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Tedesco gets Australia out of jail against fab Fiji
Joel Gould, AAP • October 26th, 2026 6:00 am
James Tedesco (second right) played a starring role as Australia withstood Fiji at the World Cup | Photo: Matt Roberts/AAP
James Tedesco has saved Australia's blushes with a captain's knock to inspire a 36-22 win over a gallant Fiji side who are still right in the fight for the World Cup semi-finals.
The Bati led 16-12 in the second half on Sunday and were in the hunt for the greatest upset in World Cup history but a Tom Trbojevic hat-trick after several acts of Tedesco genius lifted the Kangaroos out of trouble.
Fiji had lost all seven Tests against Australia before this one, with their closest losing margin a 34-2 defeat in a 2013 World Cup pool match.
This was different, very different, in front of 41,108 fans at Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium.
Tom Trbojevic's hat-trick saved Australia's blushes against a spirited Fiji side | Photo: Dave Hunt/AAP
After a stellar season for the Dolphins, Fiji five-eighth Kurt Donoghoe did everything in his power to conjure the greatest win in his country's history with three try assists for Bati winger Semi Valemei to score a hat-trick.
Donoghoe's halves partner Brandon Wakeham was also up to his ears in several good things the Bati did.
But Australia have qualified for the semi-finals in top spot with the win while Fiji now have to beat New Zealand on the Gold Coast on Saturday to join them in the knockout rounds.
The Kangaroos will play at Sydney's Allianz Stadium on Sunday, November 8 in their semi-final.
"I think we need more from everyone. We know we can play better," Australia coach Kevin Walters said.
"But let's give Fiji a lot of credit. At times, it seemed like we were getting on top and they pulled themselves back into the game."
Fiji captain Api Koroisau said there was belief in the squad that they could knock over the Kiwis.
"Even before the game we had a lot of belief and we showed that the way we played," he said.
"That belief's only grown going into this game against New Zealand."
The Bati dominated Australia up front in a stunning display of forward punch and impact in the opening half, despite trailing 12-10 at the break.
The Dolphins' Kurt Donoghoe had a sensational game for Fiji | Photo: Matt Roberts/AAP
Fiji lock Caleb Navale had a blinder. The Manly powerhouse suffered an ACL rupture in the pre-season and returned to play post-surgery in 186 days in a tribute to his commitment.
Navale was the best forward on the park in a brilliant display for his country.
The class of fullback Tedesco came to the fore when he went into first receiver and found a scintillating pass to put right centre Kotoni Staggs over to score the opening try.
Jacob Preston iced the win with the last of Australia's six tries | Photo: Dave Hunt/AAP
Donoghoe threw a sensational cutout pass to send Valemei in before Wakeham's slick grubber was swooped upon by second-rower Taane Milne to give Fiji a stunning lead.
Tedesco's dart from dummy-half on the last tackle set up a long-range try, with half Sam Walker handling twice on the way to scoring.
Donoghoe was at it again after the break with a magical cutout ball again for Valemei to give Fiji a 16-12 lead.
An obstruction, correctly ruled, denied Solomone Saukuru a try from another Donoghoe pass.
Minutes later, Tedesco found a pass for Trbojevic to score out wide after excellent lead-up work from Walker.
A Tedesco grubber ricocheted into the arms of Trbojevic for his second try and when he crossed for a third the result appeared secure.
Donoghoe had other ideas and set up Valemei again before Jacob Preston sealed the deal for Australia.
Australia fielded four debutants in half Walker, hooker Blayke Brailey, centre Bradman Best and second-rower David Fifita.
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