Fiji School Boys Go Down to a High-Scoring Australian School Boys at Viking Park Clash
In a thrilling, high-octane encounter at Viking Park in Canberra, the Australian Schoolboys showcased their clinical edge and forward dominance to secure a commanding 61-26 victory over a spirited but ultimately outgunned Fiji Schoolboys side.
The match began in spectacular fashion, with Fiji drawing first blood in the 4th minute. Under immense pressure on their own tryline, the Fijian backs displayed the trademark flair they are renowned for. With superb hands and combination play, they worked the ball away from the sideline, culminating in winger Jone Namaloku Kunaqio (14) finishing a stunning 22-meter movement. The conversion from flyhalf Asi-Tui’lagi Roman Fuli made it 7-0.
The hosts struck back in the 12th minute, capitalizing on Fijian ambition. Attempting to run from their own 5-meter line, a Fiji pass was intercepted by Australian winger William Trostel, who strolled over for a simple try. Flyhalf Cameron Kirsten leveled the scores.
Fiji’s response was immediate. A brilliant break by Vonolagi paved the way for Fiji’s outside centre Sailosi Taka to score in the 17th minute, with Fuli’s conversion restoring a 14-7 lead. The Fijians were playing with confidence, but the game’s momentum shifted decisively in the 25th minute when Fiji hooker Asaeli Bulai was shown a yellow card for a dangerous shoulder tackle.
Exploiting their one-man advantage, Australia’s forward pack took control. Prop Keegan Daly powered over from a maul in the 28th minute to level the scores. Then, lock James Finegan took over, scoring two tries in the final four minutes of the half—the first from a sweeping backline move, the second from a powerful pick-and-go close to the line. Both were converted, sending Australia into the break with a commanding 28-14 lead.
Any hopes of a Fijian comeback were quickly extinguished in a devastating two-minute blitz after halftime. William Trostel grabbed his second try in the 49th minute, followed seconds later by an intercept try from their openside flanker Lane Edmonds, pushing the score to 42-14.
To their credit, Fiji never surrendered. Their inside centre Iowane Nabe Kuruivanuakula crossed for a try in the 53rd minute, but Australia’s forward power, particularly their driving maul, was unstoppable. The second half became the Adrian De Klerk show, as the powerful forward crashed over for a hat-trick of tries in the 58th, 61st, and 71st minutes, demonstrating Australia’s set-piece supremacy.
A late consolation try from Fiji’s replacement hooker Nemani Bativou in the 64th minute, who crashed over after a promising backline move, provided a final cheer for the travelling supporters, but it was a mere footnote on a day dominated by the hosts.
Full Time: Australian Schoolboys 61 – 26 Fiji Schoolboys.