The Australians struggled in the stifling heat in the Fijian capital and trailed 7-3 at half-time. Penalty goals from Cameron Shepherd and reserve fullback Clinton Schifcofske gave Australia A a narrow 9-7 lead.

But a run-away try to Filimone Bolavucu gave Fiji a 14-9 lead before a Turner busted through some tired defence to dive over in the corner to level the scores. Schifcofske missed the conversion to leave the final score level at 14-all.

The result means Australia A finished second in the tournament behind the Junior All Blacks, with Samoa in third, Fiji in fourth and Tonga and Japan to sort out who gets the wooden spoon when the final round is completed on Sunday.

Fiji made a great start to the match with fullback Norman Ligairi launching a counter-attacked in the seventh minute from off his own line. His break sent left wing Bolavucu away for his first try, with Waisea Luvenivali adding the extra points for a 7-0 lead.

Shepherd, who missed two early penalties, managed to slot his third attempt in the 26th minute to trail 7-3 which was the half-time score.

Further penalties to Australia put the visitors ahead 9-7 with 20 minutes to play before an errand pass from Ryan Cross saw Bolavucu pick up the ball and race 75 metres for his second try. Luvenivali added the extras and Fiji were on the verge of a stunning upset at 14-9.

But a scrum against the head handed Australia A a prime opportunity to attack and Turner was able to bust his way through the tired Fiji defence on the blindside to score the visitors first try of the match just two minutes from full-time. Schifcofske had a chance to win the match but pushed his conversion wide for the side's to share a hard-fought draw.

Fiji 14
Tries: Filimone Bolavucu 2
Conversions: Waisea Luvenivali 2 con

Australia A 14
Tries: Lachlan Turner
Penalties: Cameron Shepherd 2, Clinton Schifcofske

HT: Fiji 7-3.

Sportal