Harry Potter’s boot heel was an unlikely saviour for the Wallabies as they came from behind to steal a 21-18 Test win over unlucky Fiji in Newcastle.
With Fiji having stormed back from 14-0 down to lead 15-14, they looked to have turned that momentum into another try in the 60th minute, when a Fiji kick down field was picked up by Potter on the right sideline.
Nick Frost was isolated after fielding Potter’s pass inside and Fiji robbed him, and swept the ball right before Sireli Maqala stepped over the tryline.
Harry Potter of the Wallabies is tackled during the International Test match between Australia Wallabies and Fiji at McDonald Jones Stadium on July 06, 2025 in Newcastle, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
As Fiji were celebrating going six points clear with a kick to come, “The Fiji fans are going crazy in Newy,” said Sean Maloney on commentary, referee Pierre Brousset was receiving an update from the TMO.
The replay showed Potter with the merest of touches on the sideline.
Almost three minutes had elapsed between the incident and the replay that cruelled Fiji’s hopes.
Although Caleb Munz extended the lead to 18-14 with a penalty soon after, the no-try meant they’d missed a chance to go eight clear of the Wallabies ahead of Harry Wilson’s late winner.
Fiji coach Mick Byrne was asked about the incident in the post-game media conference.
“Ha! No. Crazy,” he said.
“Look, I just need to clarify with World Rugby. The Brumbies got a try taken off them this year, and I think they went back 19 phases.
“You can go back as many phases as you can in your possession. I didn’t know now we can go back to opposition possession as well.
“So, maybe next year when they change it, we might be able to go back, you know, 10 minutes. Maybe I’m wrong. I’ll just get clarity on it, because I thought you could only go back on your possession so we’ll find out.”
Byrne did accept that his team had other chances to secure the win.
“Look, I think we knocked on one as well, with the line wide open so, the game goes both ways.
“It’s just gutting for the players when they do everything they can, and it’s sort of taken out of their hands.
“But, we’re not here to focus on that. I just want to congratulate the Wallabies.
“They hung in there as well. But, for our players, where we were at half-time and the way the game was, I think we’re 35 per cent territory. We scrambled well. We held on to the game.
“We scored that try just before half-time and then got the job done in the second half. I think that’s the things we need to focus on, the rugby, the quality of the rugby that was played in the second half.
“Everyone’s talking about the Wallabies’ warm-up game, so I hope they feel nice and warmed up.”
