James Tedesco strengthened his claim to Australia’s No. 1 jersey after helping the Kangaroos recover from a major scare against Fiji at Suncorp Stadium.
Australia came from behind to defeat the Bati 36-22 in front of 41,108 spectators, with Tedesco producing a decisive display at fullback after Reece Walsh had impressed in the same position against New Zealand the previous week.
The veteran’s decision to run on the final tackle created the opportunity for Sam Walker to score shortly before half-time. Tedesco then added three try assists and helped Australia remain composed when Fiji threatened to cause an upset early in the second half.
Australia coach Kevin Walters was unwilling to reveal whether Tedesco or Walsh would start against the Cook Islands in Townsville on Saturday, describing the choice as a positive selection dilemma.
“I wouldn’t call it a headache. It’s a great situation to be in, to have two of the best fullbacks in the game available to us,” Walters said.
“Reece was one of our best in game one, and James was one of our best players tonight. It’s a good position to be in.”
Walters, who had Walsh seated behind him in the coaches’ box, was particularly impressed by Tedesco’s all-round contribution.
“That’s what you expect from this guy, he’s been doing it a long time,” he said. “He was probably one of the differences out there for Australia. His work in attack was very good, defensively he was good, he’s a world-class player – that’s why he’s been the player he has been for a long time.”
Tedesco said he would be prepared to move from fullback if Walters decided that was best for the team. Walsh could also be used from the bench, an option Queensland previously employed with his pace during State of Origin matches.
Australia handed debuts to Walker, David Fifita, Bradman Best and Blayke Brailey, and their combinations lacked fluency at times. The Kangaroos also required greater resilience and effort from their forward pack.
Tom Trbojevic scored three tries but was unhappy with his defensive performance after Fiji’s Semi Valemei also crossed three times. Trbojevic said Fiji had targeted his right wing and admitted there were areas he needed to improve.
“I’m disappointed with a few areas, yes, we won, but I need to learn from this and move forward,” Trbojevic said. “Would I like to be better? Yes. Do I feel comfortable out there? Yes. There are just areas I need to improve.”
Trbojevic also praised Tedesco, saying: “He’s a quality player I’ve played a fair bit of footy with at rep level, and he was outstanding out there.”
Walker and Tom Dearden remain in contention to partner Cameron Munster in the halves. Ethan Strange will make his Australia debut after joining the squad in place of Mitchell Moses, while Harry Grant, Latrell Mitchell and Walsh are among those fresh for the trip north.
Australia’s semi-final is scheduled for Sunday November 8 in Sydney, but Walters will know his side must improve quickly after being pushed hard by Fiji.
