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After registering a tough victory over England, the Kangaroos will need to be on song today if they are to beat a Fiji outfit filled with NRL stars. Join us for live scores and commentary from 7.00am AEDT.
Fiji are coming off a commanding win against Ireland in their world cup opener and will fancy their chances of competing against Australia.
There is certainly enough talent in Fiji’s starting line-up to keep the Kangaroos honest today, even if Australia is still considered a very strong favourite.
Upfront, Fiji are led by captain and former Australia and Queensland icon Petero Civoniceva. He is joined in the forwards by Cowboys stars Ashton and Tariq Sims.
New Warriors recruit Jayson Bukuya also adds plenty of strength and mobility to a Fiji pack that can certainly bend the line.
Fiji’s greatest asset however is their backline which makes do with rising NRL stars Kevin Naiqama and Marika Koroibete.
Throw in the class and experience of Akuila Uate, Wes Naiqama and Sisa Waqa into the mix and it’s easy to see why Fiji possess the firepower necessary to post a few points today.
Uate in particular is the player Australia will need to keep quiet today, given that he scored a hat-trick against Ireland in Fiji’s world cup opener.
Australia do possess an important advantage in the halves though, with Daly Cherry-Evans and Johnathon Thurston lining up against Fiji’s Alipate Noilea and Aaron Groom.
Cherry-Evans replaces Cooper Cronk in the halves and is just one of many changes to the Kangaroos line-up.
Greg Inglis will start at fullback in place of Billy Slater, while Jarryd Hayne, Michael Jennings, Boyd Cordner and Josh Papalii will also play.
Overall, Australia will win today’s contest given the balanced strength and depth they possess across the park.
Fiji however will fancy their chances of pushing the Kangaroos today. They certainly possess enough NRL quality players in their line-up to ensure a tough and entertaining contest between the two nations.
Australia’s class across the board however should see them register a fairly comfortable victory.
Australia by 16.