Australia vs Fiji Rugby League World Cup 2026 Tips & Predictions - Fiji Fight
Australia face Fiji in the Rugby League World Cup 2026, with the Kangaroos heavily rotating their squad after a narrow win over New Zealand. Key players are rested, including Mitchell Moses (injured), while James Tedesco and Sam Walker join the starting lineup. Fiji, fresh from a 40-12 triumph against Cook Islands, are tipped to cover a sizeable +45.5 point handicap, buoyed by attacking flair and consistency. Recommendations include backing Fiji on the handicap and try scorer bets for David Fifita and Sam Walker as Australia adjust to numerous team changes.
- Fiji are tipped to cover a +45.5 point handicap against Australia, who have heavily rotated their squad.
- Australia rest several stars following a close win over New Zealand, bringing James Tedesco and Sam Walker into the starting side.
- Recommended bets include Fiji +45.5, Sam Walker and David Fifita as anytime try scorers.
Australia vs Fiji Rugby League World Cup 2026 Tips – Fiji Backed to Cover Huge Handicap
The Kangaroos are resting stars and have a new halves combination, leading to the Fiji Bati covering as the heavy underdog on Sunday at Suncorp Stadium.
- Australia vs Fiji Rugby League World Cup 2026 Tips – Fiji Backed to Cover Huge Handicap
- Australia vs Fiji Key Stats
- Australia vs Fiji Head to Head
- Australia Form Analysis
- Fiji Form Analysis
- Australia vs Fiji Team News
- Australia vs Fiji Team Lists
Australia have won all seven previous meetings with Fiji by at least 32 points, but Kevin Walters has made sweeping changes following the Kangaroos' narrow 24-22 victory over New Zealand. James Tedesco and Sam Walker come into the starting side, while Mitchell Moses is sidelined through injury and several established stars are rested.
Fiji arrive with confidence after dismantling Cook Islands 40-12 in their tournament opener, scoring seven tries and racing to a 28-0 half-time lead. This gives me confidence in taking them to cover against the Aussies who appear to be doing their best to avoid injury and burnout before the semifinals.
We're backing David Fifita and Sam Walker to score anytime tries for Australia, with both players getting their opportunity in the reshuffled Kangaroos side. Fifita has been dangerous for Souths on the edge and Sam Walkers QLD combination with Tom Dearden should see him running the ball at the line when given the opportunity.
Australia vs Fiji Key Stats
- Australia have won all seven previous meetings with Fiji, with an average winning margin of 50.6 points.
- Fiji scored seven tries in their 40-12 opening-round victory over Cook Islands.
- Australia edged New Zealand 24-22 in their World Cup opener.
- Fiji led Cook Islands 28-0 at half-time in Round 1.
- Jack Bostock scored a hat-trick and ran 231 metres against New Zealand.
Australia vs Fiji Head to Head
Australia have won all seven previous meetings, including a 42-8 victory at the 2022 World Cup
| Date | Australia | Fiji | Total | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 Oct 2022 | 42 | 8 | 50 | 34 |
| 24 Nov 2017 | 54 | 6 | 60 | 48 |
| 23 Nov 2013 | 64 | 0 | 64 | 64 |
| 2 Nov 2013 | 34 | 2 | 36 | 32 |
| 16 Nov 2008 | 52 | 0 | 52 | 52 |
| 1 Nov 2000 | 66 | 8 | 74 | 58 |
| 14 Oct 1995 | 66 | 0 | 66 | 66 |
Australia Form Analysis
Australia opened their World Cup campaign with a dramatic 24-22 victory over New Zealand, recovering from a late deficit to secure the two competition points.
Jack Bostock enjoyed a sensational Test debut, scoring three tries and running 231 metres, while Tom Trbojevic and Reece Walsh also crossed the line.
The Kangaroos scored five tries but converted only two, leaving the contest much closer than their attacking opportunities suggested.
Mitchell Moses suffered a serious leg injury in the opener, prompting changes to the halves. Sam Walker and Tom Dearden have been selected to start, while James Tedesco returns at fullback.
David Fifita is another player handed an opportunity, bringing his powerful running game and ability to break tackles into the Australian forward rotation.
Fiji Form Analysis
Fiji made an impressive start to the tournament, defeating Cook Islands 40-12 after establishing a commanding 28-0 advantage at half-time.
Solomone Saukuru scored twice, while Waqa Blake and Caleb Navale also crossed the line in a seven-try performance.
Brandon Wakeham was instrumental in directing Fiji's attack, recording three try assists, two line breaks and six successful conversions.
Navale finished with 202 running metres, while Blake contributed 188 metres and Sunia Turuva added 169.
The Bati showed plenty of attacking variety throughout the contest, although they conceded two second-half tries after building their substantial early lead.
Australia vs Fiji Team News
Australia have made extensive changes following their opening victory, with Mitchell Moses ruled out through injury.
James Tedesco returns at fullback, while Sam Walker and Tom Dearden form the halves combination. David Fifita, Bradman Best, Blayke Brailey and Lindsay Smith are among the players brought into the side.
Harry Grant, Isaah Yeo and Liam Martin are set to be rested as Kevin Walters rotates his squad.
Fiji have retained continuity following their convincing opening victory, with Apisai Koroisau captaining the side and Brandon Wakeham directing the attack.
Australia vs Fiji Team Lists
| Australia | No. | Fiji |
|---|---|---|
| James Tedesco (c) | 1 | Bayleigh Bentley-Hape |
| Jack Bostock | 2 | Sunia Turuva |
| Kotoni Staggs | 3 | Waqa Blake |
| Bradman Best | 4 | Solomone Saukuru |
| Tom Trbojevic | 5 | Semi Valemei |
| Tom Dearden | 6 | Kurt Donoghoe |
| Sam Walker | 7 | Brandon Wakeham |
| Keaon Koloamatangi | 8 | Jacob Saifiti |
| Blayke Brailey | 9 | Apisai Koroisau (c) |
| Lindsay Smith | 10 | Mitchell Prest |
| David Fifita | 11 | Taane Milne |
| Reuben Cotter | 12 | Kitione Kautoga |
| Cameron Murray | 13 | Caleb Navale |
| Tino Fa'asuamaleaui | 14 | Josese Lanyon |
| Jacob Preston | 15 | Emosi Ravosai |
| Patrick Carrigan | 16 | Elijah Keung |
| Cameron Munster | 17 | Ronald Philitoga |
| Reece Walsh | 18 | Jordin Leiu |
| Latrell Mitchell | 19 | Apenisa Driti |
| Liam Martin | 20 | Joseph Litidamu |
| Harry Grant | 21 | Zion Johnson |
| Isaah Yeo | 22 | Kylan Mafoa |
Verdict
Fiji +45.5 is our best bet, with the Bati's encouraging opening performance and Australia's extensive squad rotation supporting the handicap selection. David Fifita Anytime Tryscorer and Sam Walker Anytime Tryscorer complete our three bets.
Fiji +45.5
Handicap
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Sam Walker
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David Fifita
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David Fifita
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From when he was a little fella he has played most sports ranging from rugby, ice hockey, tennis and football, just to name a few. His interest in analytics and statistics helps him find the edge while writing previews and being a regular tipster.
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