24 Sep 2015

Australia too strong for Fiji at Rugby World Cup

8:06 am on 24 September 2015

Fiji's playoff hopes are all but over at the Rugby World Cup, after Australia prevailed 28-13 in Cardiff.

Scores were locked at 3-all until man of the match David Pocock scored from a rolling maul in the 26th minute.

Campese Ma'afu was then sent to the sin bin, with Pocock crossing for his second try a minute later in the same fashion.

Wallabies number eight David Pocock is congratulated by teammates after scoring against Fiji.

Wallabies number eight David Pocock is congratulated by teammates after scoring against Fiji. Photo: AFP

The Wallabies took a commanding 18-3 lead into half-time and extended their advantage shortly after when Sekope Kepu scored.

Ben Volavola cut through the Australian defence to trim the deficit to 12 points with 18 minutes remaining, but Australia quickly responded with a penalty to extend the margin beyond two converted tries.

Fiji-born centre Tevita Kuridrani was carded in the final minutes for not releasing his cousin Nemani Nadolo in the tackle but the Wallabies held on for victory, even though they were denied a bonus point.

Cousins Tevita Kuridrani (Australia) and Nemani Nadolo (Fiji) embrace following their team's Rugby World Cup clash in Cardiff.

Cousins Tevita Kuridrani (Australia) and Nemani Nadolo (Fiji) embrace following their team's Rugby World Cup clash in Cardiff. Photo: AFP

Despite coming up short on the scoreboard, the Flying Fijians actually finished the match with more possession, territory, line-breaks and offloads than the Wallabies.

They have picked up some injury concerns, however, with winger Waisea Nayacalevu and halfback Nikola Matawalu forced from the field against Australia.

After a four-day turnaround between their first two matches, Fiji have an eight-day break before their next test against Wales.