Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates to win the Asia Championship for a sixth straight time.
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The Advertiser
11 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Even NSW back 'legendary' Papalii's Origin swansong
Even NSW's players can concede that bringing Josh Papalii out of representative retirement for the State of Origin decider has the makings of a Queensland masterstroke. Papalii's mission on July 9 is deceptively simple: turbo-charge both the belief of the inexperienced players and the physicality of the Maroons' pack. But NSW forward and Canberra teammate Hudson Young admits he was a little surprised to see Papalii accept coach Billy Slater's call to arms. The 33-year-old has a new-born baby at home and had retired from the Origin arena ahead of the 2023 series, focusing solely on current NRL ladder leaders the Raiders thereafter. But with the series on the line in Sydney, Papalii's comeback could hardly come at a more crucial time for Queensland. "He's been saying they've been trying to get him for a few years," Young told AAP. "To be honest, I was surprised he took the offer up. He's obviously been a great player for such a long time. His form this year has been incredible, it's well-deserved. "He probably wants to challenge himself one more time." Papalii filled a similar role as elder statesman on Samoa's run to a fairytale first World Cup final berth in 2022. It's how NSW's Samoan contingent know his inclusion for Queensland will be bigger than just what he can offer on the paddock. "He's definitely going to add more value to that team," NSW winger Brian To'o told AAP. "I think that's something that really inspires not just the Samoan boys, but everyone. I know all the Samoan boys really look up to him. "He's legendary in our culture. I know that he will definitely showcase that for the Maroons as well." Samoa and NSW playmaker Jarome Luai predicted Papalii's 24th and final Origin game would carry extra significance given a possible move overseas next season. Papalii has already confirmed he will not be at the Raiders next year and has yet to sign elsewhere for 2026, though has been linked with English club St Helens. "It's a bit of a last ride for him," Luai said. "To have an experienced guy like that who's done it all in the game, he's played at a high level for so long, he can speak of his experiences, I think even being around the group, it'll be a lot better. "I'm sure he'll get up for it, the boys will get up for it for him." Even NSW's players can concede that bringing Josh Papalii out of representative retirement for the State of Origin decider has the makings of a Queensland masterstroke. Papalii's mission on July 9 is deceptively simple: turbo-charge both the belief of the inexperienced players and the physicality of the Maroons' pack. But NSW forward and Canberra teammate Hudson Young admits he was a little surprised to see Papalii accept coach Billy Slater's call to arms. The 33-year-old has a new-born baby at home and had retired from the Origin arena ahead of the 2023 series, focusing solely on current NRL ladder leaders the Raiders thereafter. But with the series on the line in Sydney, Papalii's comeback could hardly come at a more crucial time for Queensland. "He's been saying they've been trying to get him for a few years," Young told AAP. "To be honest, I was surprised he took the offer up. He's obviously been a great player for such a long time. His form this year has been incredible, it's well-deserved. "He probably wants to challenge himself one more time." Papalii filled a similar role as elder statesman on Samoa's run to a fairytale first World Cup final berth in 2022. It's how NSW's Samoan contingent know his inclusion for Queensland will be bigger than just what he can offer on the paddock. "He's definitely going to add more value to that team," NSW winger Brian To'o told AAP. "I think that's something that really inspires not just the Samoan boys, but everyone. I know all the Samoan boys really look up to him. "He's legendary in our culture. I know that he will definitely showcase that for the Maroons as well." Samoa and NSW playmaker Jarome Luai predicted Papalii's 24th and final Origin game would carry extra significance given a possible move overseas next season. Papalii has already confirmed he will not be at the Raiders next year and has yet to sign elsewhere for 2026, though has been linked with English club St Helens. "It's a bit of a last ride for him," Luai said. "To have an experienced guy like that who's done it all in the game, he's played at a high level for so long, he can speak of his experiences, I think even being around the group, it'll be a lot better. "I'm sure he'll get up for it, the boys will get up for it for him." Even NSW's players can concede that bringing Josh Papalii out of representative retirement for the State of Origin decider has the makings of a Queensland masterstroke. Papalii's mission on July 9 is deceptively simple: turbo-charge both the belief of the inexperienced players and the physicality of the Maroons' pack. But NSW forward and Canberra teammate Hudson Young admits he was a little surprised to see Papalii accept coach Billy Slater's call to arms. The 33-year-old has a new-born baby at home and had retired from the Origin arena ahead of the 2023 series, focusing solely on current NRL ladder leaders the Raiders thereafter. But with the series on the line in Sydney, Papalii's comeback could hardly come at a more crucial time for Queensland. "He's been saying they've been trying to get him for a few years," Young told AAP. "To be honest, I was surprised he took the offer up. He's obviously been a great player for such a long time. His form this year has been incredible, it's well-deserved. "He probably wants to challenge himself one more time." Papalii filled a similar role as elder statesman on Samoa's run to a fairytale first World Cup final berth in 2022. It's how NSW's Samoan contingent know his inclusion for Queensland will be bigger than just what he can offer on the paddock. "He's definitely going to add more value to that team," NSW winger Brian To'o told AAP. "I think that's something that really inspires not just the Samoan boys, but everyone. I know all the Samoan boys really look up to him. "He's legendary in our culture. I know that he will definitely showcase that for the Maroons as well." Samoa and NSW playmaker Jarome Luai predicted Papalii's 24th and final Origin game would carry extra significance given a possible move overseas next season. Papalii has already confirmed he will not be at the Raiders next year and has yet to sign elsewhere for 2026, though has been linked with English club St Helens. "It's a bit of a last ride for him," Luai said. "To have an experienced guy like that who's done it all in the game, he's played at a high level for so long, he can speak of his experiences, I think even being around the group, it'll be a lot better. "I'm sure he'll get up for it, the boys will get up for it for him."
The Advertiser
11 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Wallabies fever grips Newcastle as fans flock to stadium for Fiji clash
FIJI fans gave the sea of green and gold a run for their money as thousands of spectators swarmed McDonald Jones Stadium for the Wallabies Test showdown against Fiji on Sunday afternoon. In the dying seconds of the game, Wallabies captain Harry Wilson scored, resulting in a 21-18 win against Fiji. Wearing jerseys, waving flags and belting chants, the 28,132-strong crowd brought a roaring atmosphere to the stadium, with supporters from across the region streaming in, as well as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his Fiji counterpart Sitiveni Rabuka, for a taste of the action. Wallabies fan Belinda Casson, her husband Sam, who went to school with scrumhalf Nic White, and the kids drove down from Tamworth to cheer on the team. "It's been a while since we've actually been able to watch them play," she said. "It's great to be able to come to Newcastle to watch them, the last time we watched them was in Sydney when they played against Tonga, so to be able to come to Newcastle with all of Samuel's family here from Scone, it's great." Sunday marked the first time the Flying Fijians have played on Australian turf since 2017, with the teams having last met at the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France. The men in gold returned to McDonald Jones Stadium for their third-ever Test in the Hunter Region, having last played here against Argentina in the 2020 international season. Novocastrians Emma and Chad Hart arrived early and said it was great to have a national-level game in their hometown. "We've travelled to Fiji a few times. We do some work over there when we can for some of the local schools, and we've got quite a few Fijian friends, so Chad sticks with his mates, and I stick with the Aussies," Ms Hart said. "We wanted to give the boys the full experience, see all the entertainment, all the different food venues and relax while we get ready for it all." Newcastle has already been confirmed as a host city for the 2027 Rugby World Cup, with four pool matches to be played at the city's stadium. Ai Sariman and his wife Kim made the almost eight-hour trip to Newcastle from Cobar, the tickets bought as part of a birthday present. Mr Sariman had high hopes for the Flying Fijians while Mrs Sariman and their two kids were gunning for the Wallabies. "We drove yesterday, we're Papua New Guinean, and we've never been to Fiji, so the three of us are supporting Australia while he's supporting Fiji," Ms Sariman said. "It's something different because we've never actually been to a game, the three of us [her and the kids]." Ahead of the game, Mr Albanese told ABC Newcastle the clash was a big deal. "I expect a very, very big and loud crowd there at the stadium in Newcastle," he said. "I look forward to being in Newcastle ... but then, of course, Newcastle is hosting four of the games in the Rugby World Cup in 2027 as well, so it's a great sporting city." Mr Albanese said he looked forward to having a warm discussion with Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, who also attended the game. "The truth is that we enjoy similar sporting activities because we have similar histories and because we are part of the same region, and those personal relations are so important," he said. Mr Rabuka flew into Newcastle Airport on Saturday, where he was greeted by Newcastle lord mayor Ross Kerridge and Port Stephens mayor Leah Anderson. Cr Kerridge took Mr Rabuka to Fort Scratchley for a special firing of the historic guns, where they had the opportunity to fire off a shot across Nobbys. In a social media post, Cr Kerridge said the visit was not just about football. "It is about maintaining good relations with our South Pacific neighbours for lots of important reasons," he said. "I think we've made a good impression in that regard. "What an upbeat and exciting weekend this is proving to be. I hope everyone enjoys the game." The match kicked off at 1.30pm. FIJI fans gave the sea of green and gold a run for their money as thousands of spectators swarmed McDonald Jones Stadium for the Wallabies Test showdown against Fiji on Sunday afternoon. In the dying seconds of the game, Wallabies captain Harry Wilson scored, resulting in a 21-18 win against Fiji. Wearing jerseys, waving flags and belting chants, the 28,132-strong crowd brought a roaring atmosphere to the stadium, with supporters from across the region streaming in, as well as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his Fiji counterpart Sitiveni Rabuka, for a taste of the action. Wallabies fan Belinda Casson, her husband Sam, who went to school with scrumhalf Nic White, and the kids drove down from Tamworth to cheer on the team. "It's been a while since we've actually been able to watch them play," she said. "It's great to be able to come to Newcastle to watch them, the last time we watched them was in Sydney when they played against Tonga, so to be able to come to Newcastle with all of Samuel's family here from Scone, it's great." Sunday marked the first time the Flying Fijians have played on Australian turf since 2017, with the teams having last met at the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France. The men in gold returned to McDonald Jones Stadium for their third-ever Test in the Hunter Region, having last played here against Argentina in the 2020 international season. Novocastrians Emma and Chad Hart arrived early and said it was great to have a national-level game in their hometown. "We've travelled to Fiji a few times. We do some work over there when we can for some of the local schools, and we've got quite a few Fijian friends, so Chad sticks with his mates, and I stick with the Aussies," Ms Hart said. "We wanted to give the boys the full experience, see all the entertainment, all the different food venues and relax while we get ready for it all." Newcastle has already been confirmed as a host city for the 2027 Rugby World Cup, with four pool matches to be played at the city's stadium. Ai Sariman and his wife Kim made the almost eight-hour trip to Newcastle from Cobar, the tickets bought as part of a birthday present. Mr Sariman had high hopes for the Flying Fijians while Mrs Sariman and their two kids were gunning for the Wallabies. "We drove yesterday, we're Papua New Guinean, and we've never been to Fiji, so the three of us are supporting Australia while he's supporting Fiji," Ms Sariman said. "It's something different because we've never actually been to a game, the three of us [her and the kids]." Ahead of the game, Mr Albanese told ABC Newcastle the clash was a big deal. "I expect a very, very big and loud crowd there at the stadium in Newcastle," he said. "I look forward to being in Newcastle ... but then, of course, Newcastle is hosting four of the games in the Rugby World Cup in 2027 as well, so it's a great sporting city." Mr Albanese said he looked forward to having a warm discussion with Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, who also attended the game. "The truth is that we enjoy similar sporting activities because we have similar histories and because we are part of the same region, and those personal relations are so important," he said. Mr Rabuka flew into Newcastle Airport on Saturday, where he was greeted by Newcastle lord mayor Ross Kerridge and Port Stephens mayor Leah Anderson. Cr Kerridge took Mr Rabuka to Fort Scratchley for a special firing of the historic guns, where they had the opportunity to fire off a shot across Nobbys. In a social media post, Cr Kerridge said the visit was not just about football. "It is about maintaining good relations with our South Pacific neighbours for lots of important reasons," he said. "I think we've made a good impression in that regard. "What an upbeat and exciting weekend this is proving to be. I hope everyone enjoys the game." The match kicked off at 1.30pm. FIJI fans gave the sea of green and gold a run for their money as thousands of spectators swarmed McDonald Jones Stadium for the Wallabies Test showdown against Fiji on Sunday afternoon. In the dying seconds of the game, Wallabies captain Harry Wilson scored, resulting in a 21-18 win against Fiji. Wearing jerseys, waving flags and belting chants, the 28,132-strong crowd brought a roaring atmosphere to the stadium, with supporters from across the region streaming in, as well as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his Fiji counterpart Sitiveni Rabuka, for a taste of the action. Wallabies fan Belinda Casson, her husband Sam, who went to school with scrumhalf Nic White, and the kids drove down from Tamworth to cheer on the team. "It's been a while since we've actually been able to watch them play," she said. "It's great to be able to come to Newcastle to watch them, the last time we watched them was in Sydney when they played against Tonga, so to be able to come to Newcastle with all of Samuel's family here from Scone, it's great." Sunday marked the first time the Flying Fijians have played on Australian turf since 2017, with the teams having last met at the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France. The men in gold returned to McDonald Jones Stadium for their third-ever Test in the Hunter Region, having last played here against Argentina in the 2020 international season. Novocastrians Emma and Chad Hart arrived early and said it was great to have a national-level game in their hometown. "We've travelled to Fiji a few times. We do some work over there when we can for some of the local schools, and we've got quite a few Fijian friends, so Chad sticks with his mates, and I stick with the Aussies," Ms Hart said. "We wanted to give the boys the full experience, see all the entertainment, all the different food venues and relax while we get ready for it all." Newcastle has already been confirmed as a host city for the 2027 Rugby World Cup, with four pool matches to be played at the city's stadium. Ai Sariman and his wife Kim made the almost eight-hour trip to Newcastle from Cobar, the tickets bought as part of a birthday present. Mr Sariman had high hopes for the Flying Fijians while Mrs Sariman and their two kids were gunning for the Wallabies. "We drove yesterday, we're Papua New Guinean, and we've never been to Fiji, so the three of us are supporting Australia while he's supporting Fiji," Ms Sariman said. "It's something different because we've never actually been to a game, the three of us [her and the kids]." Ahead of the game, Mr Albanese told ABC Newcastle the clash was a big deal. "I expect a very, very big and loud crowd there at the stadium in Newcastle," he said. "I look forward to being in Newcastle ... but then, of course, Newcastle is hosting four of the games in the Rugby World Cup in 2027 as well, so it's a great sporting city." Mr Albanese said he looked forward to having a warm discussion with Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, who also attended the game. "The truth is that we enjoy similar sporting activities because we have similar histories and because we are part of the same region, and those personal relations are so important," he said. Mr Rabuka flew into Newcastle Airport on Saturday, where he was greeted by Newcastle lord mayor Ross Kerridge and Port Stephens mayor Leah Anderson. Cr Kerridge took Mr Rabuka to Fort Scratchley for a special firing of the historic guns, where they had the opportunity to fire off a shot across Nobbys. In a social media post, Cr Kerridge said the visit was not just about football. "It is about maintaining good relations with our South Pacific neighbours for lots of important reasons," he said. "I think we've made a good impression in that regard. "What an upbeat and exciting weekend this is proving to be. I hope everyone enjoys the game." The match kicked off at 1.30pm. FIJI fans gave the sea of green and gold a run for their money as thousands of spectators swarmed McDonald Jones Stadium for the Wallabies Test showdown against Fiji on Sunday afternoon. In the dying seconds of the game, Wallabies captain Harry Wilson scored, resulting in a 21-18 win against Fiji. Wearing jerseys, waving flags and belting chants, the 28,132-strong crowd brought a roaring atmosphere to the stadium, with supporters from across the region streaming in, as well as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his Fiji counterpart Sitiveni Rabuka, for a taste of the action. Wallabies fan Belinda Casson, her husband Sam, who went to school with scrumhalf Nic White, and the kids drove down from Tamworth to cheer on the team. "It's been a while since we've actually been able to watch them play," she said. "It's great to be able to come to Newcastle to watch them, the last time we watched them was in Sydney when they played against Tonga, so to be able to come to Newcastle with all of Samuel's family here from Scone, it's great." Sunday marked the first time the Flying Fijians have played on Australian turf since 2017, with the teams having last met at the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France. The men in gold returned to McDonald Jones Stadium for their third-ever Test in the Hunter Region, having last played here against Argentina in the 2020 international season. Novocastrians Emma and Chad Hart arrived early and said it was great to have a national-level game in their hometown. "We've travelled to Fiji a few times. We do some work over there when we can for some of the local schools, and we've got quite a few Fijian friends, so Chad sticks with his mates, and I stick with the Aussies," Ms Hart said. "We wanted to give the boys the full experience, see all the entertainment, all the different food venues and relax while we get ready for it all." Newcastle has already been confirmed as a host city for the 2027 Rugby World Cup, with four pool matches to be played at the city's stadium. Ai Sariman and his wife Kim made the almost eight-hour trip to Newcastle from Cobar, the tickets bought as part of a birthday present. Mr Sariman had high hopes for the Flying Fijians while Mrs Sariman and their two kids were gunning for the Wallabies. "We drove yesterday, we're Papua New Guinean, and we've never been to Fiji, so the three of us are supporting Australia while he's supporting Fiji," Ms Sariman said. "It's something different because we've never actually been to a game, the three of us [her and the kids]." Ahead of the game, Mr Albanese told ABC Newcastle the clash was a big deal. "I expect a very, very big and loud crowd there at the stadium in Newcastle," he said. "I look forward to being in Newcastle ... but then, of course, Newcastle is hosting four of the games in the Rugby World Cup in 2027 as well, so it's a great sporting city." Mr Albanese said he looked forward to having a warm discussion with Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, who also attended the game. "The truth is that we enjoy similar sporting activities because we have similar histories and because we are part of the same region, and those personal relations are so important," he said. Mr Rabuka flew into Newcastle Airport on Saturday, where he was greeted by Newcastle lord mayor Ross Kerridge and Port Stephens mayor Leah Anderson. Cr Kerridge took Mr Rabuka to Fort Scratchley for a special firing of the historic guns, where they had the opportunity to fire off a shot across Nobbys. In a social media post, Cr Kerridge said the visit was not just about football. "It is about maintaining good relations with our South Pacific neighbours for lots of important reasons," he said. "I think we've made a good impression in that regard. "What an upbeat and exciting weekend this is proving to be. I hope everyone enjoys the game." The match kicked off at 1.30pm.
The Advertiser
11 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Wallabies survive Fiji flair for comeback victory
The Wallabies have shown they have a mountain to climb to match the British and Irish Lions after clawing their way to an ugly 21-18 victory over Fiji in Newcastle. Losing their last Test against the Pacific Islanders, ending a 69-year win streak, the Australians narrowly avoided more unwanted history as Fiji looked to go back-to-back for the first time. There were shades of Saint Etienne, where the Wallabies suffered their World Cup humiliation, when Australia fell behind in the 55th minute but they managed to scramble for the much-needed win. Skipper Harry Wilson managed to get the ball down over his head with just over a minute remaining to secure a heart-stopping win. But it came at a cost with flyhalf Noah Lolesio stretchered from the field in the 60th minute after his head slammed into the turf as he was tackled. The Wallabies' bumbling performance overshadowed the Lions' own struggles ahead of the July 19 series opener in Brisbane after the tourists battled to see off an undermanned Waratahs outfit in Sydney on Saturday night. Despite perfect conditions in front of a 28,000-strong crowd for the day match at McDonald Jones Stadium and with the prime ministers of both countries in the stands, Australia failed to mount any real pressure in the first half with too many turnovers and some aimless kicking. The hosts led 14-5 at halftime with Dave Porecki opening the scoring in the eighth minute through a Wallabies maul. The hooker was playing his first Test in 652 days, sidelined in 2024 due to an achilles injury, but Porecki only last 26 minutes before being forced off due to a head knock. The Wallabies had to wait until the 36th minute when the finally strung some attack together to send Fraser McReight across the line. But they then let a 14-point lead slip when Lolesio ignored sending the ball dead for halftime and instead put a dinky kick through that Fiji pounced on. They worked the ball to Salesi Rayasi, with the debutant fullback beating three Australian defenders to put his team on the scoreboard. Australia looked to play with more width in the second half with winger Max Jorgensen crossing in the 48th minute, but the try was disallowed due to a forward pass from fullback Tom Wright in the build-up. Fellow winger Harry Potter also had a first half try denied due to Wright forward pass. Momentum then swung the Fijians way as they embraced their traditional sevens style of play, putting the Wallabies on the back foot. After a Caleb Muntz penalty they hit the lead when winger Jiuta Wainiqolo made a jinking run downfield before off-loading for flanker Lekima Tagitagivalu to score. Muntz added the extras for a 15-14 lead. They looked to have added another minutes later but the try was denied with Australia's Potter going into the touch before the ball was turned over. Another Muntz penalty in the 67th minute left Australia needing a try to snatch back the lead, with Wilson finding his way through the Fiji defence to secure the win. The Wallabies have shown they have a mountain to climb to match the British and Irish Lions after clawing their way to an ugly 21-18 victory over Fiji in Newcastle. Losing their last Test against the Pacific Islanders, ending a 69-year win streak, the Australians narrowly avoided more unwanted history as Fiji looked to go back-to-back for the first time. There were shades of Saint Etienne, where the Wallabies suffered their World Cup humiliation, when Australia fell behind in the 55th minute but they managed to scramble for the much-needed win. Skipper Harry Wilson managed to get the ball down over his head with just over a minute remaining to secure a heart-stopping win. But it came at a cost with flyhalf Noah Lolesio stretchered from the field in the 60th minute after his head slammed into the turf as he was tackled. The Wallabies' bumbling performance overshadowed the Lions' own struggles ahead of the July 19 series opener in Brisbane after the tourists battled to see off an undermanned Waratahs outfit in Sydney on Saturday night. Despite perfect conditions in front of a 28,000-strong crowd for the day match at McDonald Jones Stadium and with the prime ministers of both countries in the stands, Australia failed to mount any real pressure in the first half with too many turnovers and some aimless kicking. The hosts led 14-5 at halftime with Dave Porecki opening the scoring in the eighth minute through a Wallabies maul. The hooker was playing his first Test in 652 days, sidelined in 2024 due to an achilles injury, but Porecki only last 26 minutes before being forced off due to a head knock. The Wallabies had to wait until the 36th minute when the finally strung some attack together to send Fraser McReight across the line. But they then let a 14-point lead slip when Lolesio ignored sending the ball dead for halftime and instead put a dinky kick through that Fiji pounced on. They worked the ball to Salesi Rayasi, with the debutant fullback beating three Australian defenders to put his team on the scoreboard. Australia looked to play with more width in the second half with winger Max Jorgensen crossing in the 48th minute, but the try was disallowed due to a forward pass from fullback Tom Wright in the build-up. Fellow winger Harry Potter also had a first half try denied due to Wright forward pass. Momentum then swung the Fijians way as they embraced their traditional sevens style of play, putting the Wallabies on the back foot. After a Caleb Muntz penalty they hit the lead when winger Jiuta Wainiqolo made a jinking run downfield before off-loading for flanker Lekima Tagitagivalu to score. Muntz added the extras for a 15-14 lead. They looked to have added another minutes later but the try was denied with Australia's Potter going into the touch before the ball was turned over. Another Muntz penalty in the 67th minute left Australia needing a try to snatch back the lead, with Wilson finding his way through the Fiji defence to secure the win. The Wallabies have shown they have a mountain to climb to match the British and Irish Lions after clawing their way to an ugly 21-18 victory over Fiji in Newcastle. Losing their last Test against the Pacific Islanders, ending a 69-year win streak, the Australians narrowly avoided more unwanted history as Fiji looked to go back-to-back for the first time. There were shades of Saint Etienne, where the Wallabies suffered their World Cup humiliation, when Australia fell behind in the 55th minute but they managed to scramble for the much-needed win. Skipper Harry Wilson managed to get the ball down over his head with just over a minute remaining to secure a heart-stopping win. But it came at a cost with flyhalf Noah Lolesio stretchered from the field in the 60th minute after his head slammed into the turf as he was tackled. The Wallabies' bumbling performance overshadowed the Lions' own struggles ahead of the July 19 series opener in Brisbane after the tourists battled to see off an undermanned Waratahs outfit in Sydney on Saturday night. Despite perfect conditions in front of a 28,000-strong crowd for the day match at McDonald Jones Stadium and with the prime ministers of both countries in the stands, Australia failed to mount any real pressure in the first half with too many turnovers and some aimless kicking. The hosts led 14-5 at halftime with Dave Porecki opening the scoring in the eighth minute through a Wallabies maul. The hooker was playing his first Test in 652 days, sidelined in 2024 due to an achilles injury, but Porecki only last 26 minutes before being forced off due to a head knock. The Wallabies had to wait until the 36th minute when the finally strung some attack together to send Fraser McReight across the line. But they then let a 14-point lead slip when Lolesio ignored sending the ball dead for halftime and instead put a dinky kick through that Fiji pounced on. They worked the ball to Salesi Rayasi, with the debutant fullback beating three Australian defenders to put his team on the scoreboard. Australia looked to play with more width in the second half with winger Max Jorgensen crossing in the 48th minute, but the try was disallowed due to a forward pass from fullback Tom Wright in the build-up. Fellow winger Harry Potter also had a first half try denied due to Wright forward pass. Momentum then swung the Fijians way as they embraced their traditional sevens style of play, putting the Wallabies on the back foot. After a Caleb Muntz penalty they hit the lead when winger Jiuta Wainiqolo made a jinking run downfield before off-loading for flanker Lekima Tagitagivalu to score. Muntz added the extras for a 15-14 lead. They looked to have added another minutes later but the try was denied with Australia's Potter going into the touch before the ball was turned over. Another Muntz penalty in the 67th minute left Australia needing a try to snatch back the lead, with Wilson finding his way through the Fiji defence to secure the win.
