Pool Matches - Week 2: Fiji v Italy preview
Crucial Group B clash sees Italian underdogs meet the might of Fiji
Kingston Park in Newcastle plays host to this must-watch match, in which both sides' tournaments are potentially on the line. The game will kick off in the early afternoon of Saturday BST, meaning Australian viewers will have to sacrifice some sleep to catch this one live. The winner all but locks up a spot in the quarter-finals, while the losing team will most likely be heading home early.
Fiji showed plenty of spirit in their opening encounter with Australia on the first day of the tournament. They put plenty of pressure on the Kangaroos early on, and even scored the first try of the game. But it was always going to be a tough task against the Aussies, and despite the scoreline blowing out slightly, the Bati continued to play good footy right down to the final siren.
Fiji will need to make the most of their opportunities in attack, something that their experienced outside backs will certainly prove helpful for. The likes of Valemei, Sivo, and Naiqama will be tough for the relatively inexperienced Italian edges to defend. Brandon Wakeham is expected to line up at halfback again; the Bulldog will prove crucial coordinating Fiji's attacking sets alongside NSW hooker Api Koroisau. Wakeham's kicking game will also be important for the Bati, after he set up a consolation try off the boot for Turuva last time out.
Fiji's forwards will want to tighten up a little in defence before their game against Italy this weekend. The Kangaroos were able to roll forward up the middle once the game had found a rhythm, and they can't allow that to happen again in their second pool match. Line speed in defence will play a big part in this game, and the Bati will want to utilise their forward rotation to the absolute maximum to ensure players are kept fresh in the pack.
Italy will be brimming with confidence, coming off a stunning display of rugby league in their opening match of the tournament. Meeting the heavily favoured Scotland at the same venue they'll be playing at this Saturday, the Azzurri sprung a surprise attack. As the tries kept piling up, Italy seemed to grow in confidence, and put the experienced Scotland side to the sword. Coming into this tournament, the expectations for an Italian side with very limited first class experience was low, and just to be in the position where there is still a chance for them to progress out of the group stage for the first time in their history is incredible. In short, they have nothing to lose, and Fiji should be wary of that.
The late withdrawal of Cooper Johns leaves Nathan Brown as the sole NRL player left in the squad. If he can lead by example and play big minutes at lock, his side will definitely have a chance of toppling Fiji this Saturday. But it was Sunshine Coast Falcons winger Jake Maizen who provided the points for Italy against Scotland, scoring a hat trick of tries in his international debut. A repeat performance by Maizen will go a long way towards an unlikely victory for Italy.
If Italy can disrupt Fiji's style of footy, they'll have every chance of securing a second victory this World Cup. But the Bati will be rightly confident of getting their first win on the board, and their first grade talent and experience should shine through in the end.
Last meeting: Pools C & D 2017 - Fiji 38 Italy 10
Who to watch: Sunia Turuva has had a breakout 2022 season. Making his NRL debut and playing in 20 games for the Panthers reserve grade side this year, he scored a double in the NSW Cup grand final against the Canterbury Bulldogs only a month ago. He was a part of the Panthers successful State Challenge side that triumphed against Norths on NRL grand final day, and despite playing in the centres he has transitioned well back into the fullback role at the Bati. Turuva scored a try against the Kangaroos, but will want to get more involved in the game this week, with strong kick returns likely to influence the game in Fiji's favour.
Dean Parata was one of the more dangerous players for Italy in their opening win. Expected to start from hooker again, Parata will be looking to create opportunities for his side in attack, and hold their middle together in defence. He made an impressive 35 tackles and scored a try in nearly 70 minutes played against Scotland. The London Bronco has plenty of experience all around the world, having spent time in the Tigers, Eels, and Sea Eagles' systems, before making the move to the Championship. His experience on the world stage will also be crucial to the outcome of this match - he has already earned eight caps for his nation.
The favourite: Fiji are the comfortable favourites to triumph over Italy in Newcastle.
My tip: Italy showed plenty of promising signs in their win last week, and there's no doubt that they will give the Bati a good run this Saturday. But when it comes down to it, they unfortunately just don't have the starpower of their opponents. Hopefully rugby league in Italy will continue to grow as a result of their strong victory over Scotland in their first match. Fiji by 16.
