New Zealand vs Fiji Preview & Prediction | 2024 Summer Internationals
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A much-changed New Zealand side take on Fiji in what is their final preparation match ahead of the Rugby Championship next month.
START DATE/TIME: Saturday 20th July, 2024, UK – 3:30am / US ET – 10:30pm / US PT – 7:30pm
HOW TO WATCH ON TV: UK – Sky Sports / US – Not televised
HOW TO WATCH ONLINE: UK – Sky Go / US – FloSports app
NEW ZEALAND FORM: SOLID BUT NOT EMPHATIC
New Zealand contest their final warm-up game before the Rugby Championship begins in August and Scott Robertson will be hoping for a more convincing performance than that which they gave in two fairly narrow victories over England earlier this month.
LAST FIVE: WWLWW
FIJI FORM: SECOND MATCH IN CHARGE FOR BYRNE
Fiji showed plenty of defensive resolve in their 21-12 victory over Georgia two weeks ago, depriving their opponents of a try, and they will need every ounce of that rearguard organisation to stem the flow of New Zealand attacks In this one.
This is Fiji's second match since their run to the quarter-finals of the Rugby World Cup last year.
LAST FIVE: WWLLW
NEW ZEALAND TEAM NEWS: BLOODING YOUNGSTERS
As Robertson seeks to find the right blend of experience and youth, he will use this match as an opportunity to get a look at some fringe players ahead of the Rugby Championship. The head coach has named six rookies in his starting team while overall there will be 11 changes to the side that won the second game against England.
Billy Proctor and Anton Lienert-Brown will both debut and will form a new midfield pairing for the All Blacks.
SQUAD: 1. Tamaiti Williams, 2. Asafo Aumua, 3. Fletcher Newell, 4. Scott Barrett (Captain), 5. Tupou Vaa’i, 6. Luke Jacobson, 7. Ethan Blackadder, 8. Ardie Savea (Vice Captain), 9. Cortez Ratima, 10. Damian McKenzie, 11. Caleb Clarke, 12. Anton Lienert-Brown, 13. Billy Proctor, 14. Sevu Reece, 15. Beauden Barrett
REPLACEMENTS: 16. George Bell, 17. Ethan De Groot, 18. Pasilio Tosi , 19. Sam Darry , 20. Wallace Sititi , 21. Noah Hotham , 22. Jordie Barrett (Vice Captain), 23. Emoni Narawa.
FIJI TEAM NEWS: STRONG PRESENCE OF FIJUAN DRUA
Unsurprisingly after Fijian Drua’s run to the Super Rugby Pacific playoffs, the club side have seen 12 of their players earn call-ups to the national side, with six of them set to start against the All Blacks.
In what will be Mick Byrne’s second match in charge after taking the reigns in April, Waisea Nayacalevu is poised to start in the centre and keeps hold of the captaincy, while Semi Radradra will be one of their chief dangermen on the wing.
SQUAD: 1. Eroni Nawa, 2. Tevita Ikanivere, 3. Mesake Doge, 4. Isoa Nasilasila, 5. Temo Mayanavanua, 6. Lekima Tagitagivalu, 7. Kitione Salawa, 8. Viliame Mata, 9. Frank Lomani, 10. Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, 11. Semi Radradra, 12. Inia Tabuavou, 13. Waisea Nayacalevu, 14. Jiuta Wainiqolo, 15. Vilimoni Botitu
REPLACEMENTS: 16. Zuriel Togiatama, 17. Haereiti Hetet, 18. Samu Tawake, 19. Albert Tuisue, 20. Elia Canakaivata, 21. Simione Kuruvoli, 22. Caleb Muntz, 23. Sireli Maqala
NEW ZEALAND VS FIJI PREDICTION
New Zealand invariably get the better of Fiji and this is likely to be no different despite the fact All Blacks coach Scott Robertson is poised to blood a number of youngster for this match. Such is the strength in depth when it comes to New Zealand rugby that they will still be heavy favourites here, and despite the fact Fiji boast some exciting talent themselves, they are likely to be no match for the All Blacks.
Expect the Fijian defence to tire in the second half, allowing New Zealand to secure a comfortable victory in San Diego.
NEW ZEALAND VS FIJI TIP: NEW ZEALAND TO WIN WITH -24 HANDICAP
