Trbojevic hat-trick sends Australia into World Cup semi-finals after Fiji scare

Australia secured a Rugby League World Cup semi-final place with a 36-22 win over Fiji in Brisbane on Sunday, overcoming a second-half deficit as Tom Trbojevic scored three tries. BBC Sport reported that the result took Kevin Walters' side into the last four after successive victories over New Zealand and Fiji.

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Fiji led 16-12 after the interval and briefly appeared to have extended that advantage when Solomone Saukuru crossed. His effort was disallowed for obstruction, however, and Australia responded immediately with a Trbojevic try to draw level. According to BBC Sport, that rapid change in fortunes turned the match back towards the hosts after Fiji had enjoyed the territorial advantage in the first half.

The scoring record published by Zero Tackle shows how concentrated Australia's response was. Trbojevic crossed in the 47th, 57th and 62nd minutes, while Sam Walker added a penalty goal in the 54th. Jacob Preston supplied the Australians' final try in the 76th minute, helping establish a 14-point winning margin at Suncorp Stadium.

Walker also marked his Test debut with a first-half try and 12 kicking points, comprising five conversions and that penalty. Kotoni Staggs scored Australia's opening try. Fiji's four tries came through Semi Valemei, who also completed a hat-trick, and Taane Milne, with Brandon Wakeham converting three of them. Australia finished with six tries to Fiji's four.

The match followed several changes to Australia's team. The NRL's official selection announcement named James Tedesco at full-back and captain, with Walker alongside Tom Dearden in the halves. Bradman Best, Blayke Brailey, David Fifita and Walker were listed as Kangaroos debutants. Trbojevic retained his place on the wing as Walters gave different players opportunities during the pool stage.

Qualification did not remove the concerns raised by Australia's performance. BBC Sport described a forward pack that had been outmuscled, while Trbojevic acknowledged afterwards that the team needed to improve despite taking the two points. Fiji's route to the semi-finals now rests on their final pool meeting with New Zealand on Saturday, 31 October.