Fiji broke a 35-year drought in a major upset in London, while Australia’s second XV got the job done in a clash against Portugal in Paris.
England’s Rugby World Cup preparations are in complete disarray after a shock 30-22 defeat to Fiji that has given the Wallabies plenty to think about before a pool clash against the Pacific islanders next month.
“It’s just not good enough,” Lawes said. “We are where we are at the minute. All we can do is push on. It’s obviously really disappointing. Not much more to say really.“We just need to get our attack together. They’ve got some phenomenal athletes and they showed it today. One-on-one they made us look silly at times. We need to improve. We’ve got two weeks to do so.
Meanwhile, there is no shortage of pressure on Australia and the impressive performance of Fiji will have a few people worried ahead of what could be a banana skin game on September 17 in Saint Etienne. Simon Raiwalui worked with Michael Cheika as a Wallabies assistant during that tournament but is now doing wonders with Fiji. He celebrated with delight in the stands at Twickenham on a famous day for Fijian rugby, topped only perhaps by the country’s gold medal in men’s sevens at the 2016 Rio Olympics.“The gap is closing, which is good for rugby in general,” Raiwalui said. “It’s been really good to watch the progression of teams who have traditionally struggled.
Pietsch got Australia back in the lead with his second try before both sides traded penalties in an unspectacular passage of play. Sitting in the stands, not far from locals puffing on cigarettes, Jones ran a close eye over Portugal’s game plan.
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