Scots pull off narrowest of wins

Scotland 22, Fiji 20

Scotland pulled off the narrowest of wins to sneak through to the quarter-finals of the World Cup with an enthralling 22-20 win over Fiji in Sydney.

A late try for prop Tom Smith when they were a man up got them home against a tiring Fiji, who scored two tries through brilliant winger Rupeni Caucau.

Scotland failed to capitalise on their few chances to score tries, but did tighten their game significantly in the second half after being nearly blown away in the opening 20 minutes.

Just after the hour mark Paterson kicked a penalty to put Scotland ahead for the first time in the match at 15-14 to set up a riveting final 20 minutes.

Caucau’s magic touch caused problems again for Scotland in the 63rd minute when he climbed well to retain his own up-and-under kick. Scotland flanker Cameron Mather came in from the side at the ensuing ruck and Little nailed the kick to push Fiji back into the lead at 17-15.

A kicking duel in the 66th minute ended when Tuilevu’s fine kick found touch inside the Scottish 22.

Fiji threatened on the left when Ifereimi Rawaqa burst away and, with the defence expecting a pass for Caucau the big lock nearly went all the way, only for a desperate recovery from Metcalfe and Logan to stop him.

Metcalfe went off with eight minutes left, the brave fullback having taken a fearsome beating from the Fijian tacklers during an impressive performance.

With cramp and fatigue starting to hit the Fijians Scotland sensed the chance to pounce, but a foolish penalty for offside handed Little the chance he needed to kick his team into a 20-15 lead.

But disaster struck for Fiji when lock Api Naevo was yellow carded for failing to roll away in the tackle as Scotland threatened down the left.

Moments later Scotland were ahead when Tom Smith was driven over at a ruck and Paterson’s conversion made it 22-20.

Fiji coach Mac McCallion immediately sent on brilliant runner Vilimoni Delasau to try and conjure some later magic, but Scotland held firm to take the win and go into the last eight.