Hot on the heels of a triumphant game against Georgia, the Australian Wallabies are sharpening their strategies for their next crucial Rugby World Cup battle against Fiji.
Scheduled for 1:15 am AEST on September 18, the match promises high-stakes action, live on both Stan Sport and Channel Nine.
Australia comes into this game with a morale boost but will be without the formidable Taniela Tapou, a key player whose absence could be felt in the scrum. Yet, the Wallabies will be buoyed by the return of veteran prop James Slipper, who is set to take to the field again after recovering from injury.
Conversely, Fiji finds itself in a must-win scenario, following a disappointing loss to Wales. Their hopes for making it to the knockout stage hang by a thread, adding an extra layer of urgency to their game. Every ruck, maul, and try will be decisive as they look to turn the tide and keep their World Cup aspirations alive.
When it comes to analysis and insights, Channel Nine has put together a powerhouse team of commentators. The broadcast will be led by Michael Atkinson and Nick McArdle, seasoned voices in rugby union coverage. They’ll be joined by an ensemble of Wallabies legends including Tim Horan, Mat Rogers, Justin Harrison, James Horwill, Morgan Turinui, and Stephen Hoiles, making it a commentary line-up that’s a veritable ‘who’s who’ of Australian rugby.
The Wallabies have announced their team lineup featuring some of the brightest stars in Australian rugby. Starting XV includes: Ben Donaldson, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Jordan Petaia, Samu Kerevi, Marika Koroibete, Carter Gordon, Nic White, Rob Valetini, Fraser McReight, Tom Hooper, Will Skelton as captain, Nick Frost, James Slipper, David Porecki, and Angus Bell. Taking spots on the bench are: Jordan Uelese, Blake Schoupp, Zane Nonggorr, Richie Arnold, Rob Leota, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, Lalakai Foketi, and Suli Vunivalu.
On the Fiji side, they’ve named their squad which includes: Ilaisa Droasese, Jiuta Wainiqolo, Waisea Nayacalevu, Josua Tuisova, Semi Radradra, Teti Tela, Simione Kuruvoli, Viliame Mata, Levani Botia, Lekima Tagitagivalu, Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, Isoa Nasilasila, Luke Tagi, Sam Matavesi, and Eroni Mawi. The bench will be populated by Tevita Ikanivere, Peni Ravai, Mesaki Doge, Temo Mayanavanua, Albert Tuisue, Frank Lomani, Vilimoni Botitu, and Vinaya Habosi.
If you’re already marking your calendar for upcoming rugby events, here are the Wallabies’ next appointments: a match against Wales at 5:00 am AEST on Sunday, 24 September, and another against Portugal at 1:45 am AEST on Sunday, 1 October. Both matches, promising to be thrilling confrontations, will be available on Stan Sport and Channel Nine.
Whether you’re an ardent Wallabies supporter or cheering for the Fijian underdogs, make sure to tune into Stan Sport or Channel Nine for live action, expert analysis, and the sheer, adrenaline-fueled drama of Rugby World Cup 2023.
