The Vodafone Fiji Bati produced one of their bravest World Cup performances but were unable to stop a late Australian surge, falling 36-22 to the Kangaroos in front of 41,108 fans in Brisbane on Sunday.

In a thrilling contest that featured four lead changes, Fiji matched the defending champions for much of the encounter and looked on track for a famous upset after controlling large periods of the first hour.

The Bati signaled their intentions early, with fullback Bayleigh Bentley-Hape making a break in the opening set while Fiji’s determined defence frustrated Australia’s attack.

Australia struck first through Kotoni Staggs after a clever pass from captain James Tedesco created space for the centre to score.

Fiji quickly responded and took control. Semi Valemei crossed in the 17th minute after a superb cut-out pass from Kurt Donoghoe, before Brandon Wakeham’s grubber kick created another opportunity eight minutes later for Taane Milne to score and give the Bati the lead.

As Fiji dominated possession and won the battle through the middle, Australia needed a moment of brilliance from Tedesco to stay in touch. The Kangaroos skipper darted from dummy-half on halfway, slicing through the defence before combining with Sam Walker and Tom Trbojevic in a sweeping movement that ended with Walker scoring.

Walker converted to hand Australia a narrow 12-10 halftime advantage.

The Bati came out firing after the break and regained the lead just three minutes into the second half. Donoghoe again delivered a pinpoint cut-out pass that found Valemei for his second try.

The Bati appeared set to extend their advantage when Solomone Saukuru crossed, but the effort was ruled out for obstruction. Moments later, Australia capitalized, with Trbojevic levelling the scores before Walker kicked a penalty goal to edge the Kangaroos in front.

Australia then began to gain momentum. A fortunate deflection from a grubber kick bounced perfectly for Trbojevic to score his second try, with Walker converting from the sideline.

Trbojevic completed his hat-trick soon after, but Fiji refused to surrender. Valemei secured a memorable treble of his own from yet another Donoghoe masterclass, capping a standout performance that earned the five-eighth Player of the Match honours.

However, Australia’s depth and experience proved decisive in the closing stages, with Jacob Preston crossing for his first Kangaroos try to seal the 36-22 victory and secure Australia’s place in the World Cup semi-finals.

The Kangaroos will next face the Cook Islands in Townsville, while Fiji turn their attention to a crucial clash against New Zealand on the Gold Coast this Saturday.