Arabic version: أستراليا تصمد أمام فيجي وتحافظ على سجلها الخالي من الهزائم

According to The Guardian, Australia survived a determined Fiji challenge to win 36-22 in the men’s Rugby League World Cup at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane. Tom Trbojevic scored a hat-trick for the Kangaroos, while Semi Valemei also crossed three times for Fiji in front of 41,108 fans.

James Tedesco, playing his first Test since 2023, helped create Australia’s opening try when a short ball sent Kotoni Staggs over. Fiji responded after Trbojevic made an error running out of his end, with Kurt Donoghoe supplying a cut-out pass for Valemei. Brandon Wakeham then grubbered through for Taane Milne to give Fiji the lead.

Australia regained control near half-time through a long-range try involving Sam Walker, Trbojevic and Tedesco. Fiji went ahead early in the second half when Valemei scored in the corner from another Donoghoe pass. A potential further Fiji try was disallowed for obstruction, before Walker and Tedesco combined to send Trbojevic over and level the scores.

Walker’s penalty goal gave Australia a lead it did not surrender. Trbojevic collected a Tedesco grubber for another try before completing his hat-trick in a move featuring Tedesco again. Tedesco finished with more than 150 run metres and three try assists. Australia face the Cook Islands in Townsville on Saturday, while Fiji must beat New Zealand on the Gold Coast if they are to reach the final four.