Fiji and Australia Set for Rugby Clash in Newcastle

July 6, 2025

The FIJI Water Flying Fijians and the Wallabies are set to renew their historic rivalry in a highly anticipated Test match tomorrow at Newcastle’s 33,000-seat stadium, with just under 1,000 tickets remaining less than 24 hours before kick-off.

The two nations first met on July 26, 1952, at the Sydney Cricket Ground, marking the beginning of a storied contest. Australia remains the only Tier One nation to have played Fiji the most (23 times), with Scotland a distant second at 12 meetings.

Fiji’s three historic victories over the Wallabies have all been nail-biters:

  • 1952 (Sydney Cricket Ground): Fiji won 17-15 in front of 42,004 fans.
  • 1954 (SCG): Another two-point thriller, 18-16, witnessed by 33,099 spectators.
  • 2023 Rugby World Cup (France): A 22-15 victory, ending a 69-year drought.

Both teams enter this clash under fresh leadership. FIJI Water Flying Fijians coach Mick Byrne, a former Wallabies and All Blacks assistant, is optimistic about his squad’s blend of northern and southern hemisphere talent.

“Our players from the North have gelled well with the team, and it’s an exciting time to face Australia in Australia—especially in a Lions year where rugby fever is high,” Byrne said.

Meanwhile, Wallabies head coach Joe Schmidt acknowledges Fiji’s hybrid squad—featuring stars like Tuisova, Ravouvou, and Mata—as a unique challenge.

“They can change a game in moments. We’re working hard to find our rhythm quickly with such a short runway into this match,” Schmidt admitted.

With kick-off at 1:30 PM (AEST), organizers confirm only a limited number of tickets remain. A full house is expected as fans eagerly await another chapter in this fierce Pacific rivalry.

Will Fiji make it four wins, or will the Wallabies reassert their dominance?

All will be decided tomorrow in Newcastle.