White victorious on World Cup bow

By Mike Smith
21/9/19

Nic White marked his first-ever Rugby World Cup appearance by helping Australia to kick-off their 2019 campaign with a 39-21 victory over Fiji.

Having narrowly missed out on selection for the 2015 tournament, the Exeter scrum-half is one of six Chiefs players who will be figuring in this year's tournament in Japan.

Running out for his 27th Test cap, White featured for 51 minutes before he was replaced by the experienced Will Genia.

For the Wallabies, though, it was the perfect start to their tournament, even though the Fijians - at times - caused them their fair share of problems.

Indeed, it was the Islanders who put the first points on the board through a Ben Volavola penalty after the Australian's were penalised for not releasing. Fiji then built on their fast start after some powerful play from winger Josua Tuisova with Pecili Yato increasing the Fijian's lead to 8-0. 

It was time for Australia to regroup and that they did when White offloaded the ball, leading to skipper Michael Hooper driving through the backline and finding the line for the Wallabies on 18 minutes. 

Fiji were impressing many with their tactics and with Australia falling foul of the officials, two Volavola penalties extended their lead to 14-7, before the Aussies hit back with a try on the stroke of half time through Reece Hodge.