Rugby World Cup: Wallabies player ratings vs Fiji

By Jan de Koning, Rugby365

The Wallabies fought back to avoid a catastrophic result at the World Cup, needing two tries from hooker Tolu Latu to help see off Fiji 39-21 in Sapporo.

railing 21-12 with half-an-hour remaining on Saturday, the Australian pack took command in a period when Fiji was reduced to 14 men through a yellow card – to ensure they dodged what would have been one of the worst results in their tournament history.

Despite ultimately scoring six tries to two, there is plenty of work for Michael Cheika’s men to do before playing Wales next week after an error-riddled first-half performance in which they had been bullied by the Fijians.

15. Kurtley Beale:

Coped well with the assortment of high bombs that rained down on him, but was largely anonymous on attack – making just one metre from his two carries.

5/10

14. Reece Hodge:

Got steam-rolled a couple of times by Fijian runners and was lucky to escape for an illegal shoulder charge, but bounced by to score a crucial try late in the first half.

5/10

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13. James O’Connor:

Struggled with the monstrous Fijian runners, but showed some neat skills when he did have the ball in hand.

5/10

12. Samu Kerevi:

Returned the favour to the big Fijians with some powerful runs of his own. However, was a touch selfish and cost his team a certain try when they were a man up in the second half.

6/10