Sports · NEWS EXPLAINER
Australia survive Fiji scare 36–22 as Trbojevic hat-trick seals World Cup semi-final
Fiji led 16–12 early in the second half and traded the lead four times before James Tedesco changed the game and Tom Trbojevic completed a hat-trick.
Australia reached the Rugby League World Cup semi-finals with a 36–22 win over Fiji, but the score concealed how close the defending champions came to a landmark upset in Brisbane.
Fiji led 16–12 shortly after halftime and matched Australia through four lead changes. Tom Trbojevic’s hat-trick and late Australian control finally separated the sides, while Semi Valemei also scored three tries and Kurt Donoghoe was named player of the match.
Fiji turned a routine pool match into the tournament’s closest test
Australia scored first through Kotoni Staggs, but Valemei and Taane Milne put Fiji ahead. A James Tedesco break helped Sam Walker restore a 12–10 Australian halftime lead, yet Donoghoe’s cutout pass sent Valemei over again three minutes after the restart for 16–12.
Tedesco changed the geometry of the game
The Australian captain repeatedly stepped into first receiver or attacked from dummy-half. His running and passing created the opening try, the long-range Walker response and the space for Trbojevic to level the game. The match turned on decisions and support lines, not simply possession.
Two hat-tricks told different stories
Trbojevic’s three second-half tries converted Australian field position into control. Valemei’s three tries showed that Fiji could still expose the favourites’ edge defence, with Donoghoe repeatedly finding the winger through long cutout passes.
The final score was decisive; the contest was not one-sided
Jacob Preston’s late try made the margin 14 points, but Fiji had led, threatened another try that was ruled out for obstruction and remained within reach late. Reuters and the official report both frame the performance as a genuine challenge rather than a comfortable Australian win.
What the result changes
Australia are through to a semi-final at Allianz Stadium on November 8. Fiji’s path is simpler and harsher: beat New Zealand on the Gold Coast on October 31 to keep the tournament alive. The next match will test whether this pressure performance can be repeated on a short turnaround.
