Fiji v Scotland - Teams and Prediction

PREVIEW: Stafford McDowall will captain a Scotland side showing a mammoth 14 changes in Saturday’s Nations Championship international against Fiji at Murrayfield.

Only Gregor Brown has retained his starting place following last weekend’s 28-42 defeat by world champions South Africa in Pretoria, and he has been switched by coach Gregor Townsend from the second row to No 8.

Loose forward Freddy Douglas and hooker Gregor Hiddleston are both set to make their first Test starts for what is technically a Fiji ‘home’ game, with the Pacific Islanders playing all three of their fixtures in the July leg of the inaugural Nations Championship in Britain for financial reasons.

Townsend, whose side won in Argentina in their opening game, said: “We’re excited to see this team play.”

The former Scotland playmaker added: “We’ve got to have an eye on the future, so the depth that we’ve created and are still creating, that only comes if you give people opportunities.”

Fiji suffered a humiliating 8-73 loss to England in Liverpool last week, and they could face another tough afternoon in Edinburgh, with Scotland recalling Darcy Graham and Duhan van der Merwe, their two all-time leading try-scorers.

The pair will be making their first appearances of the July programme after missing out to rival wings Kyle Steyn and Jamie Dobie.

“Both of them can consider themselves unlucky not to play in the first two games,” said Townsend.

“They’ve both reacted really well in training. Duhan had some injury issues during the Six Nations, came back and played really well for Edinburgh at the end of the season. We had a training game with Spain where he went very well.

“Darcy hasn’t changed really at all throughout the year. Whatever role he played in the Six Nations, whether it was off the bench or starting, he was outstanding.”

Fiji will give a debut to centre Virimi Vakatawa, reviving his international career after 32 caps for France.

Vakatawa’s time with France ended four years ago when medical examinations revealed a heart abnormality, but he returned one year later at English Prem club Bristol.

The 34-year-old meets World Rugby’s eligibility rules to switch national teams, as more than 36 months have passed since his last France cap. He replaces Kalaveti Ravouvou from the team hammered by England.

Simione Kuruvoli, banned after being sent off against England, is replaced at scrumhalf by Frank Lomani.

Players to watch

For Fiji: Former France star Virimi Vakatawa will officially make his debut for Fiji in the midfield. He has a blistering pace and power to disrupt the Scottish defences. In the pack, Pita Gus Sowakula is a dynamic ball carrier who can get over the advantage line with ease.

For Scotland: Scotland have been in brilliant attacking form in July and with leading try-scorers Duhan van der Merwe and Darcy Graham on the wings, there could be chaos for Fiji in the wider channels. The Scots will also have the physical advantage in the loose trio in the form of Gregor Brown, Freddy Douglas and Josh Bayliss.

Prediction

Rugby365: Scotland by 30 points.

Teams:

Fiji: 15 Isaiah Armstrong Ravula, 14 Selestino Ravutaumada, 13 Virimi Vakatawa, 12 Josua Tuisova, 11 Jiuta Waniqolo, 10 Caleb Muntz, 9 Frank Lomani, 8 Elia Canakaivata, 7 Lekima Tagitagivalu, 6 Pita Gus Sowakula, 5 Temo Mayanavanua, 4 Isoa Nasilasila, 3 Mesake Doge, 2 Tevita Ikanavere (captain), 1 Eroni Mawi.
Replacements: 16 Sam Matavesi, 17 Livai Natave, 18 Peni Ravai, 19 Mesake Vocevoce, 20 Kitione Salawa, 21 Sam Wye, 22 Isikeli Rabitu, 23 Salesi Rayasi.

Scotland: 15 Tom Jordan, 14 Darcy Graham, 13 Ollie Smith, 12 Stafford McDowall (captain), 11 Duhan van der Merwe, 10 Fergus Burke, 9 George Horne, 8 Gregor Brown, 7 Freddy Douglas, 6 Josh Bayliss, 5 Max Williamson, 4 Jonny Gray, 3 D’arcy Rae, 2 Gregor Hiddleston, 1 Rory Sutherland.
Replacements: 16 Seb Stephen, 17 Pierre Schoeman, 18 Zander Fagerson, 19 Scott Cummings, 20 Magnus Bradbury, 21 Liam McConnell, 22 Jamie Dobie, 23 Sione Tuipulotu.

Date: Saturday, July 18
Venue: Scottish Gas Murrayfield, Edinburgh
Kick-off: 14.10 BST (13.10 GMT; 01.10 FJT Sunday, July 19)
Expected weather: It will be partly sunny and mild.
Referee: Matthew Carley (England)
Assistant referees: Eoghan Cross (Ireland), Anthony Woodthorpe (England)
TMO: Tual Trainini (France)

AFP & Rugby365