Australia take on Fiji in a crucial Rugby World Cup Pool C clash in Saint-Etienne on Sunday and whilst the Wallabies are looking for back to back wins Fiji have no margin for error.
Australia v Fiji, Sunday 17th September, Saint-Etienne, KO 17:45 (South African time)
Referee: Andrew Brace (IRFU)
Assistant Referees: Jaco Peyper (SARU), Chris Busby (IRFU)
TMO: Brian MacNeice (IRFU)
Weather Forecast - Saint-Etienne
Australia:
Australia started their campaign with a 35-15 victory over Georgia, Eddie Jones first win since returning as coach. The main handicap line of 22.5 points proved to be pretty accurate and the Wallabies scored 4 tries to earn a bonus point through Petaia, Nawaqanitawase and a brace from Donaldson.
In RWC 2019 in Japan the Wallabies finished as runners up to Wales in their pool. They won 3 matches including victory over Fiji (39-21) but they did lose to the Welsh who they face next time out and their final group match comes against Portugal.
The most recent of Australia's 2 RWC titles came back in 1999. As far as the RWC 2023 outright betting is concerned Australia are trading at around 14/1 to win the tournament with BoyleSports. The betting to top Pool C sees Australia at 13/20, Wales are 18/10, Fiji 11/1 and you can get any price about Georgia and Portugal.
Lets see why you should open a BoyleSports account:
Fiji:
Fiji opened their campaign against Wales. The main handicap line saw them go off 5.5 point underdogs and that cap also proved to be accurate as Wales hung on to claim a 32-26 victory. Wales led 18-14 at half time and stretched that lead to 32-14 before Fiji produced a stirring late fightback and they could even have snatched victory were it not for a handling error at the death. Fiji scored 4 tries through Nayacalevu, Tagitagivalu, Tuisova and Dogege
As far as the Pool C standings are concerned Wales (who play Portugal on Saturday) and Australia have 5 log points against their name and Fiji have 2.
In RWC 2019 Fiji won just 1 and lost 3 of their matches. They lost 39-21 to Australia and then tripped up against Uruguay. They went down 29-17 to Wales and their sole victory came against Georgia (45-10).
In the RWC outright betting Fiji are 80/1 shots with BoyleSports and they are 5/2 to make it out of this pool. Lets see why you should open a BoyleSports account:
Team News
Australia: 15 Ben Donaldson, 14 Mark Nawaqanitawase, 13 Jordan Petaia, 12 Samu Kerevi, 11 Marika Koroibete, 10 Carter Gordon, 9 Nick White, 8 Rob Valetini, 7 Fraser McReight, 6 Tom Hooper, 5 Will Skelton (captain)*, 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: 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
*Skelton is under an injury cloud and unlikely to play
The Betting
Australia -5.5 points at 9/10
Fiji +5.5 points at 9/10
Note, odds quoted are available at the time of writing but are subject to change.
Betting Angle
This is without doubt the match of the weekend and if you would like to join me I will be trying a “Watch Along” on You Tube from 17h40 on Sunday – click here to set a reminder
Fiji are playing for their tournament life in this one and from what I saw of them against Wales they have a very real chance of beating Australia. The handicap opened -8.5 Australia but has come in on the back of team news.
The Wallabies got the job done against Georgia but other than a fast start were not that impressive.
They face a physical Fiji side who somehow blew victory against Wales and they do so without 3 of their best players (Skelton list listed to play but it doesn't look good).
Gun to my head I think Fiji win this but I am going to take a points play instead and leave the pressure of who will win to my Superbru selection.
The line is 51.5 and the way that Fiji plays that feels a couple of points light.
I am going to take advantage of the Betxchange Boost and take 1/1 on the overs (5k max, can’t use in multiples)
Stay close to our forum thread where I will post any more bets
BET: 4 units over 51.5 points at 1/1 at Betxchange
Note, odds quoted are available at the time of writing but are subject to change.
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