The Wallabies return to Rugby World Cup action to take on Fiji, a side two places higher in World Rugby’s current rankings. After defeating Georgia 35-15 in their opener, Australia will be looking to claim another victory and establish themselves as the side to beat in Pool C.
Eddie Jones’ side certainly had a turbulent build-up to the tournament, suffering five straight defeats at an aggregate scoreline of 179-87. Two tries in either half sealed a bonus point against Georgia, giving the Wallabies coach his first victory of the year at the sixth attempt.
Fiji entered the tournament in red-hot form, dispatching England 30-22 to win at Twickenham for the first time ever and climbing above both Australia and Wales in the world rankings, entering the tournament as the best side in Pool C. However, they were edged narrowly by Wales in their opener, losing 32-26 in one of the games of the year so far.
Australia’s first win of 2023 could spark a run of form which takes the Wallabies deep into the tournament, but Fiji have shown they’re more than capable of toppling Tier 1 powerhouses lately, and the contest between the two is set to be an absolute cracker.
The challenge is set by @fijirugby #RWC2023 | #WALvFIJ pic.twitter.com/IlQGcdvfKY
— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) September 10, 2023
The Sporting News are following the match live, providing live updates and commentary below.
Australia vs. Fiji live score
| 1H | 2H | FT | |
| Australia | 0 | – | – |
| Fiji | 0 | – | – |
Tries:
Conversions:
Penalties:
Australia vs. Fiji live commentary, highlights
75 mins from kick-off: The Wallabies’ World Cup campaign began in sensational style, scoring four tries to defeat Georgia 35-15 at the Stade de France, with exciting full-back Ben Donaldson crossing for two himself in the second half.
Donaldson at the double
Australia will be hoping for another big performance this weekend against Fiji#RWC2023 | #AUSvFIJ pic.twitter.com/jayEYuZpc3
— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) September 15, 2023
90 mins from kick-off: Hello, and welcome to The Sporting News’ live coverage of today’s Rugby World Cup match in Pool C, as Australia take on Fiji in a game that’s a must-win for both sides.
MORE: Player ratings for each player in Wallabies’ World Cup win over Georgia
Australia vs. Fiji confirmed line-ups
24-year-old Waratah Ben Donaldson announced himself on the world stage against Georgia, making his first start for the Wallabies and scoring two tries, three conversions and penalties apiece. His 25-point haul sees him retain the number 15 jersey for this game, and he’s joined in the backline by fellow scorers Jordan Petaia and Mark Nawaqanitawase.
All the best for a speedy recovery Nela
Leave your message of support for @taniela_tupou below.#Wallabies pic.twitter.com/41hbCZu7IL
— Wallabies (@wallabies) September 14, 2023
Co-captain Tate McDermott was forced off with a first-half head knock against the Lelos, meaning Will Skelton will lead the side throughout and the experienced Nic White will wear number nine. Up front, an untimely injury to Taniela Tupou, another standout in the opener, could see him miss the rest of the tournament, and former captain James Slipper will slot in at tighthead in the Tongan Thor‘s place.
Australia starting XV: Ben Donaldson, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Jordan Petaia, Samu Kerevi, Marika Koroibete, Carter Gordon, Nic White; Angus Bell, Dave Porecki, James Slipper, Nick Frost, Will Skelton, Tom Hooper, Fraser McReight, Rob Valetini.
Australia replacements: Jordan Uelese, Blake Schoupp, Zane Nonggorr, Richie Arnold, Rob Leota, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, Lalakai Foketi, Suliasi Vunivalu.
Here they are
Your @wallabies men to take on Fiji in Saint-Étienne#RWC2023 | #AUSvFIJ pic.twitter.com/Im0hGFYcpq
— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) September 15, 2023
It’s a Fijian back-line absolutely jam-packed with quality, as Josua Tuisova and captain Waisea Nayacalevu, both try-scorers against Wales, start in the centres. Tuisova’s promotion from the bench to the 12 jersey sees Semi Radradra shift to the left wing, a position he’s excelled at in both rugby league and union.
Fiji’s pack pulverised Wales’ at times in the opener, with three of their forwards being denied close-range scores that would’ve turned the game in their favour. One of these forwards, exciting utility Levani Botia, moves from the bench to start at openside, moving Lekima Tagitagivalu, who finished the Fijians’ second first-half try in as many minutes, to the other flank. The prop combination of Eroni Mawi and Luke Tagi will also look to cause the Wallabies plenty of problems at scrum-time.
Fiji starting XV: Ilaisa Droasese, Jiuta Wainiqolo, Waisea Nayacalevu, Josua Tuisova, Semi Radradra, Teti Tela, Simione Kuruvoli; Eroni Mawi, Sam Matavesi, Luke Tagi, Isoa Nasilasila, Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, Lekima Tagitagivalu, Levani Botia, Viliame Mata.
Fiji replacements: Tevita Ikanivere, Peni Ravai, Mesake Doge, Temo Mayanavanua, Albert Tuisue, Frank Lomani, Vilimoni Botitu, Vinaya Habosi.
Waisea Nayacalevu x Josua Tuisova
A box-office centre pairing for Fiji this weekend#RWC2023 | #AUSvFIJ pic.twitter.com/ENHWL6atSt
— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) September 15, 2023
MORE: The Wallabies squad seeking Rugby World Cup glory at France 2023
Australia vs. Fiji TV channel, live stream
TV networks worldwide will be showing all 48 matches at the tournament live, including many on free-to-air television.
On social platforms alone, video content from the Rugby World Cup and organisers World Rugby drew more than 2.1 billion views in 2019 – almost six times the previous figure.
| TV channel | Streaming | |
|---|---|---|
| USA | — | Peacock |
| Canada | TSN |
TSN+ |
| UK | ITV | ITV X |
| Australia | Channel 9 | Stan Sport, 9Now |
| New Zealand | Sky GO | Sky GO |
| India | — | Fan Code |
| Hong Kong | BeIN Sports | BeIN Sports |
| Malaysia | BeIN Sports | BeIN Sports |
| Singapore | BeIN Sports | BeIN Sports |
The tournament also has its own app, delivering highlights, news and more across the seven weeks of action in France.
MORE: All previous winners of the Rugby World Cup
Australia vs Fiji betting odds, prediction
Pool C is shaping up to be one of, if not the most competitive of the four groups at this World Cup, with Australia, Fiji, Georgia and Wales all fancying their chances of reaching the last eight.
Australia’s win over Georgia in their opener saw the Wallabies finish their chances clinically, scoring with two early attacks inside the opening 10 minutes, and capitalising on errors from the Lelos to add another two in the second half.
In contrast, Fiji, while also crossing for four tries themselves, blew another three opportunities with Wales’ try-line there for the taking, with two knock-ons and a double movement proving costly. Therefore, given the Wallabies are an equally attack-minded team, we’re tipping Australia to execute their chances and defeat Fiji by the narrowest of margins.
| Result | Australia (Unibet) | UK (BetOnSports) |
| Australia win | 1.40 | 1/3 |
| Draw | 23.00 | 20/1 |
| Fiji win | 3.10 | 5/2 |
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