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Yahoo
17 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Last-gasp try saves Australia against Fiji
Fraser McReight (R) scored one of Australia's tries in their win over Fiji (SAEED KHAN) Wallabies skipper Harry Wilson scored a last-gasp converted try to deny a valiant Fiji 21-18 Sunday and avoid an embarrassing defeat ahead of their three-Test series with British and Irish Lions. In their lone game before facing Andy Farrell's tourists, Australia blew a 14-0 lead in front of a full house in Newcastle, north of Sydney, before Wilson saved their blushes with a minute to go. Advertisement It helped erase memories of their stunning 22-15 upset by Fiji during a torturous 2023 World Cup campaign when led by Eddie Jones -- their first defeat to the Pacific Islanders in 69 years. But it will have done nothing to strike fear into the Lions, with Australia guilty of missed chances and silly mistakes, denied two tries for forward passes. They were without injured big guns Rob Valetini, Will Skelton and Jake Gordon and their presence was missed. With Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his Fijian counterpart Sitiveni Rabuka watching, the hosts came out of the blocks with all guns blazing. Advertisement They launched relentless attacks and got their reward on eight minutes with hooker David Porecki, in his first start since the 2023 World Cup, finishing off a driving maul from a lineout as the Fiji defence collapsed. Noah Lolesio added the extras for a 7-0 lead. Australia looked to have nabbed their second try from a sweeping left-right move that saw wing Harry Potter dot down. But the referee called them back for a forward pass by fullback Tom Wright. Undeterred, they kept pressing, spending sustained periods inside the Fijian half, but chances went begging as they conceded a host of turnovers and breakdown penalties. Advertisement They finally converted another opportunity two minutes before half-time, with flanker Fraser McReight finishing an attack aided by superb hands from Len Ikitau and Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii. But Australia then went to sleep as the hooter sounded when Fiji collected from the restart and strung together a series of passes that ended with Salesi Rayasi's try to send them to the break trailing the Wallabies 14-5. Fiji slotted a penalty after the restart to stay in touch and were fortunate when another Wallabies try was disallowed. As in the first case, the referee saw a forward pass in the build-up, again by Wright. Advertisement It was a costly error as Jiuta Wainiqolo ran the length of the field minutes later, carving through the defence to set up Lekima Tagitagivalu for a stunning converted try to put Fiji in front 15-14. A ragged Australia had a huge let off almost immediately when another Fiji try was disallowed and adding to their woes, Lolesio was helped off the field with a neck injury. Caleb Muntz drilled a penalty to boost Fiji's lead and they looked destined to win before a desperate late surge from Australia that saw Wilson bust his way over with Ben Donaldson converting the kick. mp/tc
The Advertiser
5 days ago
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Fiji looking forward rather than at Wallabies triumph
While the Wallabies have tried to forget their Rugby World Cup horror show, Fiji also aren't dwelling on one of their greatest triumphs. In their last meeting in 2023, the Fijians broke a 69-year drought by beating Australia 22-15 in France to effectively send them packing from the tournament. Ahead of Sunday's Test in Newcastle, Wallabies flanker Fraser McReight admitted watching vision this week was the first time he'd revisited the game. Fiji coach Mick Byrne, a former Wallabies, All Blacks and Scotland assistant, said they also weren't fixated on that match given the change in Australia's coach and player personnel. Joe Schmidt has replaced Eddie Jones, while it's likely only eight or nine Wallabies players from the Saint Etienne clash - with Ben Donaldson and Nic White the only possible backs - will feature in the match-day 23 this week. Byrne, who has also taken over as coach from Simon Raiwalui, has 14 players backing up as he selects a line-up from 13 Drua players, 10 from the Top 14 in France and five from the England premiership when teams are named on Friday. "It's a different coaching group, they're playing a different brand of rugby to what was played back then," Byrne said of the Wallabies. "We've been looking at them at their last time out in November, and I think that, knowing the team that the coaching team have put together, they're going very well. "I'm not sure they'll have their eye on two years ago, so I think they'll have their eye firmly planted on Sunday, and we've got the same, it's the game in front of us, that's the most important one." The Pacific Islanders also claimed the scalp of Wales in Cardiff last November and Bill Mata, who has joined their camp in Newcastle from the Bristol Bears, said such results had given the players belief. "Totally, we've done it once, so surely we can do it again and to get a win over Australia in Australia, that would be massive for the whole team," said Mata, who started at No.8 in their World Cup clash. With their first Test against the British and Irish Lions looming in Brisbane on July 19, the Wallabies are juggling two different preparations and timelines but Byrne believed master tactician Schmidt will have his team primed. "I think they'll be well-versed in their game as they've had camps and they've been together for two weeks so they'll know the sort of rugby they want to play. "They have the same coaching group from last year and they may have tweaked a few things but I expect that they'll be pretty well versed in what they need to do, and they'll be able to come out on Sunday and present themselves at their best." The match will be attended by Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese and his Fijian counterpart Sitiveni Rabuka, and Byrne said he would like the Vuvale Bowl to be an annual Test fixture. Fiji are hosting Scotland in Suva following the Wallabies Test. "An annual home and away series would be awesome - get Australia out of their comfort zone and come and play us in in Suva or in Fiji somewhere, that would be awesome," Byrne said. While the Wallabies have tried to forget their Rugby World Cup horror show, Fiji also aren't dwelling on one of their greatest triumphs. In their last meeting in 2023, the Fijians broke a 69-year drought by beating Australia 22-15 in France to effectively send them packing from the tournament. Ahead of Sunday's Test in Newcastle, Wallabies flanker Fraser McReight admitted watching vision this week was the first time he'd revisited the game. Fiji coach Mick Byrne, a former Wallabies, All Blacks and Scotland assistant, said they also weren't fixated on that match given the change in Australia's coach and player personnel. Joe Schmidt has replaced Eddie Jones, while it's likely only eight or nine Wallabies players from the Saint Etienne clash - with Ben Donaldson and Nic White the only possible backs - will feature in the match-day 23 this week. Byrne, who has also taken over as coach from Simon Raiwalui, has 14 players backing up as he selects a line-up from 13 Drua players, 10 from the Top 14 in France and five from the England premiership when teams are named on Friday. "It's a different coaching group, they're playing a different brand of rugby to what was played back then," Byrne said of the Wallabies. "We've been looking at them at their last time out in November, and I think that, knowing the team that the coaching team have put together, they're going very well. "I'm not sure they'll have their eye on two years ago, so I think they'll have their eye firmly planted on Sunday, and we've got the same, it's the game in front of us, that's the most important one." The Pacific Islanders also claimed the scalp of Wales in Cardiff last November and Bill Mata, who has joined their camp in Newcastle from the Bristol Bears, said such results had given the players belief. "Totally, we've done it once, so surely we can do it again and to get a win over Australia in Australia, that would be massive for the whole team," said Mata, who started at No.8 in their World Cup clash. With their first Test against the British and Irish Lions looming in Brisbane on July 19, the Wallabies are juggling two different preparations and timelines but Byrne believed master tactician Schmidt will have his team primed. "I think they'll be well-versed in their game as they've had camps and they've been together for two weeks so they'll know the sort of rugby they want to play. "They have the same coaching group from last year and they may have tweaked a few things but I expect that they'll be pretty well versed in what they need to do, and they'll be able to come out on Sunday and present themselves at their best." The match will be attended by Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese and his Fijian counterpart Sitiveni Rabuka, and Byrne said he would like the Vuvale Bowl to be an annual Test fixture. Fiji are hosting Scotland in Suva following the Wallabies Test. "An annual home and away series would be awesome - get Australia out of their comfort zone and come and play us in in Suva or in Fiji somewhere, that would be awesome," Byrne said. While the Wallabies have tried to forget their Rugby World Cup horror show, Fiji also aren't dwelling on one of their greatest triumphs. In their last meeting in 2023, the Fijians broke a 69-year drought by beating Australia 22-15 in France to effectively send them packing from the tournament. Ahead of Sunday's Test in Newcastle, Wallabies flanker Fraser McReight admitted watching vision this week was the first time he'd revisited the game. Fiji coach Mick Byrne, a former Wallabies, All Blacks and Scotland assistant, said they also weren't fixated on that match given the change in Australia's coach and player personnel. Joe Schmidt has replaced Eddie Jones, while it's likely only eight or nine Wallabies players from the Saint Etienne clash - with Ben Donaldson and Nic White the only possible backs - will feature in the match-day 23 this week. Byrne, who has also taken over as coach from Simon Raiwalui, has 14 players backing up as he selects a line-up from 13 Drua players, 10 from the Top 14 in France and five from the England premiership when teams are named on Friday. "It's a different coaching group, they're playing a different brand of rugby to what was played back then," Byrne said of the Wallabies. "We've been looking at them at their last time out in November, and I think that, knowing the team that the coaching team have put together, they're going very well. "I'm not sure they'll have their eye on two years ago, so I think they'll have their eye firmly planted on Sunday, and we've got the same, it's the game in front of us, that's the most important one." The Pacific Islanders also claimed the scalp of Wales in Cardiff last November and Bill Mata, who has joined their camp in Newcastle from the Bristol Bears, said such results had given the players belief. "Totally, we've done it once, so surely we can do it again and to get a win over Australia in Australia, that would be massive for the whole team," said Mata, who started at No.8 in their World Cup clash. With their first Test against the British and Irish Lions looming in Brisbane on July 19, the Wallabies are juggling two different preparations and timelines but Byrne believed master tactician Schmidt will have his team primed. "I think they'll be well-versed in their game as they've had camps and they've been together for two weeks so they'll know the sort of rugby they want to play. "They have the same coaching group from last year and they may have tweaked a few things but I expect that they'll be pretty well versed in what they need to do, and they'll be able to come out on Sunday and present themselves at their best." The match will be attended by Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese and his Fijian counterpart Sitiveni Rabuka, and Byrne said he would like the Vuvale Bowl to be an annual Test fixture. Fiji are hosting Scotland in Suva following the Wallabies Test. "An annual home and away series would be awesome - get Australia out of their comfort zone and come and play us in in Suva or in Fiji somewhere, that would be awesome," Byrne said.
Perth Now
5 days ago
- Sport
- Perth Now
Fiji looking forward rather than at Wallabies triumph
While the Wallabies have tried to forget their Rugby World Cup horror show, Fiji also aren't dwelling on one of their greatest triumphs. In their last meeting in 2023, the Fijians broke a 69-year drought by beating Australia 22-15 in France to effectively send them packing from the tournament. Ahead of Sunday's Test in Newcastle, Wallabies flanker Fraser McReight admitted watching vision this week was the first time he'd revisited the game. Fiji coach Mick Byrne, a former Wallabies, All Blacks and Scotland assistant, said they also weren't fixated on that match given the change in Australia's coach and player personnel. Joe Schmidt has replaced Eddie Jones, while it's likely only eight or nine Wallabies players from the Saint Etienne clash - with Ben Donaldson and Nic White the only possible backs - will feature in the match-day 23 this week. Byrne, who has also taken over as coach from Simon Raiwalui, has 14 players backing up as he selects a line-up from 13 Drua players, 10 from the Top 14 in France and five from the England premiership when teams are named on Friday. "It's a different coaching group, they're playing a different brand of rugby to what was played back then," Byrne said of the Wallabies. "We've been looking at them at their last time out in November, and I think that, knowing the team that the coaching team have put together, they're going very well. "I'm not sure they'll have their eye on two years ago, so I think they'll have their eye firmly planted on Sunday, and we've got the same, it's the game in front of us, that's the most important one." The Pacific Islanders also claimed the scalp of Wales in Cardiff last November and Bill Mata, who has joined their camp in Newcastle from the Bristol Bears, said such results had given the players belief. "Totally, we've done it once, so surely we can do it again and to get a win over Australia in Australia, that would be massive for the whole team," said Mata, who started at No.8 in their World Cup clash. With their first Test against the British and Irish Lions looming in Brisbane on July 19, the Wallabies are juggling two different preparations and timelines but Byrne believed master tactician Schmidt will have his team primed. "I think they'll be well-versed in their game as they've had camps and they've been together for two weeks so they'll know the sort of rugby they want to play. "They have the same coaching group from last year and they may have tweaked a few things but I expect that they'll be pretty well versed in what they need to do, and they'll be able to come out on Sunday and present themselves at their best." The match will be attended by Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese and his Fijian counterpart Sitiveni Rabuka, and Byrne said he would like the Vuvale Bowl to be an annual Test fixture. Fiji are hosting Scotland in Suva following the Wallabies Test. "An annual home and away series would be awesome - get Australia out of their comfort zone and come and play us in in Suva or in Fiji somewhere, that would be awesome," Byrne said.
Wales Online
19-06-2025
- Sport
- Wales Online
Lions to play eight different opponents on tour as two special teams formed
Lions to play eight different opponents on tour as two special teams formed From Argentina in Dublin to a string of Super Rugby heavyweights, here is who Andy Farrell's side will take on Jac Morgan and the Lions face a number of different teams in Australia (Image: 2025 Getty Images ) It is not just Australia who lie in wait this summer – the Lions will take on seven other teams as part of the tour. All the fixtures are fully confirmed, with games in Australia kicking off at 11am UK time. After Friday's match against Argentina in Dublin, the tour will begin as a host of Super Rugby sides and special invitational teams await the challenge of facing the iconic team from Britain and Ireland. Here's a look at what to expect… Argentina: Friday, 20 June (8pm KO) Visitors to Dublin for the Lions' first-ever match in Ireland this Friday, Argentina have flown under the radar of late despite having an impressive 2024/25 season. They beat South Africa, New Zealand, and Australia in the Rugby Championship, eventually finishing third, only two points behind The All Blacks. Article continues below They have stars across their 23, with recognisable names like Julian Montoya, Santiago Carreras and Juan Martín González all plying their trade in the Premiership. Los Pumas will present a tough test to start the 2025 Tour. Western Force: Saturday, 28 June (11am KO) The Lions' first opponents on tour, Perth-based Western Force, are Australia's weakest Super Rugby side. With four wins from a possible 14, they comfortably missed the Super Rugby Finals despite showing flashes of the team they could be in years to come. The Force's squad features Wallabies Ben Donaldson and Carlo Tizzano, amongst others, and could cause trouble for the Lions on their day. Openside flanker Tizzano has been in particularly fine form for club and country, leading Super Rugby in tackles in 2024 and impressing in Green and Gold last autumn. Queensland Reds, Wednesday, 2 July (11am KO) The Queensland Reds are perennially there or thereabouts in Super Rugby. Led by the likes of Fraser McReight, Tate McDermott and Harry Wilson, they play a flash brand of rugby that can be brilliant to watch at times. Jac Morgan of Wales and Fraser McReight of Australia at full time. Head coach Les Kiss's main issue is finding consistency, as they have built a tendency to let half-time leads slip and have suffered some damaging defeats late in games. New South Wales Waratahs, Saturday, 5 July (11am KO) The Waratahs have had an up-and-down season in Super Rugby but may boast the most star power of any of the Australian sides, with Joseph Sua'ali'I shining the brightest. The cross-code star phenom is a truly dynamic athlete who can often beat teams on his own. With talent elsewhere in the 23, including Taniela Tupou, Jake Gordon, and Angus Bell, the Tahs could cause the tourists problems if they find the same form that helped them beat the table-topping Chiefs in April. ACT Brumbies, Wednesday, 9 July (11am KO) With nine wins from 13, the Brumbies were the shining light of Australian rugby during the regular season and made the Finals with ease, including a statement win over the Auckland Blues at Eden Park. Their squad is packed with Wallabies, including flying full-back Tom Wright, but they were well beaten 37-17 by Waikato Chiefs in the semi-finals. The cross-code star, formerly of the Manly Sea Eagles, has scored 10 tries in 37 appearances for the Wallabies, including a hat-trick against Wales in the autumn. When he is in top form, the Brumbies usually are too. Invitational Australia & New Zealand, Saturday, 12 July (11am KO) The Australia & New Zealand invitational side is one of two wild cards on the tour. This team will likely be made up mainly of players currently playing in Japan. Such names would include the likes of Aaron Smtih, Richie Mo'unga and Samu Kerevi, so the 23 aren't to be written off. They will be led by Reds head coach Les Kiss, who will then become Wallabies head coach after the Lions tour. First Nations & Pasifika XV, Tuesday, 22 July (11am KO) Like the Aus & NZ XV, there is not yet too much indication of who will be playing for the First Nations & Pasifika. It is a combination of players from First Nation and Polynesian heritage, which opens up some intriguing options. Ardie Savea, Kurtley Beale, and Will Genia are all available for selection, with Genia sending out a 'come and get me' plea to both of the invitational sides' head coaches. The Wallabies, Saturday, 19 July; Saturday 26 July; Saturday, August 2 (all 11am KO) Article continues below As 2023 turned into 2024, before the arrival of Joe Schmidt, the Wallabies seemed to be in disarray. With the Lions tour looming, many were predicting a complete tour whitewash. Just over a year later, however, Schmidt has righted the ship, and Australia are ready to tear into the tourists. Although they finished bottom of the Rugby Championship, their performance in the autumn has raised hopes as they beat both England and Wales away from home.
The Advertiser
17-06-2025
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Super Rugby spin-off: new comp to fix fixture shortage
Rugby Australia have moved to fill a gaping, five-year fixtures hole by confirming a rapid-fire Super Rugby AUS tournament. The ACT Brumbies, NSW Waratahs, Queensland Reds and Western Force will face off against each other over three rounds in September, with the top two teams then contesting a grand final on October 5. The national under-19 competition will run alongside it and include multiple double-headers. It comes five years after the second-tier National Rugby Championship was axed as part of cost-saving measures following the COVID-19 pandemic. That competition nurtured players like Harry Wilson and Fraser McReight, as well as coaches like Brad Thorn, before they burst onto the Super Rugby scene with the Queensland Reds. But its absence has created a troublesome gap, and lack of domestic playing opportunities compared to rival nations, that has finally been addressed. "We have worked closely with the Super Rugby clubs to identify a suitable window within our domestic competition calendar to play more meaningful, quality matches," RA high performance boss Ben Whitaker said in a statement on Tuesday. "This first iteration of Super Rugby AUS will address that need, support the ongoing growth and development of the players and high performance staff, and give rugby fans more opportunities to watch their favourite Super Rugby teams in action. "The Super Rugby Pacific season is relatively short and sharp, and the contracted players who aren't involved with Wallabies can go a long time between games at that level, especially once club rugby finals commence in August." Venues and kick-off times are yet to be finalised. Rugby Australia have moved to fill a gaping, five-year fixtures hole by confirming a rapid-fire Super Rugby AUS tournament. The ACT Brumbies, NSW Waratahs, Queensland Reds and Western Force will face off against each other over three rounds in September, with the top two teams then contesting a grand final on October 5. The national under-19 competition will run alongside it and include multiple double-headers. It comes five years after the second-tier National Rugby Championship was axed as part of cost-saving measures following the COVID-19 pandemic. That competition nurtured players like Harry Wilson and Fraser McReight, as well as coaches like Brad Thorn, before they burst onto the Super Rugby scene with the Queensland Reds. But its absence has created a troublesome gap, and lack of domestic playing opportunities compared to rival nations, that has finally been addressed. "We have worked closely with the Super Rugby clubs to identify a suitable window within our domestic competition calendar to play more meaningful, quality matches," RA high performance boss Ben Whitaker said in a statement on Tuesday. "This first iteration of Super Rugby AUS will address that need, support the ongoing growth and development of the players and high performance staff, and give rugby fans more opportunities to watch their favourite Super Rugby teams in action. "The Super Rugby Pacific season is relatively short and sharp, and the contracted players who aren't involved with Wallabies can go a long time between games at that level, especially once club rugby finals commence in August." Venues and kick-off times are yet to be finalised. Rugby Australia have moved to fill a gaping, five-year fixtures hole by confirming a rapid-fire Super Rugby AUS tournament. The ACT Brumbies, NSW Waratahs, Queensland Reds and Western Force will face off against each other over three rounds in September, with the top two teams then contesting a grand final on October 5. The national under-19 competition will run alongside it and include multiple double-headers. It comes five years after the second-tier National Rugby Championship was axed as part of cost-saving measures following the COVID-19 pandemic. That competition nurtured players like Harry Wilson and Fraser McReight, as well as coaches like Brad Thorn, before they burst onto the Super Rugby scene with the Queensland Reds. But its absence has created a troublesome gap, and lack of domestic playing opportunities compared to rival nations, that has finally been addressed. "We have worked closely with the Super Rugby clubs to identify a suitable window within our domestic competition calendar to play more meaningful, quality matches," RA high performance boss Ben Whitaker said in a statement on Tuesday. "This first iteration of Super Rugby AUS will address that need, support the ongoing growth and development of the players and high performance staff, and give rugby fans more opportunities to watch their favourite Super Rugby teams in action. "The Super Rugby Pacific season is relatively short and sharp, and the contracted players who aren't involved with Wallabies can go a long time between games at that level, especially once club rugby finals commence in August." Venues and kick-off times are yet to be finalised.
