The Wallabies kicked off their 2025 campaign with a nail-biting 21-18 victory over Fiji at McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle. However, the performance left much to be desired, raising serious questions about their readiness for the upcoming series against the British & Irish Lions.

A Game of Two Halves

Australia started strong, building a nine-point halftime lead thanks to tries from Dave Porecki and Fraser McReight. However, a lapse in concentration just before the break allowed Fiji's Salesi Rayasi to score, shifting the momentum in favor of the visitors.

The second half saw Fiji dominate possession and territory, with their outside backs causing havoc. Tries from Lekima Tagitagivalu and a penalty from Muntz brought Fiji within striking distance, and they looked poised to secure a historic win.

Wilson to the Rescue

With the clock winding down, it was skipper Harry Wilson who stepped up. After seven phases of relentless forward play, Wilson powered through two defenders to score the match-winning try, saving the Wallabies from what would have been a devastating defeat.

Areas for Improvement

Despite the win, Australia's performance was far from convincing. Poor execution, particularly in the first half, saw two tries disallowed for forward passes. The Wallabies also struggled to maintain possession and were often forced into defensive scrambles.

Looking Ahead to the Lions

Head coach Joe Schmidt acknowledged the need for improvement, particularly in scrum and lineout execution. With just two weeks before the first Test against the Lions, Australia must address these issues if they hope to compete.

Key Players

Harry Wilson was undoubtedly the standout, but the Wallabies will need more from their key players, including Will Skelton and Rob Valetini, who were sorely missed in Newcastle. The return of these players could provide the boost Australia needs.

Conclusion

While the win keeps the Wallabies' momentum alive, it's clear that significant improvements are needed before they face the Lions. Schmidt and his team have a short window to address these concerns and prepare for what promises to be a challenging series.