The Stats Zone
September 11 2019, 11:30 · Ash Wheldon

2019 Rugby World Cup – Australia vs Fiji Preview & Prediction

2019 Rugby World Cup – Australia vs Fiji Preview & Prediction
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THE FACTS

When is Australia vs Fiji taking place? Saturday 21st September, 2019 – 05:45 (UK)

Where is Australia vs Fiji taking place? Sapporo Dome, Sapporo

What is the expected weather for Australia vs Fiji? 20c with some sunshine in cloudy skies

What television channel is Australia vs Fiji on in the UK? This match will be televised live on ITV 1

Where can I stream Australia vs Fiji? This match can be streamed via ITV Hub

Where can I get tickets for Australia vs Fiji? https://www.rugbyworldcup.com/tickets

HEAD-TO-HEAD
Last meeting: Australia 37-14 Fiji

THE TEAM NEWS

AUSTRALIA

  • Australia will have high hopes of adding to their two World Cup titles but must show more consistency than their most recent performances with the Wallabies only managing five wins from their last 10 matches.
  • The Wallabies put in an impressive performance against New Zealand in their home leg of the Bledisloe Cup but were brought back down to earth with a bang as the All Blacks nilled them at Eden Park with that inconsistency highlighting their issues.
  • If Australia are to make it to the latter stages of the tournament, captain Michael Hooper and David Pocock will be key to their side’s chances with the pair of flankers ranking among the best in the world.

FIJI

  • Fiji will have a tough challenge to better their previous best finish at the Rugby World Cup after they were handed a tough draw in Japan and could find themselves in a real battle to ensure their qualification for 2023 if they are not careful.
  • The Fijians have twice made the quarter-finals back in 1987 and 2007 but a repeat performance this time around will be a big achievement as they attempt to progress from Pool D which contains Australia and Wales, whilst Georgia could also pose a threat.
  • Fiji have some impressive talent in their ranks as ever with Semi Radradra and Vereniki Goneva offering their pace and power on the wings whilst Leone Nakarawa will be a man to keep a close eye on with his offloading ability.

THE PREDICTION

Australia are among the favourites to lift the Webb Ellis Cup but will have to show more consistency and add some ruthlessness to their game if they are to succeed. They face a tough opening game against Fiji and they will want to overcome this potential banana skin without any dramas. The Fijians possess plenty of power and can pose real problems but the Wallabies should be able to come out on top.