Victory at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium left two-time champions Australia third in Pool A behind England and Wales. Their rivals have both bagged bonus points for scoring four tries or more on the opening weekend.
Australia captain Stephen Moore said: “I thought Fiji were terrific; they’re a much-improved side.
“We’re happy with our boys efforts, but there’s plenty to work on for the next Test.”
Coach Michael Cheika played down the importance of the bonus point. “We haven’t thought about the bonus point. It’s not Super Rugby, it’s the World Cup.”
Twice in four minutes, Pocock was driven over by the Wallabies’ effective rolling maul after they spurned kicks at goal in favour of attacking line-outs.
Prop Sekope Kepu crossed for a third try early in the second half, with fly-half Bernard Foley kicking 13 points. But Fiji defied fears that they would give up.
Taking to the field just five days after a 35-11 defeat by England in the tournament opener, the Pacific islanders scored a try through Australian-born fly-half Ben Volavola, with giant wing Nemani Nadolo kicking the conversion and two penalties.