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Saturday 12 July
Fiji | Draw | Scotland
Handicap
Fiji | Scotland
Mick Byrne’s men came within a late Harry Wilson try of knocking over the Wallabies in Australia last weekend in a sparkling performance from the Pacific Islander. The tries they did score through Lekima Tagitagivalu and Salesi Rayasiwere were true things of beauty, with the nation’s classic free-flowing style on full display in Newcastle to the delight of all neutral supporters.
Although they didn’t get the result in the end, Fiji will look to channel that momentum and hurt into this matchup against an under-strength Scotland setup. If the Brave Hearts attempt to overplay their hand as the Aussies did a week ago, they could be cut to ribbons by this dynamic Fiji backline, with Josua Tuisova and Jiuta Wainiqolo in fine touch at the minute.
Although an experimental Scotland side did beat the Maori All Blacks 29-26 last week, they haven’t played a fellow Test rival since their final round Six Nations loss in Paris, and their rustiness and lack of synergy will make them vulnerable in Suva.
Considering the side will be missing a plethora of British & Irish Lions in Blair Kinghorn, Duhan van der Merwe, Huw Jones, Sione Tuipulotu, Finn Russell, Ben White, Scott Cummings and Pierre Schoeman, they’ll need the experienced campaigners they do have available to step up big time against what will be a physical onslaught from Fiji.
Gregor Towensend’s men eased to a comfortable 57-17 win over the hosts at Murrayfield at the backend of last year, but this will be an entirely different challenge with any broken field inaccuracies likely to let the Fijians in. The home fans will be behind the team, with the hot and humid conditions also working in their favour in what is a massive test for Scotland’s player depth.
Verdict: Fiji on the board
This full-strength, high-flying Fiji team will have Scotland’s number on the weekend.
