Australia vs Fiji Predictions - Fiji can shock Wallabies

Australia have won their last 15 matches against Fiji. They have only lost twice to the Fijians in 23 matches and those defeats came in 1952 and 1954.

Australia were under huge pressure coming into the 2023 Rugby World Cup. They sacked Dave Rennie once Eddie Jones became available at the beginning of this year, but the Aussies lost five consecutive games under Jones prior to the World Cup.

The Wallabies however beat Georgia 35-15 in their opening game of the tournament. It was a commanding performance against a strong Georgian outfit which would have pleased Jones.

This pool is however still in the balance and Australia remains under pressure. Fiji have proven themselves a quality side so this will be a much tighter affair.

Australia simply cannot afford to rest any players for this game as a result is required. I expect a very similar lineup to the one that ran out against Georgia.

Fiji were widely spoken about ahead of the World Cup as a possible quarter-finalist. For once the talented Fijians have had some time before the World Cup and played numerous warm-up games.

There is a lot more continuity within the Fijian side now and they showed this against Wales. Fiji are still exceptionally dangerous with ball in hand but they are also disciplined on defence and have a solid set piece.

Against Wales, Fiji lost 32-26 but they were one knock-on from having a kick to win the game. It was a clash of styles and easily the best game of the tournament on the opening weekend.

This time Fiji come up against an Australian side that likes to move the ball around the park. This will benefit Fiji greatly especially if they can once again hold their own at set piece.

Fiji simply must win this match to have any chance of progressing so don’t expect a vast amount of changes.