By Andrew Collins
September 23 2007

A final score of 55-12 means Australia go through Pool B as group winners… with a game to spare! The Aussies are now sitting pretty at the top of the pool, 5 points ahead of Wales and Fiji, who will meet on Saturday 29th September.

The first half was disappointing from the favourite's point of view, they conceded a great set move try in the minutes before the end of the half, as they went in at the break just 17 points ahead, 22-5.

Winger Drew Mitchell secured his hat-trick with the final move of the match, while man of the match Matt Giteau scored a brace. Adam Ashley Cooper and Stephen Hoiles scored the others.

Fiji crossed twice, once on the half time whistle as Isoa Neivua forced his way over after some good expensive play, then again in the second after a brilliant set piece move in the first phase following a line-out.

The Fijians were resting many of their top stars, admitting they see the clash with Wales as their best chance of emerging to the quarter finals.

But it was still a brave performance from the chosen XV, who were simply outclassed by one of the world's top sides, in perfect World Cup form. It took the two time World Champions 16 minutes to unlock the Fijian defence, when Giteau crossed for the first 5 of his own 27 point haul!

It means now that the Wallabies will face either Tonga or England in what is potentially a rematch of the last World Cup Finals. As for Fiji, they can take heart from their performance and will look to re-group for their clash with Wales on Saturday. They'll go into the match as underdogs, but know they have a genuine chance to face South Africa in the quarters, in what will be an all or nothing match.

But today was all about Australia, having qualified, they go to face Canada in a throw away game that will have no bearing on their final standings in the group.

Scores:

Australia (22) 55
Tries: Giteau (2), Mitchell (3), Ashley-Cooper, Hoiles
Cons: Giteau (4)
Pens: Giteau (3)
Drops: Barnes

Fiji (5) 12
Tries: Neivua, Ratuva
Cons: Bai
Cons: Lemi

Former Fijian international and BBC Sports Pundit, Simon Raiwalui said;

"Both teams can be proud of their performances on a very hot day. A fantastic game. The Wallabies are looking very, very sharp. The Welsh should be very worried. They're not playing too well and Fiji are. If Fiji can keep the ball and win the set-piece I back them to win."

Australia: Latham, Mitchell, Ashley-Cooper, Giteau, Tuqiri, Barnes, Gregan (captain); Dunning, Moore, Shepherdson, Chisholm, Vickerman, Elsom, Waugh, Palu.

Freier, Holmes, McMeniman, Hoiles, Cordingley, Staniforth, Huxley.

Fiji: Ligairi; Delasau, Kunavore, Bai (capt), Neivua; Luveniyali, Daunivucu; Yalayalatabua, Sauturaga, Qiodravu, Domolailai, Rawaqa, Talei, Ratuva, Qovu.

Gadolo, Railomo, Lewaravu, Koyamaibole, Rauluni, Lovobalavu, Rabeni.