ISRAEL FOLAU AND Henry Speight scored try doubles as Australia launched their international season with a 37-14 win over Fiji in Melbourne on Saturday.
Fullback Folau was outstanding in attack, running over 150 metres for the match, and Fijian-born winger Speight finished well as the Wallabies outscored Fiji five tries to two after leading 18-0 at half-time.
Fly-half Bernard Foley kicked three conversions and two penalty goals to finish with 12 points.
The Wallabies began well and dominated the first half, but the Fijians had more success in the second half with tries to Vereniki Goneva and Timoci Nagusa.
It was a tonic for the Wallabies to win their season opener by 23 points, with Test debutant Karmichael Hunt catching the eye at inside centre along with towering lock Adam Coleman.
Hunt, whose introduction to rugby in 2015 was blighted by a cocaine scandal stemming from his days in the Australian Football League, was making his Wallabies debut aged 30.
Hunt and Folau are the only players in Australian history who have been dual rugby internationals and played the AFL at senior level.
“It’s very satisfying. Obviously, my journey hasn’t been an easy one, self-inflicted, but I put my hand up from the start and I just wanted work my way into form and this year I’ve done that,” Hunt said.
“For me to pull on the Wallabies jumper is a huge honour for my family and everyone else that has helped me get to this point, so I am very lucky.”
Flanker Michael Hooper, who was named captain ahead of 117-Test hooker Stephen Moore, who started on the bench, said it was a good start to the year for the Wallabies.
“I am really happy with the guys, the intent was really strong and the work-rate was there,” Hooper said.
“We probably left two or three tries out there, but the Fijians are pretty hard to deal with at times.”
It was Australia’s 14th straight win over Fiji since a 3-3 draw in Melbourne in 1961.
