They made hard work of it, but the Wallabies have got out of jail against Fiji after a try in the 79th minute to captain Harry Wilson saw the home side’s blushes saved.
Despite taking a 14-5 lead into half-time, the Wallabies made a meal of the second half and looked like limping into this month’s highly-anticipated series against the Lions.
But after conceding 18 straight points, including 13 in the second half, the Wallabies managed to hit the front with a minute to go when Wilson spun his way over to score to help seal the 21-18 victory at McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle.
At once, Rugby Australia, who have hung their hats on the upcoming Lions series being the start of their “golden decade”, breathed a sigh of relief.
So too did the Lions and their travelling fans, who are hoping for a competitive series.
Nic White celebrates after Wallabies captain Harry Wilson scored the match-winning try against Fiji at McDonald Jones Stadium on July 06, 2025 in Newcastle. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)
Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt won’t be breathing easily just yet, with the experienced mentor to sweat on the fitness of playmaker Noah Lolesio after being stretchered off on a medicab.
The Japan-bound playmaker, who started in 11 of 13 Tests last year, broke through the line midway through the second half but was pulled down and then crushed on the ground.
Play was halted for a couple of minutes while Lolesio was taken from the field.
The incident was eerily similar to the one in Perth two months ago, where the Brumbies playmaker passed all his scans and was quickly back on the field. Schmidt will hope the scans are just as positive.
Noah Lolesio was forced off against Fiji. (Photo by Jason McCawley/Getty Images)
It won’t stop him chewing through the wreckage of another nail-biting performance from the Wallabies, who did their best to bottle the Test.
It started on the stroke of half-time as Lolesio handed possession back to the Flying Fijians, who, after being starved of possession and territory in the first-half, were given one last chance.
They didn’t waste it as former Hurricanes flyer Salesi Rayasi scored out wide. The try did much to undo the tries scored by Dave Porecki and Fraser McReight.
Needing to stop the Flying Fijians from finding any early momentum, the Wallabies played the visitors and their supporters into the match by deciding to run the ball back and turn down points in front of the posts.
Not for the first time, the decision came back to bite the Wallabies as the Fijians as flying winger Jiuta Wainiqolo burnt the home side and sent away Lekima Tagitagivalu in the 55th minute.
Caleb Muntz’s second penalty of the half then extended the lead to 18-14, before the Wallabies finally got some territory late in the second half and Wilson ensured the home fans went home happy.
The win will help with the PR spin, but the Wallabies were rusty and almost paid the ultimate price.
Fraser McReight was outstanding, Jeremy Williams’ work rate was top notch, and wingers Max Jorgensen and Harry Potter were busy and threatening.
But elsewhere the Wallabies struggled, particularly with their decision-making and execution.
Fullback Tom Wright bombed two tries with simple left-to-right passes that were called forward and his decision-making, including immediately after half-time, left plenty to be desired as he once again opted to run the ball back rather than play territory early on.
The midfield barely got going with Len Ikitau and Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii quiet, while Porecki, who was replaced midway through the first half because of a concussion, lost a couple of lineout throws.
More to come.
