Scotland Banks On Forward Power And Burke's Boot To Down Fiji In Suva
Scotland Banks On Forward Power And Burke's Boot To Down Fiji In Suva
Scotland aims for a physical edge and tactical control as Fergus Burke debuts at fly-half in a must-win test against Fiji for crucial World Cup seeding.
Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend has handed a debut to fly-half Fergus Burke and backed his fresh-faced lineup to match Fiji’s famed physicality when the two sides meet at HFC Bank Stadium on Saturday, with World Cup seeding points firmly on the line.
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Despite making 14 changes from the side that edged the Maori All Blacks 29-26 last weekend, Townsend is confident a physically imposing Scottish pack and a tactical kicking game led by Burke will carry them to a narrow victory, predicting a six-point win in hostile territory.
“We believe in this group,” Townsend said. “They’ve trained together for weeks, they’ve got cohesion and they’re fresh. That’s key when facing a side like Fiji.”
Burke, the Saracens No. 10 who qualifies for Scotland through his Edinburgh-born grandfather, will earn his first cap after a standout Premiership campaign.
Townsend was full of praise for the 25-year-old New Zealander, citing both his composure and physicality.
“He’s been excellent this year,” Townsend said. “His game understanding is up there with the best 10s — and he brings a defensive edge that will be crucial in Suva.”
Scotland will rely heavily on its forward pack to blunt Fiji’s aggressive style. Veterans such as Rory Sutherland, Grant Gilchrist and Jamie Ritchie bring hardened experience to a contest expected to be won at the gainline and breakdown.
Captain Rory Darge echoed the need for steel.
“We know what’s coming. Fiji are explosive, but we’ve talked all week about standing up physically, we’ll need to win that battle," he said.
Fiji, narrowly beaten 21-18 by Australia last weekend, has retained much of that starting XV, making only two changes - one in the pack and one in the midfield.
Head coach Mick Byrne knows his team’s strengths but has warned of Scotland’s structured challenge.
“They’ll bring real physicality at the breakdown,” Byrne said. “We have to meet that head-on, stay disciplined and stay clinical.”
The Flying Fijians boast a fearsome back line, with Josua Tuisova and Jiuta Wainiqolo capable of breaking games open.
But it’s the Scottish game plan focused on a dominant forward platform, and Burke’s tactical kicking, that could starve the Fijians of possession and frustrate them into errors.
“Fiji are probably the most powerful men in world rugby,” Townsend admitted. “But we’ve picked a side that can front up and control the tempo.”
That physical front is bolstered by the return of No. 8 Matt Fagerson from injury, plus dynamic hooker Ewan Ashman in the front row.
Burke will be paired with scrum-half Jamie Dobie, forming an untested, but sharp, partnership expected to dictate territory through the boot.
Scotland has a history to avenge, too.
The team's last trip to Suva in 2017 ended in a bruising defeat, a match Townsend remembers vividly.
“We didn’t front up," he said. "That can’t happen again. This team knows that.”
Beyond pride, the stakes are high. Scotland sits seventh in the World Rankings, just behind Argentina, with a top-6 finish required to secure a seeded spot in the expanded 2027 Rugby World Cup draw.
“This is huge for us,” Darge said. “We’ve learned from 2023. We want to avoid another group of death. But first, we have to do the job in Suva.”
With temperatures set to soar and the crowd expected to be vociferously behind the hosts, Scotland’s leadership and tactical maturity, especially from Burke, will be vital.
If the forwards deliver the expected dominance, and Burke controls proceedings with the poise Townsend sees in him, Scotland should edge a tough encounter by six points, keeping its World Cup seeding hopes alive and silencing a proud Fijian side in their own backyard.
Prediction: Scotland 28, Fiji 22
Fiji Roster
15 Salesi Rayasi, 14 Kalaveti Ravouvou, 13 Sireli Maqala, 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 Mesake Doge, 2 Tevita Ikanivere (capt), 1 Eroni Mawi
Replacements: 16 Sam Matavesi, 17 Haereiti Hetet, 18 Samuela Tawake, 19 Mesake Vocevoce, 20 Albert Tuisue, 21 Sam Wye, 22 Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, 23 Vilimoni Botitu
Scotland Roster
15 Kyle Rowe, 14 Darcy Graham, 13 Cameron Redpath, 12 Tom Jordan, 11 Kyle Steyn, 10 Fergus Burke, 9 Jamie Dobie, 8 Matt Fagerson, 7 Rory Darge (capt), 6 Jamie Ritchie, 5 Grant Gilchrist, 4 Marshall Sykes, 3 Elliot Millar Mills, 2 Ewan Ashman, 1 Rory Sutherland
Replacements: 16 George Turner, 17 Alec Hepburn, 18 Will Hurd, 19 Max Williamson, 20 Josh Bayliss, 21 George Horne, 22 Adam Hastings, 23 Ollie Smith
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