Australia vs Fiji Prediction: Fijians can put points on Wallabies again

Australia tune up for the hotly-anticipated British & Irish Lions series by taking on the Flying Fijians in Newcastle on Sunday (04:30 BST, live on Sky Sports Main Event).

Read on for my Australia vs Fiji predictions, complete with the latest match odds and team news.

Australia vs Fiji Odds

Australia are strong favourites at home, priced 1/9 for the win, while Fiji are available at 6/1 to repeat their World Cup heroics with the draw at 25/1.

The 3-way handicap sits at 15 points with Australia (-15) available at 1/1 and Fiji (+15) 10/11. The handicap draw is a long shot at 25/1.

Team News

Schmidt has named Harry Wilson as captain for the first time, with the back-rower joined by Langi Gleeson and Fraser McReight in a dynamic loose trio. David Porecki returns at hooker after almost two years out, packing down with experienced props James Slipper and Allan Alaalatoa. Nick Frost and Jeremy Williams continue their partnership in the second row.

Tate McDermott and Noah Lolesio form the half-back pairing, while Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, recovered from a fractured jaw, makes his first Wallabies start on home soil at outside centre, combining with Len Ikitau in midfield. Max Jorgensen and Harry Potter start on the wings, with Tom Wright at fullback.

Fiji coach Mick Byrne has named a strong squad featuring 13 survivors from their 2023 World Cup win over Australia.

A powerful forward pack is led by captain Tevita Ikanivere, while Salesi Rayasi, a Top 14 standout and former New Zealand sevens player, debuts at fullback.

Josua Tuisova and Iosefo Masi combine at centre, with Kalaveti Ravouvou and Jiuta Wainiqolo on the wings.

Fijian Drua halfback Philip Baselala is in line for a potential debut off the bench but experienced utility back Semi Radradra misses out altogether.

Fiji Total Points - Over 21.5 @ 20/21

It always feels safer to take the over when the Flying Fijians are playing and Byrne’s flair-packed squad should play their part in making sure this match is an occasion to remember.

The line for Fiji’s total points has been drawn between the 22 they scored to beat Australia in Saint-Etienne two years ago and the 21 they produced in a pool stage defeat to the Wallabies four years before.

There are more clinical finishers in the team now with so many of the Flying Fijians backline featuring in the last Top 14 campaign in France.

And they can capitalise on what has been some pretty inconsistent defence from the Wallabies in the last year.

Schmidt’s side conceded an average of 35.5 points per game in the Rugby Championship and suffered 22-19 and 27-13 losses to Ireland and Scotland respectively last year.

Even in the two Autumn Internationals that they did win, Australia allowed an out-of-form Wales to score 20 in defeat while England put 37 points on the board at Twickenham.

1st Tryscorer - Josua Tuisova @ 16/1

Tuisova was the Man of the Match in Fiji’s World Cup win two years ago and his standing in the game is even greater now.

The ‘Human Bulldozer’ has bulked up even more since he last faced the Wallabies and will be a key figure in any Fijian moves in the middle of the pitch as he looks to repeat his tryscoring feat from that game in Saint-Etienne.

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