The Kangaroos have defeated Fiji 36-22 to make it two wins from two games at the Rugby League World Cup.
Fiji’s forward pack imposed themselves on the contest and it looked like an upset was brewing when they took the lead before Australia pulled away in the second half.
Tom Trbojevic scored a hat-trick as did his opposite winger Semi Valemei, while Fijian five-eighth Kurt Donoghue was named man of the match.
Australia have now guaranteed a spot in the semi-finals, where they will likely face Tonga or Samoa, following next weekend’s final pool game against Cook Islands.
It was far from an emphatic performance by the Kangaroos, who will need to improve to beat Tonga and New Zealand in potential knockout match-ups to win the World Cup.
“If the forward pack plays like that, they won’t be in the game. Tonga and Samoa will absolutely streamroll them,” Luke Keary said on Channel 7.
“The Australian forward pack has to create more damage,” Trent Robinson said.
Kevin Walters made several changes to the team that defeated the Kiwis in the tournament opener as he shuffled his squad.
Reece Walsh was rested and James Tedesco impressed with three try assists to give the Kangaroos coach a headache over who should play in the No. 1 jersey.
Sam Walker was solid on his Australian debut and is the favourite to partner Cameron Munster in the halves for the rest of the tournament.
Catch up on the action below.
Originally published as ‘Not good enough’: Kangaroos survive Fiji scare, selection headaches emerge