RLWC2021 – Fiji v Scotland: Team news, how to watch on TV & predictions

Josh McAllister
Fiji v Scotland

Everything you need to know – Fiji v Scotland.

A win for Fiji would all-but ensure their place in the quarter-finals of the World Cup, who remain without a win at this year’s tournament.

Nathan Graham’s Bravehearts have fallen to 28-4 and 84-0 defeats to Italy and Australia respectively.

Match details

  • Fiji v Scotland
  • Date: Saturday 29 October
  • Kick-off time: 5pm
  • Venue: Kingston Park, Newcastle
  • Group B

Fiji v Scotland team news

Fiji 19-man squad: 1. Sunia Turuva, 2. Maika Sivo, 3. Korbin Sims, 4. Kevin Naiqama, 5. Mitieli Vulikijapani, 7. Brandon Wakeham, 8. Joseph Ratuvakacereivalu, 9. Apisai Koroisau, 11. Taniela Sadrugu, 12. Viliame Kikau, 14. Penioni Tagituimua, 15. Tevita Toloi, 16. Lamar Manuel-Liolevave, 17. King Vuniyayawa, 18. Netane Masima, 19. Semi Valemei, 20. Henry Raiwalui, 22. Joshua Wong, 24. Vuate Karawalevu.

Scotland 19-man squad: 2. Matty Russell, 3. Ben Hellewell, 4. Kieran Buchanan, 5. Lachlan Walmsley, 7. Ryan Brierley, 8. Logan Bayliss-Brow, 9. Liam Hood, 10. Sam Luckley, 11. Euan Aitken, 12. Kan Linnett, 13. James Bell, 14. Kyle Schneider, 15. Luke Bain, 16. Guy Graham, 18. Jack Teanby, 19. Calum Gahan, 20. Davey Dixon, 23. Bayley Lie, 24. Dale Ferguson.

What the two camps are saying

Scotland head coach Graham said: “We’ve always gone out with the intent to enjoy this tournament. A lot of our players are working during the day, for those guys this is a massive thing to be involved in.

“Fiji is another big ask for us but we’ll do a body count – we’ve had some sickness in the camp – and hopefully we’ll be good to go next week.”

Fiji forward Tui Kamikamica said: “Last three World Cups we reached the semi-finals. This year we want to take a step more than a semi-final. 

“Even though we started well against Australia, we lacked our discipline. We didn’t control the ball in the last 20 minutes of the half and that was one of our main [points of] focus ahead of this game. Hold the ball, complete our sets and make it an arm wrestle.”

How can I watch the game on TV?

Every game across the men’s, women’s and wheelchair World Cup tournaments is being broadcast by the BBC.

Fiji v Scotland is on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer. 

READ: How to watch every Rugby League World Cup game on the BBC

Odds and predictions

Scotland are massive underdogs going into this clash at 18/1 with Planet Sport Bet. Fiji are priced at 1/250.

You’d expect Bati to be fired up for this one to secure their place in the quarter-finals, while Scotland may be low on confidence following a disappointing tournament so far.

More World Cup content

Daniel Tupou: I feel like we’ve got the best fans around the world

Victor Radley happy with England decision despite the pull of Origin

Shaun Wane welcomes Stuart Pearce to the England World Cup camp

FOLLOW: Keep up with all the latest on the Love Rugby League mobile app and podcast