Fiji Airways Flying Fijians Coach John McKee says Fiji is still in this tournament after their strong and impressive first half performance stunned the Wallabies but wasn’t enough to earn them a victory as they went down 39‑21 at Sapporo Dome in Japan last night.
McKee says they have learnt a lot out of last night’s game and it is now time to move on and prepare for their next game against Uruguay on Wednesday.
In the post match press conference, McKee was asked about Wallabies wing Reece Hodge escaping a red card against Fiji.
Hodge prevented Peceli Yato from scoring a certain try in the 26th minute by stopping Yato with a shoulder‑led, no‑arms challenge to the head.
What if it was @peceli_yato who had made the despairing, no-arms, torpedo tackle on Wallaby winger Reece Hodge instead, just 5 metres out from the Fijian tryline with a certain try ahead? https://t.co/m8VRME3CuZ
— Daniel Leo (@danleo82) September 21, 2019
In response, McKee said he has not seen the footage of the incident yet and they have no complaints about the referee.
Captain Dominiko Waqaniburotu says he did refer the tackle by Reece Hodge to referee Ben O’Keeffe who said there was nothing wrong with it.
Rugby World Cup 2019: Fiji coach John McKee has 'no complaints' despite Australia wing Reece Hodge escaping red card for high tackle on Peceli Yato#RugbyWorldCup #AustraliaRugby #FijiRugbyhttps://t.co/vRF3CxWVAo
— Alicia Carr (@AliciaCaYE98) September 21, 2019
He says the boys are still in high spirits and ready to prepare for their next game.
The Wallabies now lead Pool D with 5 points.
The Flying Fijians next match is against Uruguay at 5.15pm on Wednesday.
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