(PA)
South Africa thrashed Romania 76-0 to secure a bonus-point win in Bordeaux and mirror the ominous form shown by Pool B leaders Ireland in the Rugby World Cup’s toughest group.
The Springboks, despite 14 changes from the win versus Scotland in their opener, were merciless against Romania, who beat the 74-point margin from their 82-8 opening loss to Ireland, racking up the bonus point inside 20 minutes.
After missing out on a bonus point in their opener, South Africa’s goal was to score as many tries as possible to keep up with Ireland and ran in a dozen with scores for Cobus Reinach (3), Makazole Mapimpi (3), Damian Willemse, Deon Fourie, Grant Williams (2) and Willie Le Roux as well as a penalty try.
Few teams in World Cup history have had tougher opening fixtures than Romania after they faced an Ireland side on a 13-game winning streak and now the world champions but they look a shadow of the side that posed a real threat in the 1990s.
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HALF-TIME! Australia 8-12 Fiji
Safely won and Australia kick into the stands for half-time.
What a compelling first half! Physical, as you would expect, but Fiji’s kicking for the tee has been exquisite through Simione Kuruvoli.
They lead 12-8 at the break, although the only try came for the Wallabies from the quick thinking of Mark Nawaqanitawase. What a second half we have in store.
(AFP via Getty Images)
Luke Baker17 September 2023 17:34
Australia 8-12 Fiji, 39 mins
One last chance for Fiji before the break, with ball in the Australian half. Matavesi spins his way up to the 22.
Tela tries a kick through and it just goes into touch. One last defensive lineout for Australia to get to half-time.
Luke Baker17 September 2023 17:32
Australia 8-12 Fiji, 38 mins
Again, the execution of the lineout isn’t there from Fijian hooker Samuel Matavesi and Nick Frost gets up to knock it back to the Australian side.
Carter Gordon hammers clear. Great lineout defence by the Wallabies. Botia then knocks on after another lineout move. Head in his hands, he looks distraught.
Will they regret turning down those three points?
Luke Baker17 September 2023 17:30
Australia 8-12 Fiji, 37 mins
Lineout gets stolen by the Wallabies but they’re immediately pinged. This time Fiji turn down the points and kick to the corner!
Luke Baker17 September 2023 17:28
Australia 8-12 Fiji, 35 mins
Good rush defence by Australia to force the Fijians back from halfway but a couple of penalties for offside undo the good work.
Teti Tela bangs a kick down into the Australian 22. This is a good platform for the Pacific Islanders
Luke Baker17 September 2023 17:26
PENALTY! Australia 8-12 Fiji (Simione Kuruvoli, 32 mins)
No problem for Simione Kuruvoli! This is simply brilliant kicking – straight between the uprights and the lead is extended. This is almost an English gameplan rather than a Fijian one!
Luke Baker17 September 2023 17:24
Australia 8-9 Fiji, 32 mins
Oh hello! A driving maul from Fiji from a lineout on halfway, it marches forward and Australia illegally prevent the ball coming back.
Kuruvoli will have another pump at the posts here but it’ll be his toughest kick yet – out on the left, on about the 10-metre line.
Luke Baker17 September 2023 17:23
Australia 8-9 Fiji, 30 mins
The Wallabies with a sustained spell of pressure just outside the Fiji 22 but Botia with great work at the breakdown, Nawaqanitawase holds on to the ball and they can clear their lines.
Botia is world-class over the ball at the breakdown and showed his value there again.
Luke Baker17 September 2023 17:21
WATCH: Mark Nawaqanitawase’s quick-thinking leads to opening try
Here’s that first try – the quick brain of Mark Nawaqanitawase paying dividends.
Luke Baker17 September 2023 17:20
PENALTY! Australia 8-9 Fiji (Simione Kuruvoli, 27 mins)
A kicking masterclass from Simione Kuruvoli so far. From out on the right, he curls a penalty just inside the right upright. These are vital points.
Luke Baker17 September 2023 17:19
