Saturday 16 June 2012

Fiji v Scotland - Preview


Head coach Andy Robinson knows Scotland will need to put in another sound defensive display if they are to beat Fiji on Saturday.

The Scots are buoyed by a victory over Australia but Fiji always pose an attacking threat with their strong running style.

"We've got a lot of respect for Fiji," Robinson told BBC Scotland.

"They are a joy to watch. They move the ball so well; their offloading skills and support lines are fantastic."

Scotland's defence was outstanding in the 9-6 triumph against Australia but the visitors have now swapped the cold wind and rain in Newcastle, New South Wales, for the warmth and humidity of Lautoka.

Robinson has made two changes, with wingers Tim Visser and Max Evans replacing Sean Lamont and the injured Joe Ansbro.

It will be a debut for Dutchman Visser, who qualifies on the grounds of three years' residency.

And Scotland will be hoping the 25-year-old can reproduce his try-scoring exploits with Edinburgh on the international stage.

"For us, it's about getting a foothold in the game and building a score," added Robinson, who has been busy studying footage of Fiji's recent Pacific Nations Cup ties with Japan (25-19 win) and Samoa (29-26 loss).

"The set-piece is always key, it's about winning first-phase ball. If you can get quality ball, you can on the front foot.

"What we do when Fiji have the ball will also be important, so we'll need a good defensive performance. We need to put these big men on the floor.

"In attack, we've got to put some real shape to our game.

"We want to play with some width but we also need to be disciplined.

"We were the leading passing side in the Six Nations, so we do want to move the ball and play with it in hand."

Centre Nick de Luca hopes to be more involved against Fiji after the forwards dominated in Australia.

"Fiji have got amazing individuals and amazing skills," he told BBC Scotland. "Their ability with ball in hand is second to none.

"The backs are really looking forward to the challenge and hopefully we can come out on top.

"We've had a disappointing season, so it's important to end on a high and we want three wins from this tour."

Scotland have only lost once in seven previous meetings with Fiji, a 51-26 defeat in Suva in 1998 that the tourists blamed on humid conditions.

The last Six Nations team to play in Fiji was Italy in 2006 and captain Netani Talei said the hosts are keen to make the most of a rare opportunity against northern hemisphere opposition on home soil.

It is also a chance for the Fijians to showcase changes made since a disappointing campaign at last year's World Cup, where they were eliminated in the pool stages after a string of lacklustre displays. However, several of the team's European-based stars are missing.

"I told the boys 'make use of the time and whatever you do come out hard, you'll never get this opportunity to play a tier one nation at home again'," Talei, who plays for Edinburgh, said.

"Having tier one nations coming in opens the gates for everything - for contracts for the local boys, sponsorships and more teams looking at us and saying 'oh yes, they've improved.'

"Winning this weekend will be a massive, massive achievement for us."
Team line-ups

Fiji: Isimeli Koniferedi, Waisea Nayacalevu, Wereniki Goneva, Aloisio Buto, Watisoni Votu, Jonetai Ralulu, Nikola Matawalu, Netani Talei (capt), Malakai Ravulo, Iliese Ratuva, Leone Nakarawa, Apisai Naikatini, Setefano Somoca, Viliame Veikoso, Jeremaia Yanuyanutawa.
Replacements: Tuatpati Talemaitoga, Waisea Daveta/Graham Dewes, Josefa Domolailai, Kelepi Ketedromo, Nemia Kenatale, Kameli Ratuvou, Metuisela Talebula.

Scotland: Stuart Hogg, Max Evans, Nick De Luca, Matt Scott, Tim Visser, Greig Laidlaw, Mike Blair, John Barclay, Ross Rennie, Alasdair Strokosch, Richie Gray, Alastair Kellock, Euan Murray, Ross Ford (capt), Ryan Grant.
Replacements: Scott Lawson, Geoff Cross, Tom Ryder, Richie Vernon, Chris Cusiter, Duncan Weir, Sean Lamont.

Referee: Jaco Peyper (South Africa)

Assistant referees: Ian Smith, Andrew Lees (both Australia)


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