OUR Fiji Airways Flying Fijians put up a gallant performance against Australia only to be denied a victory at Sapporo Dome in Hokkaido, Japan yesterday.
After leading for most of the match, the Fijian defence crumbled to the Wallabies to lose 39-21.
For 62 minutes the Fijian white wall stood strong but then it crumbled, allowing Australia to score 27 points to clinch the match.
Flying Fijians coach John McKee admitted the team will need to work on its defence before it runs out against Uruguay at the Kamaishi Recovery Memorial Stadium, Kamaishi City on Wednesday at 5.15pm (Fiji time).
“Our whole defence will need some work before our next game,” McKee said.
“All the three teams we have to play in our pool are very strong in that area so it’s going to be a big work for us in that area.”
The Fijians made 40 missed tackles compared with the Wallabies 23.
Result:
Wallabies – 39
Tries: Latu 2, Hooper, Hodge, Kerevi, Koroibete
Cons: Lealiifano, To’omua
Pens: Hodge
Fiji – 21
Tries: Yato, Nayacalevu
Cons: Volavola
Pens: Volavola 3
Yellow card: Botia (61′)
