Australia vs Fiji live stream: How to watch Rugby World Cup game on TV and online
Everything you need to know for the opening Rugby World Cup match in Pool D
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Your support makes all the difference.After the fireworks of the opening ceremony and jubilation of a home victory for Japan, the Rugby World Cup continues on what could prove 'Super Saturday', kicking off with Australia vs Fiji in Sapporo.
The Pool D encounter sees an Australian side who look to be on the up, with a win over the All Blacks on their record in the recent Rugby Championship and a number of key players back from Europe for the two-time World Cup winners.
The Wallabies also have David Pocock back from injury, with the back-row reunited with Michael Hooper to form the famous ‘Pooper’ combination that was so successful in 2015.
Fiji though have been touted as one of the teams to watch at the World Cup and may well have an upset in them, with the Pacific Islanders targeting victories over the Aussies and Wales to try and reach the last eight.
John McKee’s side have three Olympic gold medalists in the starting XV in the shape of Leone Nakarawa, Viliame Mata and Josua Tuisova who starred in the Sevens at the 2016 Rio Olympics, and they have crossed over to become big names of the 15-man game. Georgia and Uruguay make up the pool, with Wales up next for Australia and Uruguay on the horizon for Fiji.
Here’s everything you need to know about the match.
Where can I watch it?
The match will be shown live on ITV from 5:15am BST.
When is it?
Australia vs Fiji takes place on Saturday 21 September at the Sapporo Dome Stadium.
When does it start?
The match will kick-off at 1:45pm Japan Standard Time, which is 5:45am BST.
Teams
Australia: Kurtley Beale; Reece Hodge, James O’Connor, Samu Kerevi, Marika Koroibete; Christian Lealiifano, Nic White; Scott Sio, Tolu Latu, Allan Alaalatoa; Izack Rodda, Rory Arnold; David Pocock, Michael Hooper, Isi Naisarani.
Replacements: Jordan Uelese, James Slipper, Sekope Kepu, Adam Coleman, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Will Genia, Matt Toomua, Dane Haylett-Petty.
Fiji: Kini Murimiruvalu; Josua Tuisova, Waisea Nayacalevu, Levani Botia, Semi Radradra; Ben Volavola, Frank Lomani; Campese Ma’afu, Samuel Matavesi, Peni Ravai; Tevita Cavubati, Leone Nakarawa; Dominiko Waqanoburotu, Peceli Yato, Viliame Mata.
Replacements: Tuvere Vugakoto, Eroni Mawi, Manasa Saulo, Tevita Ratuva, Mosese Voka, Nikola Matawalu, Alivereti Veitokani, Vereniki Goneva.
Odds
Australia to win: 1/6
Fiji to win: 7/1
Draw: 50/1
Prediction
Australia 30-20 Fiji: The Wallabies may well get a fright, but they look to be a much more structured side than around a year ago and they tend to peak at World Cups. Michael Cheika remains a superb coach despite the pressure he’s under, and although Fiji have the individuals to upset the Wallabies, their recent defeat by Japan suggests they’re not quite ready to reach the quarter-finals.
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