Discipline Costs Fiji in 35–10 Defeat to Australia Schoolboys
The Australia Schoolboys powered to a 35–10 victory over Fiji Schoolboys at Viking Park, Canberra, with centre Glassie Glassie stealing the show with a hat-trick of tries.
The contest opened at a furious pace but Fiji was dealt a major setback when Nemani Bativou (8’) and Asaeli Bulai (13’) were both sent to the sin bin in quick succession. Australia capitalized immediately, as hooker Adrian De’Klerk crashed over for the first try, converted by Elijah Breen for a 7–0 lead.
Fiji, showing trademark flair despite being down to 13 men, hit back in the 27th minute through loosehead prop Esira Livicala, narrowing the margin to 7–5 after the conversion was missed. But Australia quickly responded, with Glassie grabbing his first try two minutes later. Breen added the extras to send the hosts into the break ahead 14–5.
The visitors struck early in the second half when fly-half Carter Mucunabitu dived over in the 50th minute, cutting the deficit to 14–10. However, Australia’s superior discipline and set-piece strength soon told. Lock James Finegan muscled across at the 56-minute mark, followed by two further tries to Glassie in the closing quarter. Replacements Kirsten added the final conversions to seal the win.
Fiji’s hopes were further dented by a late yellow card in the 79th minute, compounding a frustrating afternoon marked by three trips to the sin bin.
For Australia, Glassie’s three tries were the highlight, backed by strong performances from Finegan and De’Klerk up front. Breen and Kirsten were accurate with the boot, converting five of the six tries.
For Fiji, Livicala and Mucunabitu provided moments of brilliance, but ill-discipline and missed conversions proved costly.
Australia School boys 35 Fiji School boys 10
Saturday, 4th October, 2025
Viking Park, Canberra
Half time: 14-5
Referee: Jack Larkin
AUSTRALIAN SCHOOLBOYS (1-15): Jerome Ponci, Adrian De’Klerk, Keegan Daly, Tannar Baker, James Finegan, Osca Cleary, Lane Edmonds, Thomas Hasla, Koby Nquanrasy, Elijah Breen, Brock Prideaux, Rohan Nicol, Glassie Glassie, William Trostel, Angus Tagicakibau
Tries: Glassie (3), Klerk, Finegan
Conversion Breen (3), Kirsten (2)
FIJI (1-15): Esira Livicala, Asaeli Bulai, David Seuvou, Savenaca Qabale, Nemani Bativou, Suliano Savenaca, Vilimoni Kanawabu, Komiami Auhe, Carter Mucunabitu, Asi-Tui’lagi Fuli, Josefata Tuinavitilevu, Sailosi Taka, Joji Bavai, Paula Vonolagi, Isikeli Ratu
RESERVES: Kitione Tuwai, Tane Susau, Isaac Matawalu, Lasarusa Luma, Anthony McGowan, Iowane Kuruivanualala, Jone Kunaqio, Benedito Finau
Tries: Livicala, Mucunabitu
EVENTS
8mins – Yellow card Fiji, Bativou
13mins – Yellow card Fiji, Bulai
13mins – TRY Australia, Adrian De’Klerk; Conversion Breen – 7-0
27mins – TRY Fiji, Livicala; Conversion Fuli (missed) – 7-5
29mins – TRY Australia, Glassie Glassie, Conversion Breen – 14-5
37mins – YELLOW CARD Australia Oscar Cleary
HALF-TIME : 14-5
50mins – TRY Fiji Carter Mucunabitu; Conversion Fuli (missed) – 14-10
56mins – TRY Australia, James Finegan; Conversion Breen – 21-10
60mins – TRY Australia, Glassie; Conversion; Kirsten – 28-10
79mins – Yellow card Fiji
80mins – TRY Glassie; Conversion; Kirsten – 35-10
FULL TIME: 35-10