NEWCASTLE: Fiji’s coach Mick Byrne hinted that his team was spurred on by a sense of underappreciation before they nearly upset the Wallabies in a tightly contested match on Sunday. The focus of the Australian rugby community has largely revolved around the British and Irish Lions tour, currently underway with three games played, leading up to the first Test in Brisbane on July 19.
A last-minute try from Wallabies captain Harry Wilson secured a 21-18 win for Australia in Newcastle. Despite Fiji’s lower ranking of ninth compared to Australia’s eighth, they had previously triumphed over the Wallabies during their last encounter at the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France.
"I hope the Wallabies feel well-prepared," Byrne remarked after the match. "Our performance shouldn’t be underestimated; we are coming for them." He stressed that, contrary to claims, the match was not just a warm-up for the Australians but a significant test.
Australian coach Joe Schmidt acknowledged Fiji’s performance, admitting that their full attention hadn’t been directed towards Fiji due to their commitment to the Lions tour. "It’s challenging to maintain focus with so much going on," he said, although he emphasised that teams must be ready to seize crucial moments in any match.
Furthermore, Byrne expressed his desire for Rugby Australia to schedule a Test match in Fiji, while also questioning the refereeing decision that disallowed a potential second-half try for Fiji’s Sireli Maqala. In that instance, replays showed Wallabies winger Harry Potter had stepped out of bounds during the build-up to the try.
"I need to confirm the ruling with World Rugby," Byrne commented, referencing a similar incident earlier in the season where a try was overturned due to a prior error. "I thought we could only review plays from the possession of the team that scored. I need clarification on going back to opposition possession as well, as it raises more questions."
The match showcased Fiji’s potential and highlighted their determination to be taken seriously on the world stage, as well as the need for ongoing discussions about officiating standards in rugby.