Tedesco’s epic statement in Walsh battle as Fiji gives Aussies mighty scare
James Tedesco made a bumper statement in his mouthwatering selection battle with Reece Walsh as he led Australia to a nervy 36-22 win over Fiji in the World Cup on Sunday night.
It’s not often a win can be described as “nervy” when the scoreboard reads 36-22 – but for a considerable chunk of this game a tenacious Bati side punching well above its weight was threatening to do the unthinkable.
James Tedesco in action on Sunday night. Chris Hyde/Getty Images
For context, Fiji had never beaten Australia from seven attempts, and the Kangaroos had won those games by 51 points on average.
On this night, Semi Valemei scored and Brandon Wakeham converted to give the Fijians a 16-12 lead in the 45th minute.
And the underdogs went agonisingly close to extending their lead when Solomone Saukuru cannoned over a couple of minutes later, only for the try to be disallowed because Emosi Ravosai had obstructed David Fifita.
Fiji continued to defy the script when Valemei, the former Raider and Cowboy who now plays for the Castleford Tigers in the Super League, completed a hat-trick in the 70th minute.
Wakeham converted to close the deficit to 30-22 with eight minutes left on the clock.
But in front of 41,108 spectators, the Kangaroos held on to collect their second win from as many games in the tournament.
“They need to muscle up, they need to get a hell of a lot better,” Roosters coach Trent Robinson, who is commentating for Seven in the World Cup, said at full-time.
Tedesco, making his first appearance of the tournament, chalked up 151 run metres, three try assists and eight tackle breaks.
Walsh had a blinder in his titanic battle with Kalyn Ponga in the tournament-opening match between Australia and New Zealand, but Tedesco’s epic reply has left Kangaroos coach Kevin Walters with a serious headache as the pointy end of the World Cup nears.
Tom Trbojevic scored a hat-trick in Australia’s win.
Australia’s men’s and women’s teams, the Kangaroos and Jillaroos, will play a double header in the semi-finals at Allianz Stadium on November 8.
More to come.
