Fiji beat Australia for only the third time in their history – and the first time in 69 years – with a 22-15 win at the Rugby World Cup at Stade Geoffroy-Guichard in Saint-Etienne on Sunday.
Simione Kuruvoli put on an excellent kicking display to put Fiji 12-8 to the good at half-time before Josua Tuisova extended their lead shortly after the restart.
The deficit was cut late on when Lalakai Foketi crossed, but the two-time winners were unable to build a comeback as they suffered defeat for the first time at this year’s tournament.
The result makes for interesting viewing in Pool C, as the Fijians overtake Australia and enter the qualifying positions while Eddie Jones’ team drop to third.
Despite sensationally leapfrogging Sunday’s opponents, both teams are locked on six points after two matches with a win and a loss each. Fiji’s head-to-head record means they moved up to second.
The win for Simon Raiwalui’s side was a crucial one, with only two teams from each pool qualifying for the quarter-finals.
After defeat to Wales in their opening game, the chances of Fiji advancing beyond the group stages looked bleak.
But an important victory against Australia has given them hope and their tails will be up when they face Georgia, who lost their opening match to the Australians.
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