The Flying Fijians battled from 14-nil down to lead 15-14 in the 2nd half of their opening test match against the Wallabies. Jiuta Wainiqolo set up both Fiji's tries including a trademark linebreak where he beat several defenders on a 70 metre run to set up Lekima Tagitagivalu in the corner.
Fiji looked to have scored through Sireli Maqala minutes later if not for the TMO intervening.
The winning try came in the 78th minute. The Wallabies winning 21-18.
Flying Fijians head coach Mick Byrne has named an exciting lineup for their opening Test match this Sunday against the Wallabies. Amongst those named, former New Zealand Sevens rep Salesi Rayasi who will start at fullback.
Taking over the captaincy after the international retirement of Waisea Nayacalevu is Fijian Drua Hooker Tevita Ikanivere. Also making a likely debut if halfback Philip Baselala who has been named on the bench.
Sireli Maqala surprisingly started on the bench for the Flying Fijians against the Wallabies.
He replaced Iosefo Masi in the 50th minute and made several big impact plays for Fiji including a crucial steal near their tryline which led to what would have been one of the tries of the season down the other end, scored by the Bayonne Centre who ran up in support. The try was scratched on review by the TMO for an Australian player having his foot on the touchline in the leadup to the try.
Despite playing less than half the game he made 6 carries for 41 metres, 1 linebreak, 2 defenders beaten and 1 forced turnover.
Salesi Rayasi made his debut for Fiji in their loss to Australia. He showed poise and calmness, and was lethal with ball in hand. Scored Fiji’s opening try when he finished off some great leadup work by beating 3 defenders to score in the left corner.
His kicking game from deep inside the Fiji half also got the team out of trouble on multiple occasions.
Equal high 12 team carries, made 80 metres and beat an equal team high 6 defenders with Jiuta Wainiqolo.
Was replaced late in the match with leg cramps.
Kalaveti Ravouvou made his return to the Flying Fijians lineup against the Wallabies. It was his first test match since coming off the bench against England in the leadup to the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
He started on the Right Wing, a position where he has excelled in for Bristol at club level.
Was fairly quite apart from a couple or runs in the first half but didn’t get many opportunities in open space. Was busy off the ball chiming into the attack and was solid without being spectacular.
Iosefo Masi started at Centre for Fiji against the Wallabies. He made the first linebreak of the game in the opening minutes but ended up losing the ball, something that has plagued him all year and again in this game.
Apart from his linebreak he made 55 metres from 3 carries but crucially turned the ball over on 4 occasions.
Tuisova started at Centre for Fiji in their opening test match of 2025. He was double teamed all game and was handled quite well to be fair to Australia.
The strategy with Tuisova is key to Fiji’s gameplan, how he was used in this game – first run and then turned into playmaker as he inevitably drew defenders in. Threw the final pass for Sireli Maqala’s no try and defensively kept the Wallabies Centre pairing very quite.
Equal game high in carries with 12 with 66 metres gained. Beat 4 defenders, made 9 tackles and won 1 turnover.
Jiuta Wainiqolo’s 2025 Top 14 season will be remembered for scoring some breathtaking solo tries and he carried that form into the Flying Fijians first test match of the year against the Wallabies.
The Ra native was exceptional, roaming the field and injecting himself into the backline right throughout the game.
His run in the 54th minute will be on highlight reels for years to come as he beat 5 defenders on a 70 metre run to set up Lekima Tagitagivalu in the corner and also put Fiji in the lead for the first time in the game.
His 113 metres were the most in the game and also equal match high with Salesi Rayasi for defenders beaten with 6.
Rakaviti is an independently run service for the love and passion of Fijian Rugby.
Rakaviti is an independently run service for the love and passion of Fijian Rugby.