It is the beginning of the Autumn Nations Series, where South travels North to battle in a gripping month of Test rugby. Two games get underway this weekend, one of which sees Scotland host Fiji and Murrayfield.
While it certainly is unfortunate for the visitors that this clash falls out of the Test window meaning all the France-based Fijian stars are unavailable there is a positive; the Fijian Drua.
The matchday squad consists almost entirely of players from the Super Rugby Pacific side, which has been crucial to the development of players in the country. In the past, a Fijian side without its France-based giants would have been far weaker than the one running out this weekend, and that is a testament to their growth.
That may be their positive but the Fijians still have to face a loaded Scotland side who only really misses Blair Kinghorn, Ben White and Finn Russell due to the availability restrictions adding more in their favour alongside the Murrayfield effect.
The Autumn feels like an important period for a Scottish side that had a mixed bag in the Six Nations headlined by a disappointing loss to an inspired Italy side before a clean sweep in the Americas during the mid-year window against weakened opposition.
Gregor Townsend will know his side cannot afford to lose to an inexperienced Fiji side, especially in the Murrayfield cauldron.
Where the game will be won
We feel like a stuck record but it has to be up front. Scotland have developed a decent set-piece in recent times with their powerhouse front-row led by Pierre Schoeman and solid lineout through Grant Gilchrist. Fiji are not necessarily renowned for their set-piece and especially without some of their big hitters up front they will need parity at the very least to give themselves a chance.
Breakdown influence is another with the likes of Levani Botia missing for Fiji while Scotland loads up with Rory Darge who has been brilliant over the ball this season.
Finally, discipline. In many ways winning Test rugby is centred around leveraging your advantage over the opposition through penalties and this is where Fiji need to be very careful. In the past, the Pacific side has got this wrong whether it is a small portion of the game where they offer consecutive penalties and hand territory away or a rash card. To Fiji’s credit, they have really tightened up on this but pressure makes penalties so they will need to find ways to transfer pressure back onto Scotland.
Last time they met
What they said
It is a big moment for new skipper Sione Tuipulotu who has been brilliant for Scotland since breaking into the side which he qualified for through his grandmother.
“I’m so proud, and I know how much this will mean to my family back home, especially my gran. I haven’t told her yet, but I’m looking forward to telling her when the news comes out. I haven’t really told any of my family yet except my dad, just because I want it to be more of a surprise for my family and also because my mum’s coming over and it’ll be her first game at Murrayfield, so I feel like the stars are kind of aligning for me and I’m really excited for it. It’ll be my son’s first game and also my mum’s first game at Murrayfield so it’s going to be special.”
‘Blessed’ Sione Tuipulotu opens up on ‘fairytale’ Scotland captaincy alongside younger brother
Players to watch
It is a massive day for Tuipulotu who leads the side for the time and does so on the back of some strong form for Glasgow, his ‘Huwipulotu’ partnership with Huw Jones is always crucial for Scotland’s attack and will be again.
So will Duhan van der Merwe who inevitably gets in every player to watch in any game he plays. Expect him to be a threat off the back of a scrum propped up by Pierre Schoeman and Zander Fagerson.
Finally, the back-row of Jack Dempsey, Rory Darge and Matt Fagerson will need to put in a strong carrying performance against a physically strong Fiji side. The trio’s influence at the breakdown will also be critical to Scotland’s chances of winning.
Tevita Ikanivere will captain the side and is the kind of player who will lead by example. He ticks all the boxes required as a solid hooker and loves to get his hands on the ball to carry. The forwards need to do a big job up front to let the electric runners free in the backline so the skipper will need to inspire those around him.
Once the platform is laid a playmaker is required and scrum-half Frank Lomani is that man. The fiery half-back has the ability to run the game from the base of the rugby with his solid distribution and impressive vision. Lomani does have a short fuse at times so he will have to keep that in check because when he does he is critical to the Fijian cause.
Another playmaker is 20-year-old Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula who is primarily a fly-half but wears 15 to make space for Caleb Muntz. The Drua man is a real prospect for the Flying Fijians and not only brings a good kicking game but a lovely running game as well. His combination in the axis with Muntz will be central to how effective the rest of the backline is.
WATCH: Duhan van der Merwe cops bizarre penalty following ‘push’ on South African referee
Main head-to-head
Our chosen battle is the duel of the fly-halves which will be decisive in the Murrayfield Test.
For the hosts, Adam Hastings gets the chance in Russell’s absence and offers a completely different package to the Bath man. Hastings is still a solid attack but far more balanced in how he approaches the game, he will need to perform with red-hot Tom Jordan ready to debut off the bench. Nevertheless, the pivot needs to make the most of the platform he is given.
Chances are Caleb Muntz won’t get the platform Hastings will but he has been known to maximise these situations as he did in Fiji’s win over England last year. The playmaker offers a calculated kicking game in and amongst the inevitable running ability of a Fijian backline player. His combination with Ravula will be massive for their cause.
Prediction
It is a great pity in many ways that the Fijians are missing their big names but their improved development makes for a fascinating game. However, the Fijians just do not have enough to deal with the loud Murrayfield crowd and a nearly full-strength home side. Make no mistake this will be a glorious spectacle. Scotland to win by 10.
Teams
Scotland: 15 Kyle Rowe, 14 Darcy Graham, 13 Huw Jones, 12 Sione Tuipulotu (c), 11 Duhan van der Merwe, 10 Adam Hastings, 9 Ali Price, 8 Jack Dempsey, 7 Rory Darge, 6 Matt Fagerson, 5 Scott Cummings, 4 Grant Gilchrist, 3 Zander Fagerson, 2 Ewan Ashman, 1 Pierre Schoeman
Replacements: 16 Dylan Richardson, 17 Rory Sutherland, 18 D’Arcy Rae, 19 Max Williamson, 20 Gregor Brown, 21 Jamie Dobie, 22 Tom Jordan, 23 Stafford McDowall
Fiji: 15 Isaiah Ravula, 14 Vuate Karawalevu, 13 Apisalome Vota, 12 Inia Tabuavou, 11 Ponipate Loganimasi, 10 Caleb Muntz, 9 Frank Lomani, 8 Elia Canakaivata, 7 Kitione Salawa, 6 Ratu Meli Derenalagi, 5 Ratu Leone Rotuisolia, 4 Isoa Nasilasila, 3 Samuela Tawake, 2 Tevita Ikanivere (c), 1 Haereiti Hetet
Replacements: 16 Mesulame Dolokoto, 17 Livai Natave, 18 Jone Koroiduadua, 19 Mesake Vocevoce, 20 Vilive Miramira, 21 Simi Kuruvoli, 22 Kemueli Valetini, 23 Waqa Nalaga
Date: Saturday, 2 November
Venue: Scottish Gas Murrayfield
Local kick-off: 17:40
Referee: Craig Evans (WRU)
Assistant Referees: Christophe Ridley (RFU), Luc Ramos (FFR)
TMO: Brett Cronan (RA)
READ MORE: ‘Angry’ Gregor Townsend hits out as Scotland boss loses club v country battle over key forward
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source link
