7 hours ago
6
Gave away a scrum penalty after just two minutes for angling in illegally, and the Wallabies will have to work closely with scum coach Mike Cron before they face the Lions in the first Test – especially after teammate Taniela Tupou struggled for the Waratahs against the Lions on Saturday evening and given the focus on scrumming squarely.
4. Nick Frost - 6.5
Led tackle count for Australia (23) and won nine lineouts. Played a strong part in the Wallabies’ early success in the rolling mauls.
5. Jeremy Williams - 5
Not a great outing for this talented player. Was pinged for an obvious obstruction with the Wallabies desperately chasing a win late in the game on an attacking lineout metres out from the Fiji line. His lack of discipline could have proved highly costly. An abrasive presence as ever, though.
6. Langi Gleeson - 6.5
Was desperate to impress on his return for the Wallabies and made a strong start with biting carries at the Fiji defence. Led the Wallabies in beating four defenders while carrying 20 metres.
7. Fraser McReight - 7
Scored a fine try and was at the centre of the Wallabies’ work at the breakdown, coming up with two crucial steals.
8. Harry Wilson - 6.5
Calmness under pressure was never more evident than when, with his team doing everything possible to lose the game, he spun and somehow touched the ball down over the line to rescue victory with just minutes left. Also impressed getting up to steal a Fiji lineout.
9. Tate McDermott- 6
The halfback was lively with his trademark snipes early in the game, but his influence waned as the Fijians found their rhythm.
10. Noah Lolesio - 4.5
Left the field in a neck brace, but waved to the crowd to signal he was OK. Whether he will be fit to return for the Wallabies Test series with the Lions is another matter. Lolesio’s game management was poor and with half-time looming, he put over a risky chip-kick that was plucked by Fiji and finished by Salesi Rayasi for a try.
Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii of the Wallabies runs with the ballCredit: Getty Images
11. Max Jorgensen - 6
Looked dangerous on his return from injury, but wasn’t perfect – with an unforced knock-on after 70 minutes and three missed tackles.
12. Len Ikitau - 6
Had some lovely early touches, with a trademark flick to bamboozle the Fijian defence. Missed three tackles which is frustrating from a man of his defensive quality. Led with 14 carries.
13. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii - 6
Relished the one-on-one battle with Fiji star Josua Tuisova. His reads in defence were largely sound and had some nice touches that exploited space. His understanding with Ikitau is still there from November.
14. Harry Potter - 5.5
Kicked the ball almost every time he received it, almost certainly acting under instructions. It rarely came off in the way he would have liked. Showed up well in aerial battles.
15. Tom Wright - 5
A consistently world-class player who will not remember this game with much fondness. Two Wallabies tries were rubbed out due to his forward passes. Was unable to find the space to run the ball and was shackled.
16. Billy Pollard - 5
Came on far earlier than expected. Was busy in the loose but shaky with his lineout throwing.
17. Angus Bell - 5
Limited to just five carries in his 34 minutes on the field after coming on for James Slipper. Will be a key starter in the Test series.
18. Zane Nonggorr- 5
Went about his business quietly but didn’t look out of place.
19. Tom Hooper - 6.5
Reminded Australia of his quality in a 16-minute cameo. Led team in carries per minute.
20. Carlo Tizzano - 5
Will be frustrated he wasn’t able to stamp his authority on the breakdown in his 23 minutes.
21. Nic White - 6
Brought calmness and a strong kicking game when the Wallabies needed it.
22. Ben Donaldson- 5
Did his job effectively, kicking to the corner with the game on the line.
23. Filipo Daugunu - 5
Didn’t get an opportunity to impact the game at all.
