Rugby Union

Fiji scored two second-half tries as they rebounded from a nine-point halftime deficit to tighten their grip on second place in Group C, but their failure to collect a bonus point left Australia with a slight hope of avoiding a first ever group-stage exit.

“If I am being honest we were beaten to the punch in the first half. We knew it was going to be a battle. I am just thankful we have the result,” Fiji coach Simon Raiwalui said.

Mack Hansen’s try and five points from Johnny Sexton helped settle a thrilling clash between international rugby’s top two teams at a sold-out Stade de France.

Replacement fly-half Jack Crowley added a late penalty as Ireland stretched their winning run to 16 matches to take control of Pool B.

Andy Farrell’s men also retained top spot in the global rankings ahead of the defeated Springboks, who now have work to do against Tonga next week to avoid early elimination.

Not since 1954 has Fiji defeated Australia in a Test match and the result leaves the Wallabies with a 1-1 win-loss record in Pool C.

The Wallabies face what looms as a sudden-death clash against Wales in Lyon next Monday AEST as they look to keep their hopes alive of advancing to the quarterfinals.

It is only the fourth time the Wallabies have lost a World Cup pool match and they have never exited a tournament at the preliminary stage.

What a comeback it would have been, Fiji down by 18 points with 14 to go. And popular. How popular.

In the end, Wales’s nous, so used to an old-world status in rugby terms well above that of Fiji, saw them through. They have suffered their own trials of late, finding themselves three places below the Islanders in the world rankings, but their four tries left Fiji with just too much to make up. After England’s riposte to the doubters, this bonus-point win was a further fillip for Britain’s ailing powers.

Key points:

• Fiji had never previously beaten England at the Test level
• England captain Courtney Lawes says Fiji made his side "look silly"
• Fiji will play the Wallabies in the Rugby World Cup pool stage

The result would have been noticed by Eddie Jones and his Wallabies squad, who face Fiji in the men's Rugby World Cup beginning in France next month.

From Friday, August 4th to Saturday, August 5th, the venue roared with cheers as 16 teams competed under the resounding theme of "Promoting Autonomy Agenda through Sports".

The competition received a massive boost from its proud sponsor, the New Ireland Provincial Government, which provided an impressive K50,000 funding support.

Brothers and Defense are certain for the finals but University Piggies and Harlequins will have to fight hard in the final round of the competition this weekend to lock in their spots.

The Wanderers 23 to 20 win against MMB Marlins on Saturday has put the team in a position to give a final crack on the finals bet.

The 20 points draw between the University Piggies and Harlequins have opened the door for the Wanderers to test its muscles for the last time.

Both teams were toe to toe and the scores showed it all. With just one round of the regular season remaining in the Pepsi Capital Rugby Union Competition, before the finals play, the University Piggies was throwing absolutely everything to Harlequins pack to lock its finals spot.

Under pressure Harlequins did well to remain calm and composed to contain the desperate Uni Piggies side to come out with the draw, 20 points all.

Piggies sitting third on the points leading heading into the match. Harlequins was not far behind, with just one win separating them.

Papua New Guinea Rugby Union president, Paul Siwi is pleased with the tractions the event has attracted and is anticipating a good successful event. 

This will be the 21st Commanders Defense Force Cup tournament, with 10 teams ready for a crunch time starting Wednesday July 12. Teams have travelled into Lae from all the military barracks in the country in style, which is great for PNGDF. 

Morobe Rugby Union is hoping to play two teams in the Super 7s Sries tournament and they are Hammerheads and its development Club, Tiger Sharks.

Hammerheads was recently awarded the National Performance of the year 2022, at the SP Sports Awards.

Despite this on field success, Morobe RU President Lionel Kamiak said many of its players have crossed over to Rugby League, leaving the club struggling. However, with the depth of talent in production line, there is enough to cover for the loss.