Fiji Rugby Bounces Back, As Yellow, Red Cards Doom Scotland
Fiji Rugby Bounces Back, As Yellow, Red Cards Doom Scotland
Fiji beat Scotland a week after falling to Australia to gain valuable 2027 Rugby World Cup points.
The 2027 Rugby World Cup seeding just got more interesting.
Fiji Rugby remained undefeated against Scotland at Suva, as the Flying Fijians dominated for large swaths of the match in a 29-15 win over Scotland on July 12.
The win means Fiji gained some valuable ranking points ahead of December’s pool draw, as both nations are desperate to avoid any type of pool of death.
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After Scotland took a 7-0 lead early in Suva, where the Scots had never won in three matches, Fiji controlled possession for the next 30 minutes and took a 15-7 lead into halftime.
Scotland scored three minutes out of halftime, but Fiji powered its way back.
Yellow cards, and even a red card, slowed Scotland’s winning progress, and a penalty try in the final 15 minutes awarded to Fiji was the final points scored in the match.
The Scots still own the all-time series lead against Fiji, 7-4.
Scotland finishes its Southern Tour with Samoa on July 18 in Auckland, New Zealand, at the famed Eden Park. That match is streaming on FloRugby and the FloSports app.
Fiji, meanwhile, won’t play again until the Pacific Nations in late August.
Relive the match below:
Final: Fiji 29, Scotland 14
Fiji stays perfect against Scotland in the nation’s capital.
Scotland Rugby Stops Fiji, Now Threatening To Score
Fiji 29, Scotland 14 | 74'
Scotland is 5 meters away, but has just turned the ball over.
Fiji Rugby Pulling Away In Final 10 Minutes
Fiji 29, Scotland 14 | 70'
Fiji is threatening to score again and is playing rest of the match with an advantage.
Fiji is meters away from another try.
Darcy Graham Called For Red Card; Fiji Awarded Penalty Try
Fiji 29, Scotland 14 | 66'
After two yellow cards, Graham was given a red card, and a penalty try was award to Fiji.
It's 29-14 now.
Incredibly Physical Rugby In This Fiji Vs. Scotland
Both teams are bringing it hard in the second half.
Fiji has the ball and is threatening in the 65th minute.
Massive Kick Return Has Fiji Knocking On The Door
Fiji 22, Scotland 14 | 61'
Fiji is meters away, but a penalty gives the ball back to Scotland after review.
Fiji Rugby Scores Try, Crowd Is Lit
Fiji 22, Scotland 14 | 58'
An incredible try by Jiuta Wainiqolo has the crowd in Suva going crazy, and Fiji has built onto the lead. The kick was converted.
And Fiji is about to score again!
Fiji Makes Lineup Changes in 54'
The changes:
- Sam Matavesi comes on.
- Tevita Ikanivere comes off.
- Haereiti Hetet comes on.
- Eroni Mawi comes off.
- Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula comes on.
- Salesi Rayasi comes off.
Scotland Rugby Strikes First In Second Half
Fiji 15, Scotland 14 | 43'
Tom Jordan scored the first try of the second half, and Fergus Burke nailed the kick.
Fiji Vs. Scotland Second Half Underway
Here. We. Go.
Fiji Vs. Scotland Rugby First-Half Stats
Fiji listed on the left, Scotland on the right:
- Penalty Goals: 1 – 0
- Tries: 2 – 1
- Conversions: 1 – 1
- Drop Goals: 0 – 0
- Carries: 94 – 42
- Line Breaks: 5 – 1
- Turnovers Lost: 7 – 4
- Turnovers Won: 2 – 2
Carries Leaders (Fiji)
- Josua Tuisova – 11
- Tevita Ikanivere – 10
- Salesi Rayasi – 8
Line Breaks Leaders (Fiji)
- Kalaveti Ravouvou – 2
- Salesi Rayasi – 1
- Jiuta Wainiqolo – 1
Halftime: Fiji 15, Scotland 7
Fiji powers up the scoreboard in the final 10 minutes of the first half.
FIJI DOES IT AGAIN
Fiji 13, Scotland 7 | 39'
The Flying Fijians are indeed flying.
Controlling the ball for most of the half after Scotland's early try, Fiji finally broke through with two tries in the final 10 minutes of the first half.
Kalaveti Ravouvou scored the try. The kick was converted by Caleb Muntz
Fiji Rugby BREAKS THROUGH, Takes Lead
Fiji 8, Scotland 7 | 35'
Fiji decided to kick and go for a line-out after the yellow card and then powered in for a try using a maul.
Tevita Ikanivere scored the try, but the conversion misses.
Scotland Handed A Yellow Card, But No Penalty Try
Scotland gets called for second yellow card of the match, as Darcy Graham goes off. Fiji will kick.
Fiji Rugby Was 5 Meters Out... And Another Costly Turnover
Scotland 7, Fiji 3 | 32'
Temo Mayanavanua broke through and into the 22, and Fiji was 5 meters out, but turned the ball over and couldn't get its first try.
A late tackle is being reviewed... Penalty try incoming?
Former Scotland Captain Jamie Ritchie Out
Jamie Ritchie, who appeared to suffer a lower-body injury, is off the field and was replaced by Josh Bayliss.
Ritchie is playing in his 60th test match.
Fiji Rugby On The Board
Scotland 7, Fiji 3 | 20'
Caleb Muntz puts points on the board for Fiji.
Turnovers Costing Fiji Rugby
Scotland 7, Fiji 0 | 18'
Fiji is taking it to Scotland and has controlled possession for most of the last 10 minutes, but the Fijians have been unable to break through for a try due to some costly turnovers.
Scotland Defense Comes Through
Scotland 7, Fiji 0 | 10'
Despite Fiji being meters out from touch and playing through a yellow card, the Scots defense held firm and avoided a Fiji try.
Who Is Fergus Burke?
Burke made his debut with Scotland last week against the Maori All-Blacks, but fans in the Pacific know him well, as he played for the Crusaders from 2020-2024.
He now plays for Saracens.
Born in Gisborne, New Zealand, he qualified for Scotland because his grandfather was born in Edinburgh.
Scotland Rugby Takes Early Lead
Scotland 7, Fiji 0 | 2'
Kyle Rowe scored the first try of the match, as Fergus Burke, in his Scotland debut, converts.
Fiji Vs. Scotland Rugby Kickoff Is Here
OK, 80 minutes of rugby starts now.
Prime Ministers Shakes Hands, And National Anthems Are In The Books
The match is moments away!
Rugby World Cup Draw Stakes
The winner of this match could have the upper hand in 2027 Rugby World Cup seating in December. Both teams are trying to collect as many ranking points as they can.
Scotland is No. 7 in the world, with Fiji at No. 9.
Fiji Vs. Scotland Rugby Pregame Show Is Streaming Now!
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Scotland Rugby Kits For First Test Match
Game day feels 👊🏴#AsOne #SkyscannerPacificTour pic.twitter.com/OIXrceY6vE
— Scottish Rugby (@Scotlandteam) July 12, 2025
Fiji Rugby Ready For Scotland
Scotland Rugby Lineup Vs. Fiji
Starting XV
- 15. Kyle Rowe – Glasgow Warriors
- 14. Darcy Graham – Edinburgh Rugby
- 13. Cameron Redpath – Bath Rugby
- 12. Tom Jordan – Bristol Bears
- 11. Kyle Steyn – Glasgow Warriors (VC)
- 10. Fergus Burke – Saracens (debut)
- 9. Jamie Dobie – Glasgow Warriors
- 8. Rory Sutherland – Glasgow Warriors
- 7. Ewan Ashman – Edinburgh Rugby
- 6. Elliot Millar Mills – Northampton Saints
- 5. Marshall Sykes – Edinburgh Rugby
- 4. Grant Gilchrist – Edinburgh Rugby (VC)
- 3. Jamie Ritchie – Perpignan
- 2. Rory Darge – Glasgow Warriors (C)
- 1. Matt Fagerson – Glasgow Warriors
Replacements
- 16. George Turner – Harlequins
- 17. Alec Hepburn – Scarlets
- 18. Will Hurd – Leicester Tigers
- 19. Max Williamson – Glasgow Warriors
- 20. Josh Bayliss – Bath Rugby
- 21. George Horne – Glasgow Warriors
- 22. Adam Hastings – Glasgow Warriors
- 23. Ollie Smith – Glasgow Warriors
Fiji Rugby Lineup Vs. Scotland
Starting XV
- Eroni Mawi
- Tevita Ikanivere (C)
- Mesake Doge
- Isoa Nasilasila
- Temo Mayanavanua
- Lekima Tagitagivalu
- Elia Canakaivata
- Viliame Mata
- Simione Kuruvoli
- Caleb Muntz
- Jiuta Wainiqolo
- Josua Tuisova
- Sireli Maqala
- Kalaveti Ravouvou
- Salesi Rayasi
Replacements
- 16. Samuel Matavesi
- 17. Haereiti Hetet
- 18. Samuela Tawake
- 19. Mesake Vocevoce
- 20. Albert Tuisue
- 21. Sam Wye (potential debut)
- 22. Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula
- 23. Vilimoni Botitu
Wallabies Vs. Fiji Rugby Highlights
Here's what went down last week for Fiji.
Watch Māori All Blacks Vs. Scotland
Here's Scotland's match last week:
Scotland Rugby Fixtures
July 4
July 12
July 18
Nov. 1
- 1:40 p.m. ET: Scotland vs. USA Rugby
Nov. 8
- 10:10 a.m. ET: Scotland vs. New Zealand All Blacks
Nov. 16
- 10:10 a.m. ET: Scotland vs. Argentina
Nov. 23
- 8:40 a.m. ET: Scotland vs. Tonga
Fiji Vs. Scotland Rugby All-Time Numbers
- Games Played: 10
- Scotland Wins: 8
- Fiji Wins: 2
- Draws: 0
- Scotland Win Percentage: 80%
- Fiji Win Percentage: 20%
- Biggest Winning Margin (Scotland): 37 points
- Biggest Winning Margin (Fiji): 25 points
Fiji v Scotland 🇫🇯🏴#AsOne pic.twitter.com/JcwnLE9bYs
— Scottish Rugby (@Scotlandteam) July 11, 2025
Fiji Vs. Scotland Rugby Match Results
- 2018: Scotland 54–17 Fiji
- 2017: Fiji 27–22 Scotland
- 2012: Fiji 25–37 Scotland
- 2009: Scotland 23–10 Fiji
- 2003: Scotland 22–20 Fiji
- 2002: Scotland 36–22 Fiji
- 1998: Fiji 51–26 Scotland
- 1993: Fiji 10–21 Scotland
- 1989: Scotland 38–17 Fiji
- 1982: Scotland 32–12 Fiji
Scotland will look to continue its recent run of success over Fiji, but the hosts, backed by a physical forward pack and dangerous outside backs, are expected to present a significant challenge in front of a home crowd in Suva.
One Key Point For Each Team Via FloRugby's Philip Bendon
Here's what Philip Bendon wrote about each team this week:
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Fiji Rugby | Time To Front Up
Denied back-to-back victories over Australia by the most dubious of refereeing decisions, the Flying Fijians face another stern test this week against Scotland.
Their path to victory is clear: they need to get parity at set-piece time.
Against the Wallabies, Fiji struggled to a 71% scrum win rate and a very poor 67% return at line-out time.
Against Scotland, this lack of set-piece efficiency simply won’t do with Gregor Townsend selecting an uber-physical pack and kick-heavy back line.
Should Mick Byrne’s side get some level of parity/minimize set-piece opportunities, then they undoubtedly will score points.
Scotland Rugby | Aerial Raid
Overcoming a game Māori All Black outfit a week ago, Gregor Townsend’s charges were mightily impressive despite missing their key Lions backline operators.
Facing an altogether more challenging opponent this week against Fiji, Scotland cannot be lured into a glorified sevens match. Instead, they need to get their hosts into a set-piece arm wrestle and kick often and accurately.
Clearly indicating this to be the case, Townsend has picked two physical fly-halves in the 10 and 12 shirts in the Kiwi-born duo of Fergus Burke and Tom Jordan.
Both players are dominant defenders with educated boots that should cause the Fijians all sorts of bother.
Outside this pairing, Cameron Redpath is a top-notch striker of the ball and an equally solid defender who sprinkles in a top-notch distributing game.
For the back three of Darcy Graham, Kyle Steyn and Kyle Rowe, the above gameplan will be the thing of nightmares with all three being lethal finishes who relish open space.
Irrespective of best-laid plans, there is little doubt they will get their chances to attack, but crucially, they need to remain linked to support players.
Getting isolated and turned over, or being loose with their handling, no doubt will be punished by Fiji.
Sneak peeking ahead, Burke’s viability as a backup to Finn Russell is a huge narrative for Scottish Rugby, which has struggled to find a viable deputy to the playmaking maestro for nearly a decade.
Fiji Vs. Scotland Rugby Kickoff Time
- Kickoff (Eastern Time): Friday, July 11 at 11 p.m. ET
- Location: HFC Bank Stadium, Suva, Fiji
- Streaming: Live on FloRugby and the FloSports app
How To Watch Fiji Vs. Scotland Rugby
Fans in the United States can stream Fiji vs. Scotland live on FloRugby and the FloSports app at 11 p.m. ET on Friday, July 11.
Breaking news, highlights and match replays will be on both platforms.
Where To Watch Summer Rugby Internationals
In the USA, FloRugby will broadcast some of the best international rugby fixtures of 2025.
South Africa, England, New Zealand and France will play matches on FloRugby and the FloSports app.
International Rugby Fixtures 2025 On FloRugby
June 28
July 4
July 5
- 3:05 a.m. ET: New Zealand All Blacks vs. France
- 11:10 a.m. ET: South Africa vs. Italy
- 3:40 p.m. ET: Argentina vs. England
July 12
- 12:30 a.m. ET: NZ Black Ferns vs. Wallaroos
- 3:05 a.m. ET: New Zealand All Blacks vs. France
- 11:10 a.m. ET: South Africa vs. Italy
- 3:40 p.m. ET: Argentina vs. England
July 18
July 19
- 3:05 a.m. ET: New Zealand All Blacks vs. France
- 11:10 a.m. ET: South Africa vs. Georgia
- 3:40 p.m. ET: Argentina vs. Uruguay
Aug. 16
Aug. 23
Sept. 5
Sept. 6
Sept. 13
Sept. 27
Oct. 4
Nov. 8
Nov. 15
Nov. 22
World Rugby Rankings 2025 - July 7, 2025
- South Africa - 92.78
- New Zealand - 90.98
- Ireland - 89.83
- France - 88.90
- England - 86.72
- Argentina - 82.98
- Scotland - 82.36
- Australia - 82.08
- Fiji - 79.52
- Italy - 77.77
- Georgia - 74.69
- Japan - 73.70
- Samoa - 72.68
- Wales - 72.65
- USA - 70.02
- Spain - 67.34
- Uruguay - 67.06
- Portugal - 64.44
- Tonga - 65.46
- Chile - 63.20
- Romania - 63.13
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