Wallabies edge Fiji 21-18 with last-gasp try in Newcastle

Australia 21-18 Fiji, Newcastle

In a dramatic and high-intensity contest at McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle, the Wallabies clawed their way to a tense 21-18 victory over a spirited Fijian side on Sunday.

What was billed as a routine warm-up ahead of the British & Irish Lions tour quickly turned into a gritty battle, with Australia needing a final-minute try from captain Harry Wilson to avoid a stunning upset.

Australia opened the match with purpose and physicality, setting the tone early through their forwards. In the 9th minute, they were rewarded when hooker Dave Porecki finished off a well-constructed driving maul to open the scoring. Noah Lolesio added the conversion, giving the Wallabies a 7-0 lead.

They continued to dominate possession and territory, patiently building pressure. Just before halftime, in the 39th minute, the Wallabies struck again.

This time, it was flanker Fraser McReight who dotted down after slick hands from the backline created an opening on the right wing. With Lolesio converting, Australia took a 14-0 lead into the break.

Fiji exploded into action as the second half began. Just seconds after the restart, winger Salesi Rayasi broke through the defensive line and scored in the corner. Though the conversion was missed, the try gave the Pacific Islanders a foothold, cutting the lead to 14-5.

In the 51st minute, Fiji closed the gap further as Caleb Muntz slotted a penalty, bringing the score to 14-8. Then came the turning point: in the 55th minute, Fiji launched a sweeping counterattack from their own half.

A brilliant line break and quick recycling saw Lekima Tagitagivalu finish in the corner. Muntz converted to send Fiji ahead 15-14, turning the match on its head.

Australia looked rattled and were dealt another blow when Noah Lolesio left the field with a neck concern.

Ben Donaldson came on at fly-half, but the Wallabies’ attack lost shape and flow. Fiji capitalised, with Muntz slotting another penalty in the 68th minute, stretching their lead to 18-14.

The Wallabies, desperate to avoid a morale-denting loss ahead of their crucial series against the Lions, mounted one final assault. With time running out and Fiji defending resolutely, Australia worked their way into the red zone through repeated pick-and-go phases.

In the 79th minute, captain Harry Wilson took responsibility, spinning through contact and crashing over the line for the decisive try. Donaldson, under pressure, converted from near the posts to reclaim the lead at 21-18.

With just seconds left, Australia safely collected the restart, and Donaldson kicked into touch to end a match that had veered dangerously close to an upset.