Flying Fiji lifts everyone’s hopes at Rugby World Cup. Eyes now on big Ireland-South Africa showdown
Fiji's Simione Kuruvoli reacts during the Rugby World Cup Pool C match between Australia and Fiji at the Stade Geoffroy Guichard in Saint-Etienne, France, Sunday, Sept. 17, 2023. (AP Photo/Aurelien Morissard)[ASSOCIATED PRESS/Aurelien Morissard]
Every World Cup needs an underdog story and the Pacific island of Fiji is warming hearts at rugby’s showpiece. The flying Fijians beat two-time champion Australia on Sunday for the first time in 69 years and for the first time at the Rugby World Cup to send a ripple of joy through the tournament. That result was refreshing with most outsiders getting a predictable pounding from the big dogs in the first week-and-a-bit of action in France. All eyes now are on a titanic meeting between top-ranked Ireland and defending champion South Africa.
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Fiji's Semi Radradra stands on the pitch during the Rugby World Cup Pool C match between Australia and Fiji at the Stade Geoffroy Guichard in Saint-Etienne, France, Sunday, Sept. 17, 2023. (AP Photo/Aurelien Morissard)
Photo: ASSOCIATED PRESS/Aurelien Morissard