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No.1 issue faces Australia, but far from the only one

Australia coach Kevin Walters likes good selection headaches, and now he has one in the fullback position.

Kangaroos captain James Tedesco was the difference at No.1 in a clunky 36-22 win over gallant Fiji at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday night.

The veteran's three try assists and involvement in two others of the Kangaroos' six tries was a masterclass in how one man's brilliance can paper over other cracks.

Australia's right-edge defence was found wanting and the pack was dominated by the Bati.

In the opening-round 24-22 win over New Zealand it was Brisbane talisman Reece Walsh who won the match with brilliance, although three-try hero Jack Bostock also had a huge say in the result.

The big talking point ahead of Australia's semi-final at Allianz Stadium on November 8 revolves around which of Tedesco and Walsh plays fullback. The other issue is how to get both involved when they are essentially fullbacks only.

Australia play Cook Islands in Townsville on Saturday night when one of the two will likely edge out the other. 

"It is a great situation to be in to have two of the best fullbacks in the game available for us," Walters said.

"They just keep producing. We will have a chat and there are a few decisions to made around that for next week. I am just grateful we have got both in our squad.

"I thought Reece was one of our best in game one, and James was one of our best tonight."

Tedesco's display against Fiji was undeniably brilliant.

"That is what you expect. He has been doing that for a long time and he was one of the differences for Australia,'' Walters said.

"His work in attack was very good, and defensively. He is world-class."

Tedesco said he was not sure if there was a place other than fullback where he could start for Australia.

"Tonight I just wanted to do my role and play my part," he said.

"I am enjoying being back in this jersey. It has been a while. Obviously I wanted to play fullback, but I will play anywhere Kev needs me to."

Walters does need his team to be better all-round as the big guns await in the knockout phase.

"Our guys were good in patches," he said.

"I think we need more from everyone. There is a lot of honesty within the group and, without going too much into it, we know we can be better."

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