Fiji halts Australia's quest for semi-final berth with emphatic win in Aldershot
The Republic of Fiji Defence Forces have topped the table in Pool B following a decisive 26-20 win against Australia in Aldershot.
The Fijians had already booked their semi-final place following their win against France in Henley, but their win against Australia ensures that they finish the pool stages with a maximum 15 points.
Australia's hopes of a semi-final berth now hang in the balance as France hope to knock them out of second place when they play the Vodafone LooseHeadz.
The Fijians were on the attack from the outset, pushing the Australians into their 22, but the Australian defence frustrated the Fijians, and they were prevented from getting early points on the board.
A break from Australian captain Caitlyn Costello helped them clear out of their 22 before she judged her offload to her fly-half teammate Madeline Matthews well, to which Matthews then ran the distance to score Australia's opening try.
As half-time neared, the Fijians were forced into their own 22 and mistakes began to creep in. Australia benefited from Fiji's shortfalls and were awarded a penalty try, boosting their lead to 0-12 at the halfway point.
Much like in their game against France, Fiji entered the second half having to come back from behind, and it was Mereani Wakolo who got them onto the scoresheet with a converted try.
That was soon followed up with another Fijian try from their inside-centre Vive Sikisawana to level the scoreboard at 12-12.
Minutes later, the Fijians were over again, with Elenoa Dauni launching the Fijian side into the lead with a score of 19-12.
The Australians were now on the back foot, and as soon as a penalty went their way, they opted for a penalty kick to get some important points on the board, which was successfully taken by Sarah Riordan.
But the Fijians were carrying the momentum, and left wing Mereani Solevu broke through the Australian defence to score under the posts.
With the time ticking down to full time, the Australians were running out of time to salvage their game and their semi-final place.
Scrum-half Terri Ellis scored in the dying minutes, but it wasn't enough to turn their fortunes around.
The Fijians emerged victorious with a 26-20 victory to finish on top of Pool B, and they have booked their place in the semi-final on 30 August.
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