Australia vs Fiji Tips & Preview - Kangaroos to cover in Rugby League World Cup opener

Freetips staff

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Last updated: 15 Oct 2022

Freetips staff 15 Oct 2022

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Australia vs Fiji tips for Saturday's Rugby League World Cup match
The game is being played at Headingley (19:30 BST)
Australia begin the defence of their World Cup title
Will the Kangaroos make quick work of Fiji in Leeds?
Match preview, predictions and latest team news

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australia kangaroos rugby league world cup

Australia are the defending champions (Getty Images)

Australia vs Fiji Predictions

Australia have beaten Fiji by an average score of 56-3 in their previous six meetings at the World Cup, and the Kangaroos can cover the -38.5 handicap in their opening game.

Australia vs Fiji Predictions
Head to Head
Australia Form
Australia Squad & Team News
Fiji Form
Fiji Squad & Team News
Australia vs Fiji FAQs

Australia are the defending World Cup champions.
Australia have won all 6 previous matches against Fiji by an average score of 56-3.
Fiji have lost their last 2 matches.

Head to Head

Australia and Fiji have met six times - all at the World Cup. It is 6-0 to the Kangaroos and the average score has been 56-3.

Australia Form

Australia beat England in the 2017 World Cup Final and begin their title defence five years one.

Mal Meninga's side haven't played since 2019 when last in action in a shock 16-12 defeat to Tonga.

Since winning the World Cup, the Kangaroos also lost 26-24 to New Zealand in 2018, beat Tonga 34-16 in 2018 and defeated New Zealand 26-24 in 2019.

Australia Squad & Team News

Daly Cherry-Evans gets the nod at halfback while Harry Grant will make his debut off the bench.

Murray Taulagi, Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, Angus Crichton, Jeremiah Nanai, Reuben Cotter and Pat Carrigan will also make their international debuts.

Squad: 1. James Tedesco (c) 9. Josh Addo-Carr 8. Latrell Mitchell 4. Valentine Holmes 23. Murray Taulagi 7. Cameron Munster 2. Daly Cherry-Evans 18. Tino Fa'asuamaleaui 3. Ben Hunt 5. Jake Trbojevic 17. Angus Crichton 22. Jeremiah Nanai 11. Cameron Murray. Interchange: 20. Harry Grant 16. Reuben Cotter 13. Patrick Carrigan 10. Jack Wighton 12. Matt Burton 19. Campbell Graham

Fiji Form

Fiji played their first game since late 2019 when going down 24-14 to Papau New Guinea in June this year.

It was the first time the Fijians have played since beaten PNG 22-20 in November 2019 for what was their third straight win.

In the build up to the World Cup last week, Bati were beaten 50-0 by England in a warm-up game.

Fiji Squad & Team News

NRL Grand Finalists Api Koroisau, Viliame Kikau, Maika Sivo and Waqa Blake all start after missing last weekend’s warm-up loss to England.

Tariq Sims, Daniel Saifiti and Jacob Saifiti bring big game experience, as does Kevin Naiqama.

Squad: 1. Sunia Turuva 5. Miteli Vulikijapani 4. Kevin Naiqama (c) 19. Semi Valemei 2. Maika Sivo 6. Sitiveni Moceidreke 7. Brandon Wakeham 17. King Vuniyayawa 9. Apisai Koroisau 13. Tui Kamikamica 12.Viliame Kikau 22. Josh Wong 16. Lamar Manuel-Liolevave 14. Penioni Tagituimu 23.Jowasa Drodrolagi 10. Ben Nakubuwai, 11.Taniela Sadrugu 18.Netane Masima 21.Isaac Lumelume

Australia vs Fiji FAQs

Where can I watch the Australia vs Fiji live stream?

Check our live streaming calendar to see where to watch the Australia vs Fiji live stream.

What time does Australia vs Fiji start?

The game starts at 19:30 BST on Saturday, October 15.

Verdict

Australia v Fiji

The Kangaroos have been given a -38.5 line to cover, but have dominated Fiji by more than that in six previous meetings. Australia are tipped to cover the handicap.

Australia -38.5

Handicap

@10/11 - 3 Units

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