We know the Aussies will be right up for it

WE HAVE had quite the journey here in Italy so far, with plenty to reflect on as we gear up for our pivotal game against Australia on Wednesday.

- HEPU TUIPULOTU

Looking back at our recent match against South Africa, I was incredibly proud of how we started the game. The first 20 minutes were exactly how we wanted to approach every match: full throttle, confident, and clinical. We scored two tries early on and it looked like we were in cruise control.

That kind of start was a real statement for us. It showed what we're capable of when we execute well but also made clear what we need to do better: maintain that intensity for the entire 80 minutes. Unfortunately, as the game went on, we eased off the gas a bit, and that’s something we have to fix. You can’t just have a great opening 20 minutes in this kind of tournament and then take your foot off the pedal. We need to carry that momentum through the whole match.

It’s a tough ask, but it’s absolutely necessary if we want to progress.

South Africa responded impressively before half time. After being two tries up, we found ourselves level at the break. It was frustrating to let them back into the game like that, but credit to them, they showed real grit and determination to claw their way back.