Scotland scraped home against a valiant Fiji 22-20 in their do-or-die Pool B clash at Sydney’s Aussie Stadium this afternoon in front of a crowd of 38,137.
Two first half tries to Rupeni Caucau wasn’t enough for a tiring Fiji as Scotland took control in the second half.
Scotland’s last gasp win coming in the 77th minute when prop Tom Smith crashed over for their only try. At the time Fiji was reduced to 14 men after second row Api Naevo was yellow carded.
Scotland fly half Chris Paterson was impressive throughout, finishing the match with 17 points from five penalties and a conversion.
Scotland goes through to the quarter finals next week where they are expected to come up against defending champions Australia while Fiji’s RWC 2003 campaign is over.
Villain to hero
Returning from a two match suspension, Fiji wing Rupeni Caucau turned from villain to hero scoring Fiji’s two first half tries with magnificent sideline dashes.
Both sides missed early chances to post first points with kickers Nicky Little of Fiji and Scotland’s Paterson wide of the mark.
The game opened up in the 13th minute when Caucau charged down the sideline busting through two would-be Scotland defenders to score. Little’s sideline conversion gave Fiji a 7-0 lead.
Fiji dominated the first half creating several scoring opportunities but desperate defence from Scotland full back Glenn Metcalfe ended promising raids by Caucau and opposite wing Aisea Tuilevu.
Late comeback
Scotland found their rhythm late in the half with Paterson picking up two penalties for Scotland to claw their way back to within a point 10 minutes from the break.
Scotland was denied a late try when centre Andrew Henderson knocked on with the line wide open.
Caucau's second came from a simple overlap creating space for Caucau to race 80 metres to score. Little's conversion gave Fiji a 14-6 lead at the break.
Scotland on the run
Scotland came out full of running in the second half against a tiring Fiji, dominating ball possession and territory.
Three penalties to Paterson gave the lead to Scotland on the hour mark for the first time in the match.
Two penalties to Little put Fiji ahead 20-15 with eight minutes to play but Smith’s late try drove a knife through the heart of Fiji’s supporters.
Scores
Scotland 22
Tries: Smith
Conversions: Paterson (5)
Penalties: Paterson (1)
Defeated
Fiji 20
Tries: Caucau (2)
Conversions: Litlle (2)
Penalties: Little (2)