Tom Trbojevic scored a second-half hat-trick as Australia survived an almighty scare from a heroic Fiji side, pulling away late to secure a 36-22 win at Suncorp Stadium.

Kevin Walters’ Kangaroos were pushed to the absolute limit by an inspired Bati outfit in Brisbane, holding a narrow 12-10 lead at the break before relying on their backline superstar to break open a relentless contest.

Kotoni Staggs opened the scoring for Australia in the 7th minute, but Fiji produced an immediate, hard-hitting response. Castleford Tigers winger Semi Valemei crossed for his first in the 17th minute before Taane Milne crashed over on 25 minutes, with Brandon Wakeham’s conversion handing Fiji a stunning 10-6 lead.

Sam Walker restored order just before half-time, crossing and converting his own try to edge Australia ahead by two at the break.

Valemei hat-trick keeps Bati swinging before Trbojevic and Walker take control

Fiji shocked the home crowd once again right after the restart when Valemei completed his double in the 43rd minute, converted by Wakeham, to put the Bati back in front 16-12.

However, Australia’s class ultimately told as Trbojevic went into overdrive. The dynamic winger touched down three times in the space of 15 minutes (47′, 57′, and 62′), while Sam Walker added four conversions and a 54th-minute penalty goal to turn the tide.

Valemei completed a sensational hat-trick of his own for Fiji in the 69th minute to set up a tense finish, but substitute Jacob Preston sealed the two points for Australia with a 76th-minute try, keeping the Kangaroos atop Pool A.

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