LAST TIME THEY MET

On the eve of Rugby World Cup 2023, we take a deeper dive into the Wallabies’ on-field history against their upcoming opponents in Pool C, as they get set to face Georgia, Fiji, Wales and Portugal in France. 

WALLABIES v GEORGIA  

2.00am AEST, Sunday 10 September 

These two sides may have a short history, but it is one that is very sweet in favour of the Wallabies. 

Amid tough conditions with Typhoon Hagibis impacting play, the Wallabies went head-to-head with Georgia for the first time at the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan. Despite battling the challenging elements in what was an untidy affair, the Wallabies went on to take home the win 27-8 in the last of their pool matches. 

While it may have been four years since the two sides faced off, Georgia is heading up the ranks and are a side to watch closely. Now sitting at world No. 11, Georgia made the in-form Scotland grind it out in preparation for their Rugby World Cup opener during a warm-up clash in recent days. Impressively, Georgia kept Scotland scoreless for the first 40 minutes, but Scotland proved eventual winners at 33-6.  

The Wallabies will face Georgia in their RWC2023 opener at Stade de France on Sunday 10 September from 2:00am AEST. 
 

WALLABIES V FIJI

1.45am AEST, Monday 18 September 

The Flying Fijians have been in firing form under the guidance of Simon Raiwalui - former Fijian rugby player - with their latest major upset against an experienced England in their warm-up clash before their Rugby World Cup opener with the victory secured at 30-22. 

Fiji have undoubtedly caught the attention of their green and gold opponents, with their global ranking at number six meaning Fiji are the highest ranked team in Pool C.  

The last time these two met at Rugby World Cup 2019, the green and gold fought back with a 39-21 victory, with an impressive four tries scored in 16 minutes.  

Arguably the Wallabies’ greatest challenge across the pool stages this Rugby World Cup, it will be a compelling battle between these Pacific nations come September 18. 

The Wallabies face Fiji at Stade Geoffroy Guichard, Saint Etienne on Sunday 10 September from 1:45am AEST. 

WALES v WALLABIES

5.00am AEST, Monday 25 September 

Wales and Australia have plenty of history at Rugby World Cups, having played each other four times across pool stages since 1991 and in quarter final and third-place play offs.

Currently ranking 10^th in the world, Wales’ form has fluctuated in recent years. With losses to Georgia and Australia last year which saw the removal of their fomer head coach in Wayne Pivac, they rectified their on-field form to secure two wins against England. A thrashing at the hands of South Africa recently will fire up Wales ahead of what is shaping to be a fierce battle with Australia come late September.

It was only in November of last year that the rivals faced off with the Wallabies coming out on top 39-34, in a thrilling comeback with the green and gold at one stage coming from 21 points down.

Head Coach Warren Gatland has taken Wales to three Grand Slams and two World Cup semi-finals, and will be hoping to elevate his side’s legacy if he can pull his team’s form deep into this years’ tournament, but first they will have to face their fierce opponents in Australia.

The Wallabies do battle with Wales on Monday 25 September at OL Stadium, Lyon, Saint from 5:00am AEST. 

WALLABIES v PORTUGAL

2.45am AEST, Monday 2 October 

Portugal secured the final place in this year’s Rugby World Cup fixture by the smallest of margins, cementing a draw against USA at the Final Qualification Tournament.

This will be the first time Wallabies face Portugal at a Rugby World Cup, however Portugal played Australia A as another warm-up leading into this year’s tournament.

Australia A – Australia’s second national rugby union team – ran away with the win, but with some promising young players coming through the ranks, Portugal will look to put up a fight against the Wallabies in October.  

The Wallabies square off with Portugal at Stade Geoffroy Guichard, Saint Etienne on Monday 2 October from 2:45am AEST. 

Wallabies Travel are thrilled to be heading over to France to watch the boys represent Australia. This could be you supporting the green and gold, book your next package with Wallabies Travel.   

For those Australians who aren’t travelling to France with Wallabies Travel, Rugby World Cup 2023 will be hosted on Stan Sport and the Channel 9 network in Australia. Every Wallabies matches and the 2023 final will be simulcast live on Nine and streamed on 9Now.