A rivalry not to be forgotten as Fiji prepares to face Wallabies
With just two days away from Fiji’s Rugby World Cup opener against the Wallabies, as far as statistics go, the stage is set for a David v Goliath showdown at the Sapporo Dome in Japan.
Australia and Fiji have met just seventeen times since their first match in 1952, with Fiji taking two wins, and every encounter proving to be a mighty battle.
In their two Rugby World Cup matches Australia defeated Fiji 55-12 in France 2007 and then in a scorching contest in England 2015 the Wallabies stole victory 28-15.
Last time they met in June 2017 the Flying Fijians gave the Aussies such a shake it took two tries from Fijian Wallaby Henry Speight to gain the victory at AAMI Park in Melbourne.
Both teams match well on the field with the forward packs weighing in at 947kg for Fiji and 911kg for Australia and backlines featuring equal parts pace and physicality (and Fijians). There are four Fijians in the Wallabies.If there is one other resounding statistic that tips in favour of the Land Down Under, it’s test match caps with the Australian squad a far more experienced line up with 1406 tests to Fiji’s 618.
Eight Wallabies have played more than 50 caps with two over 100 (Kepu 106 and Genia 105), totalling more than the entire Fiijan squad who have just three players in the 50+ club (Ma’afu, Nakarawa and Goneva).
Whilst the Wallabies may appear favourites on paper, there is no doubt the last four years of growth in the Fijian game has paved the way for a very even playing field come Saturday.
Since 2015, Fiji has recorded a 59.25% test internationals win rate and +72 points differential to Australia’s 50% and -14 differential, most significantly for Fiji of course is the historical win over France in Paris in 2018.
Individually three players have won major European awards and titles (Nakarawa, Goneva and Mata) and loose forward Peceli Yato is currently ranked the world’s 2nd best number 8 and 10th best blind side flanker according to the Rugby Pass player index.
Whilst facts and figures can thrill the most dedicated rugby fans, it’s the 80 minutes on field this Saturday that will be the true indicator of where both teams sit in terms of world class performances.
For Fiji Airways Flying Fijians Head Coach John McKee the past is a distant memory as he steers his troops towards the first whistle on Saturday.
“The players are very excited coming into the vital preparation for their first match.
“We’ve spent this final phase of training on clarity and ensuring every one knows the role they have to play.
The Fiji Airways Flying Fijians face Australia at 4.45pm {FJT} at the Sapporo Dome and fans can catch all the action live on Fiji TV.