Australia survived a major scare to record a 39-21 bonus point victory over Fiji in the opening game in Wales’ World Cup group.
They trailed 21-12 at one point in the second half with their opponents having played some thrilling rugby, marrying their traditional flair with mighty ball carrying.
But the Wallabies’ set-piece superiority, combined with Fiji’s ill-discipline, proved decisive in Sapporo.
They dominated at scrum-time and scored two tries from lineout mauls in the space of five minutes around the hour mark to change the course of the game.
In the end, they touched down six times, with flanker Michael Hooper, winger Reece Hodge, centre Samu Kerevi and wing Marika Koroibete crossing to add to the two maul tries from hooker Tolu Latu.
Fiji had led 14-12 at half-time after claiming an early touchdown through outstanding flanker Peceli Yato and extended their lead after the break when centre Waisea Nayacalevu pounced on a loose ball to sprint home.
But they ran out of steam and conceded a succession of penalties under mounting pressure, which led to a yellow card for centre Levani Botia, with the Wallabies scoring two tries while he was in the sin bin.
There was a controversial incident in the first half when Hodge put in a no arms shoulder hit on openside Yato who had to leave the field for a HIA and didn’t return.
No action was taken against Hodge and it remains to be seen whether he may be cited.
Wales open their Pool D campaign on Monday when they take on Georgia in Toyota City, with Australia their second opponents a week tomorrow.
