Australia v Fiji - teams and prediction

PREVIEW: Australian coach Joe Schmidt allayed injury worries around Rob Valetini, Will Skelton and Jake Gordon after they were left out the Australia team to play Fiji, insisting they will ready for the British and Irish Lions.

Flank Valetini – arguably Australia’s best player – and giant lock Skelton are both reportedly battling calf issues while scrumhalf Gordon has a hamstring niggle.

The first Test against the Lions in Brisbane is two weeks away, and Schmidt said there was nothing to worry about.

“They’re doing great. Will and Bobby, they trained well, albeit not with the side, but they’re hitting some good speeds and their movement’s good,” he said ahead of the clash with Fiji in Newcastle on Sunday.

“Jake trained with the side today, so he’s very close. We’ve got Tate (McDermott) and Nic [White], so we’re not desperate around nine anyway.

“But I’d be very confident all three of those guys will be ready to train at the start of the week for that lead-in to the British and Irish Lions’ first Test.”

In Skelton’s absence, Nick Frost and Jeremy Williams reignite their second-row partnership.

Harry Wilson has retained the captain’s armband and will direct operations from the back of the scrum with Fraser McReight and Langi Gleeson on flanker duties.

Former skipper Dave Porecki, meanwhile, will make his first start for Australia since the 2023 World Cup when he beds down in an experienced front row alongside veterans James Slipper and Allan Alaalatoa.

It marks a remarkable comeback for the 32-year-old hooker, who was sidelined for most of 2024 with a bad Achilles issue after leading the side at the tournament in France.

McDermott will start as scrum-half in place of Gordon with White on the bench and Noah Lolesio at flyhalf.

The ever-consistent Len Ikitau partners dynamic Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii in midfield, while Max Jorgensen returns from an ankle injury on the left wing, Harry Potter is on the right wing and Tom Wright at fullback.

They will face a Fiji side with fresh memories of their stunning 22-15 upset of the Wallabies at the World Cup.

Skippered by hooker Tevita Ikanivere, their starting XV features seven Fijian Drua players, four who ply their trade in France and another four with English clubs.

“They’ll be just another Wallabies team that’s prepared really well – they’ve got a good coaching group, and they’ll bring the intensity,” said Fiji’s Australian coach Mick Byrne.

“I’m not sure they’ll have their eye on two years ago, I think they’ll be focused on Sunday’s Test and we’ll be ready for that.”

Players to watch

For Australia: Dave Porecki kept his game face on as he marked his return to the Wallabies line-up after a 643-day absence – the hooker’s measured manner appealing to coach Joe Schmidt in their high-stakes clash with Fiji. The forward pack is missing big guns Will Skelton and Rob Valetini, who both have calf injuries. Waratahs No.8 Langi Gleeson will start at blindside flank, with Fraser McReight on the other side of the scrum. Noah Lolesio and Tate McDermott are the starting halves while in the backline superstar centre Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii and wing Harry Potter, will both play their first Tests on home soil.

For Fiji: Coach Mick Byrne named a strong line-up included 13 players who were part of that historic match the World Cup in France, Fiji posting their first win over Australia in 69 years. That includes the entire forward pack apart from flank Elia Canakaivata. Fiji have midfield weapon in Josua Tuisova, who was key to their success in Saint Etienne, with Byrne looking to get some punch from the inside centre.

Head to head

Prediction

@rugby365com: Australia by eight points

Teams

Australia: 15 Tom Wright, 14 Harry Potter, 13 Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, 12 Len Ikitau, 11 Max Jorgensen, 10 Noah Lolesio, 9 Tate McDermott, 8 Harry Wilson (captain), 7 Fraser McReight, 6 Langi Gleeson, 5 Jeremy Williams, 4 Nick Frost, 3 Allan Alaalatoa, 2 David Porecki, 1 James Slipper.
Replacements: 16 Billy Pollard, 17 Angus Bell, 18 Zane Nonggorr, 19 Tom Hooper, 20 Carlo Tizzano, 21 Nic White, 22 Ben Donaldson, 23 Filipo Daugunu.

Fiji: 15 Salesi Rayasi, 14 Kalaveti Ravouvou, 13 Iosefo Baleiwairiki, 12 Josua Tuisova, 11 Jiuta Wainiqolo, 10 Caleb Muntz, 9 Simione Kuruvoli, 8 Viliame Mata, 7 Elia Canakaivata, 6 Lekima Tagitagivalu, 5 Temo Mayanavanua, 4 Isoa Nasilasila, 3 Peni Ravai, 2 Tevita Ikanivere (captain), 1 Eroni Mawi.
Replacements: 16 Sam Matavesi, 17 Haereiti Hetet, 18 Mesake Doge, 19 Mesake Vocevoce, 20 Albert Tuisue, 21 Philip Baselala, 22 Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, 23 Sireli Maqala.

Date: Sunday, July 6
Venue: Newcastle International Sports Centre
Kick-off: 13.30 (15.30 Fijian time; 03.30 GMT)
Referee: Pierre Brousset (France)
Assistant referees: Ben O’Keeffe (New Zealand) & Angus Mabey (New Zealand)
TMO: Eric Gauzins (France)