Rugby internationals: Fiji targets historic win over Wallabies

It will start as rank underdogs in Newcastle, but Fiji won’t be taking a backwards step as it looks to achieve history by winning successive Tests against Australia for the first time.

Used to being treated as cannon fodder by rugby’s richest and most powerful countries, Fiji has warned the Wallabies they risk copping another humiliating beating if they underestimate their Pacific Island rivals when they clash in Newcastle on Sunday.

While the Wallabies already have one eye on their upcoming series against the British & Irish Lions, the Fijians have been quick to remind the Australians that they mean business.

Disregarding any notion that they are here as the curtain-raiser to the main event, Fiji captain Tevita Ikanivere said his players genuinely believe they can beat the Wallabies if they’re off their game.

“The goal is always the same, to win,” Ikanivere said.

“We know the Wallabies have been preparing for weeks now because they got the Lions but we back ourselves.

“If they don’t have their eyes both on us, then I think they’re in danger.

“But everybody’s professional now, so I know they’ll be focusing on us. Maybe the news is all about the Lions, but I’m sure in their camp, they are all focusing for the game.”

Wallabies captain Harry Wilson was in full agreement with Ikanivere, saying there was no way the Australians would ever underestimate Fijians.

No-one in the Wallabies needs remaining that the last time the teams played each other, at the 2023 World Cup in France, Fiji caused a boilover, winning their pool match and going on to qualify for the quarter-finals at Australia’s expense.

Harry Wilson of the Wallabies and Tevita Ikanivere of Fiji.

“We’ve watched a lot of Fiji footage so we know what’s coming, and it’s gonna be a really good battle,” Wilson said.

“Obviously, we’ve been keeping our eyes on the Lions, watching the Super clubs play them, which is something really exciting, but for us, the Test match against Fiji doesn’t get much bigger than that.

“We’ll be throwing everything at them this weekend to make sure we go out there and get the result.“

The Wallabies will start as heavy favourites to win the match but the Fijians have got some new incentives to motivate them after years of seeing their best players poached by other countries.

Fiji's outside centre and captain Waisea Nayacalevu (C) takes a selfie with fans as he celebrates Fiji's victory over Australia at the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

While they have beaten the Australians three times previously, in 1952, 1954 and 2023, they are yet to win twice in a row. And Ikanivere hopes that another victory would convince Rugby Australia that Fiji is worthy of hosting the Wallabies.

The last time the Wallabies played a Test in Fiji was in 1984 but the Pacific Islanders are hoping they will host more of the top teams after being officially recognised as a Tier One nation from the start of 2026.

“No Fiji team has gone two in a row to beat the Wallabies yet. We’re looking to be the first,” Ikanivere said.

“The people of Fiji would love to see other tests in Fiji, but next year we’re Tier One so we’re moving towards that.

“You have to get respect from the whole world and it starts with coming away, doing the hard yards in order to get Tests back at home with all the Tier One nations.

“You can just tell by seeing the amount of Fijian players playing all over the world, representing other international teams, that Fiji does deserve that

“Most Fijian players have worked hard over the years, came overseas to try to find a living for their families, done other countries proud because of the talent they have.

“If there’s a nation that deserves it, I think it’s Fiji.”

Sosua Tuisova of Fiji celebrates with Levani Botia of Fiji ascoring his team's first try during the Rugby World Cup France 2023 match between Australia and Fiji.

While the Wallabies can’t escape the hype surrounding the Lions, Wilson said there was no hint of complacency among the Australian players as they look to start the new season with a victory.

“Playing for Australia is the best thing ever. And I’m the captain, and it’s something really special that I’ll never ever take for granted,” he said.

“To start the Test season, captaining against a team like Fiji is really exciting. And I can’t wait to get out there.

“We’re going out there to win, we know from the last time we versed Fiji two years ago we had a tough loss there and it’s such a massive battle.

“We’re going out there, we want to win. Winning becomes a habit.

“If it’s a tight game, you really want to get across the line and we know what sort of threats Fiji pose. It’s going to be such a tough Test match and if we can come out of a win, it would be a really good start to our season.”