Australia and Fiji will play each other at the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard, Saint-Étienne, on Sunday at 17:45 in a match that has all the hallmarks of another thriller.
An important match for both sides for different reasons: after five defeats in a row coming into the Rugby World Cup, Eddie Jones’ injury-hit Australia will want to double-up on their clinical win over Georgia in the opening block of matches.
Australia head coach Eddie Jones has made three changes to his starting XV from the team who defeated Georgia in their last game at the Rugby World Cup. James Slipper replaces the injured Taniela Tupou in the front row, Nick Frost comes into the second row, and Nic White comes in at scrum-half to replace Tate McDermott, who suffered a head injury against Georgia.
Australia lineout coach Dan Palmer said they will give Will Skelton as much time as possible to prove his fitness.
"We are giving Will as much time as possible to get ready for the game. He's in treatment, and working with the physios at the moment. We'll give him until the last minute to be ready. So, at the moment Willy (is captain)."
"There's no mind games, we are just giving him as long as possible. He's an important part of our team and we're prepared to do that. He might play and he might not. If he doesn't we are confident that Matt Philip can step up and do a job for us, he's a world-class lock. He will be Will's replacement if Will is not ready and David Porecki will be captain if Skelton is not fit."
Simon Raiwalui’s side were fantastic in defeat against Wales in Bordeaux last Sunday, narrowly losing 32-26 in a game that could easily have gone the other way. It was, beyond doubt, the match of the opening block, and Fiji will have a point to prove as they look for a first win against the Wallabies since June 1954.
Fiji head coach Simon Raiwalui has named his match-day 23 to face Australia in Pool C at Stade Geoffroy-Guichard in Saint-Étienne on Sunday, with Levani Botia coming in as flanker for Albert Tuisue who starts from the bench.
Graham Dewes, Fiji assistant coach said that hearing Australia is focusing heavily on their defence this week, gives them confidence.
"Certainly when we hear that it gives us confidence, but the main thing is we just need to worry about ourselves, doing the basics well. If we can do that then they can practise all they want."
"For us, reflecting on last week's game, if we'd just done a few things, nailed our basics, we would have nailed those opportunities we had. So, it's the same thing, nothing changes. Just do the basics and our natural game will flow. Those offloads will come into play when we get good front-foot ball, just playing the natural Fijian style."
Teams:
Australia: 1 Angus Bell, 2 David Porecki, 3 James Slipper, 4 Nick Frost, 5 Will Skelton (c), 6 Tom Hooper, 7 Fraser McReight, 8 Rob Valetini, 9 Nic White, 10 Carter Gordon, 11 Marika Koroibete, 12 Samu Kerevi, 13 Jordan Petaia, 14 Mark Nawaqanitawase, 15 Ben Donaldson. Replacements: 16 Jordan Uelese, 17 Blake Schoupp, 18 Zane Nonggorr, 19 Richard Arnold, 20 Robert Leota, 21 Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, 22 Lalakai Foketi, 23 Suli Vunivalu.
Fiji: 1 Eroni Mawi, Samuel Matavesi, 3 Luke Tagi, 4 Isoa Nasilasila, 5 Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, 6 Lekima Tagitagivalu, 7 Levani Botia, 8 Viliame Mata, 9 Simione Kuruvoli, 10 Teti Tela, 11 Semi Radradra, 12 Josua Tuisova, 13 Waisea Nayacalevu (c), 14 Jiuta Wainiqolo, 15 Ilaisa Droasese. 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