Pool D
AUSTRALIA 39
FIJI 21
Saturday 21 September Sapporo Dome. Att: 36,482
IN THIS MATCH
Allan Alaalatoa emulated his father by playing in a RWC, although for different countries – Allan for Australia and Vili for Samoa (1991). Brother Michael was part of the Samoa squad in Japan too.
TURNING POINT
Reece Hodge’s tackle on Peceli Yato midway through the first half ended the flanker’s involvement due to concussion – and he’d been Fiji’s best player until then. Hodge’s subsequent three-match ban did the islanders no good as they couldn’t capitalise on the dangerous tackle during the game and the Aussies hit back through their set-piece.
WINNERS’ PODIUM
Centre James O’Connor: “One-on-one across their back-line probably no one can do as much damage. It was about containing them and playing our footy. We started manipulating them well.”
AND THE LOSERS…
Captain Dominiko Waqaniburotu: “It’s still a work-on for us, the discipline side of the game. It still hurts us in games.”
TEAM LINE-UPS
AUSTRALIA K Beale (D Haylett-Petty 70); R Hodge, J O’Connor, S Kerevi, M Koroibete; C Lealiifano (M Toomua 59), N White (W Genia 52); S Sio (J Slipper 63), T Latu (J Uelese 63), A Alaalatoa (S Kepu 63), I Rodda, R Arnold (A Coleman 68), D Pocock, M Hooper (capt), I Naisarani (L Salakaia-Loto 57). Tries (6): Hooper 18, Hodge 36, Latu 57, 62, Kerevi 69, Koroibete 72. Cons: Lealiifano, Toomua 2. Pen: Hodge.
FIJI K Murimurivalu (A Veitokani 74); J Tuisova (V Goneva 63), W Nayacalevu, L Botia, S Radradra; B Volavola, F Lomani (N Matawalu 71); C Ma’afu (E Mawi 57), S Matavesi (T Vugakoto 74), P Ravai (M Saulo 57), T Cavubati, L Nakarawa, D Waqaniburotu (capt), P Yato (M Voka 26), V Mata (T Ratuva h-t). Tries (2): Yato 8, Nayacalevu 44. Con: Volavola. Pens: Volavola 3.
Botia 61.
Ben O’Keeffe (New Zealand)
