Fiji vs Scotland Prediction: Scots can edge Suva showdown

Scotland face a physical test on Saturday morning (04:00 BST, Premier Sports 2) when Gregor Townsend’s men take on Fiji at HFC Bank Stadium.

Alex Jack provides his best bets in his Fiji vs Scotland prediction piece, as well as all the essential team news and match odds for the showdown in Suva.

Team News

Starting with the hosts, Eroni Mawi, Tevita Ikanivere and Mesake Doge start in the front row, with locks Isoa Nasilasila and Temo Mayanavanua in the engine room.

Lekima Tagitagivalu, Elia Canakaivata and Viliame Mata form the back row, with Simione Kuruvoli and Caleb Muntz in the half-backs.

Joshua Tuisova and Sireli Maqala start in the centres, with Jiuta Wainiqolo, Kalaveti Ravouvou and Salesi Rayasi in the back three.

As for Scotland, Rory Sutherland, Ewan Ashman, Elliot Millar Mills get the nod in the front row, with Marshall Sykes and Grant Gilchrist in the second row.

Jamie Ritchie, Rory Darge and Matt Fagerson form an experienced back-row, with Fergus Burke earning his first start at fly-half outside Jamie Dobie.

Tom Jordan and Cameron Redpath start in the centres, with a back three of Kyle Steyn, Darcy Graham and Kyle Rowe starting from the off.

Fiji vs Scotland Odds

Fiji are the 8/15 favourites, with Scotland at 13/8 to come away from Suva with the victory.

A draw on Saturday is currently available at 20/1.

Scotland to win @ 13/8

The criticism over Scottish rugby for much of the professional era has been a lack of strength in depth, but that appears to be improving in recent years.

A Scotland side missing many of their key players would have been given little chance of winning a Test match in Fiji a few years ago, but this side selected by Townsend can cause the Pacific Islanders problems.

Missing stars likes Finn Russell, Sione Tuipulotu, Huw Jones and Blair Kinghorn on British & Irish Lions duty is a blow, but there is enough in this Scotland XV to suggest that they can edge this one in Suva.

Scotland are fielding arguably their strongest back row, with Ritchie, Darge and Fagerson set to get through plenty of work at the breakdown.

The breakdown of course will be key in this fixture, as Scotland will look to try and prevent Fiji from recycling quick ball.

Ritchie and Darge, in particular, are well-versed in navigating the fine line when it comes to the dark arts of the breakdown, and that will be important on Saturday morning.

There’s plenty of excitement about what Burke can bring to the No.10 jersey, as the Saracens man looks to show he is a viable option in the void left by Russell.

Out wide many felt Graham was unfortunate not to have earned a Lions call-up and he will be looking to show what he’s capable of on the wing.

The last time these sides met was in November last year, with Scotland running out 57-17 winners at Murrayfield.

Graham scored four tries in that game and he can provide the attacking threat that can see Scotland just edge this one against the Flying Fijians.

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