The penultimate match of the second week in the 2023 Rugby World Cup will see Australia taking on Fiji at Stade Geoffroy-Guichard on Sunday evening.
With the second week of the competition delivering several lopsided encounters, many have dubbed this as the match of the weekend between two very well-matched sides.
Match preview
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Australia came into the World Cup under huge pressure, as their decision to sack Dave Rennie and bring back Eddie Jones seemingly failed to pay dividends, with the returning head coach failing to win any of his first five matches back in charge.
During that time, the Wallabies were awarded the wooden spoon for the first time in six years at the 2023 Rugby Championship as they failed to win any of their three matches in the shortened version of the tournament.
However, Jones finally got the long-overdue win he needed last weekend when his side put in a solid performance to beat Georgia 35-15, which would have returned some much-needed optimism to the dugout.
Ben Donaldson was the standout player for the Wallabies in that match as the full-back notched up 25 points in the game with two tries, three conversions, and three penalties to take his team to the top of the pool standings.
Most would expect Australia, Wales and Fiji to battle for the top two places in the group, and the Wallabies will know that a win here should almost guarantee them a spot in the knockout stages of the competition.
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There is tremendous anticipation among rugby fans from across the globe for this match, and if it is anything like Fiji's opening game against Wales last week, then we are in for an absolute humdinger.
Vern Cotter's side looked dead and buried with 10 minutes left to go at Nouveau Stade de Bordeaux but put on an incredible performance in the closing stages of the match and came agonisingly close to clinching the match, but eventually lost by 32-26.
The visitors were widely spoken about in the build-up to the 2023 World Cup, and many still agree that they can still go on to reach the quarter-final, but one also has to feel that they have to win this match to keep that dream alive.
The Flying Fijians have significantly improved their continuity, as demonstrated in their match against Wales, showcasing their continued potency in attack while also maintaining discipline in defence and a strong set piece.
Fiji now face a Wallabies side that likes keeping the ball in hand and moving it around the park, which could work in their favour, and it would not be a complete shock to see them come out on top in this one.
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Fiji Rugby World Cup form:
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Team News
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Taniela Tupou has been ruled out of this match with a hamstring issue, which allows James Slipper to feature in his fourth World Cup campaign for the Wallabies.
Angus Bell and hooker David Porecki will join Slipper in the front row, with Will Skelton set to captain the side from the second row, though he will be joined by Nick Frost this time.
Tate McDermott has also been ruled out due to a concussion, which sees veteran Nic White step into the scrum half, and he will slot next to Carter Gordon in the halves pairing.
Simon Raiwalui has revealed his 23-man lineup for the Pool C clash against Australia, and it features Levani Botia taking the flanker position while Albert Tuisue drops to the bench.
Aside from Botia, there are three other changes from the side that played Wales, with Simione Kuruvoli, Josua Tuisova and Jiuta Wainiqolo all set to make the starting 15 in this one.
Australia starting lineup: 15. Ben Donaldson, 14. Mark Nawaqanitawase, 13. Jordan Petaia, 12. Samu Kerevi, 11. Marika Koroibete, 10. Carter Gordon, 9. Nic White, 8. Rob Valetini, 7. Fraser McReight, 6. Tom Hooper, 5. Will Skelton (c), 4. Nick Frost, 3. James Slipper, 2. David Porecki, 1. Angus Bell
Replacements: 16. Jordan Uelese, 17. Blake Schoupp, 18. Zane Nonggorr, 19. Richie Arnold, 20. Rob Leota, 21. Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, 22. Lalakai Foketi, 23. Suliasi Vunivalu
Fiji starting lineup: 15. Ilaisa Droasese, 14. Jiuta Wainiqolo, 13. Waisea Nayacalevu (c), 12. Josua Tuisova, 11. Semi Radradra, 10. Teti Tela, 9. Simione Kuruvoli, 8. Viliame Mata, 7. Levani Botia, 6. Lekima Tagitagivalu, 5. Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, 4. Isoa Nasilasila, 3. Luke Tagi, 2. Sam Matavesi, 1. Eroni Mawi
Replacements: 16. Tevita Ikanivere, 17. Peni Ravai, 18. Mesake Doge, 19. Temo Mayanavanua, 20. Albert Tuisue, 21. Frank Lomani, 22. Vilimoni Botitu, 23. Vinaya Habosi
Head To Head
In their 22 previous encounters, Australia has emerged victorious 19 times, while Fiji secured victories in two of their initial four meetings, but they haven't managed to defeat Australia since that time, with their first clash dating back to 1952, which Australia won 15-9.
We say: Australia 35-32 Fiji
Based on these sides' performances in their opening fixtures, this match really could go either way. The Fijians were bitterly unlucky not to get the win over Wales last week, and while we fancy the Wallabies to just about edge this match, it would not be a huge surprise if Fiji pulled off an upset here.
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Devesh Jaganath
