Australia j Fiji They meet this Sunday, it will be the second game for both at the World Cup. The meeting begins at 12:45 p.m. and can be watched live on ESPN Scrum on Star+. Watch the entire World Cup on Star+.
HOW DO YOU GET THERE: Great game in Group C between two neighboring teams who know each other very well. The tournament is crucial for Fiji as, after losing on debut against Wales, they need to win to avoid getting one foot out of the standings. Australia beat Georgia very well, without showing off but with enough clarity not to have any problems (35-15).
In Fiji they still have to rue Semi Radradra’s reverse in the final action of the game. The Fijians exhausted the width of the pitch and as they were about to reach the Welsh goal the ball slipped out of the hands of the Island centre, who licked his feet to steady it on the left.
WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR: Eddie Jones and his young cast are in a period of consolidation. After a poor start to the year, this was the first victory since his driver’s return.
Fiji scored four tries and were the best team among the losers. In the defeat they picked up two points that could be crucial for qualification. But the defeat against Wales will be remembered for a long time.
BACKGROUND
IN THE HISTORY: As close-knit countries, they competed in the 1952 tour that took Fiji through Australia and gave the two teams a victory. The Islanders’ 17-15 win in Sydney was the first of two wins in history against the Wallabies.
The second game was in 1954, also as visitors in Sydney, 18 to 16. The only draw in history was recorded in Melbourne in 1961, a draw 3 to 3. In total they played 22 times, with 19 wins for Australia two for Fiji and a draw.
The largest of Australia’s 19 victories was in Oceania’s qualification for the 1999 World Cup, 66 to 20. The largest margin came in the 2007 Test match, 49 to 0 in Perth. They haven’t played since the World Cup in Japan, where the Wallabies won 39-21.
IN RWC:
09/21/2019 – Pool D – Australia 39 vs. Fiji 21 – Sapporo Dome
09/23/2015 – Group A – Australia 28 vs. Fiji 13 – Millennium Stadium, Cardiff
09/23/2007 – Group B – Australia 55 vs. Fiji 12 – Montpellier
EDUCATION
Australia: 1. Angus Bell, 2. David Porecki, 3. James Slipper, 4. Nick Frost, 5. Will Skelton (c), 6. Tom Hooper, 7. Fraser McReight, 8. Rob Valetini, 9. Nic White, 10 . Carter Gordon, 11. Marika Koroibete, 12. Samu Kerevi, 13. Jordan Petaia, 14. Mark Nawaqanitawase, 15. Ben Donaldson.
Substitutes: 16. Jordan Uelese, 17. Blake Schoupp, 18. Zane Nonggorr, 19. Richard Arnold, 20. Robert Leota, 21. Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, 22. Lalakai Foketi, 23. Suli Vunivalu.
Fiji: 1. Eroni Mawi, 2. Samuel Matavesi, 3. Luke Tagi, 4. Isoa Nasilasila, 5. Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, 6. Lekima Tagitagivalu, 7. Levani Botia, 8. Viliame Mata, 9. Simione Kuruvoli, 10. Teti Tela, 11. Semi Radradra, 12. Josua Tuisova, 13. Waisea Nayacalevu (C), 14. Jiuta Wainiqolo, 15. Ilaisa Droasese.
Substitutes: 16. Tevita Ikanivere, 17. Peni Ravai, 18. Mesake Doge, 19. Temo Mayanavanua, 20. Albert Tuisue, 21. Frank Lomani, 22. Vilimoni Botitu, 23. Vinaya Habosi.
