Fiji are riding high on the momentum of their Pacific Nations Cup triumph under the guidance of their new head coach, a 6'7" former Aussie Rules player by the name of Mick Byrne, who brings both a fresh perspective and something of an insider knowledge of Scottish rugby - this fixture in Edinburgh is set to deliver plenty of excitement.
Fiji’s winning momentum
Fiji head into this Autumn Nations Series opener fresh off an unbeaten campaign in the Pacific Nations Cup, where they displayed a blend of physicality and flair that’s been thrilling to watch. Their victory in the final against Japan underscored their versatility, as they were able to both outmuscle and outpace their opponents, ultimately taking the title in a commanding fashion. It is a trope of rugby chat that, when it comes to Fiji, they would be world beaters if they were equally good on both sides of the ball. Well, they have have begun to show a newfound balance, integrating discipline and defensive strength with their hallmark fast-paced, offload-heavy attack - a combination that has long made them fan favourites worldwide. Scotland will need to prepare for Fiji's creative style, which can lead to tries from almost anywhere on the pitch. It's also worth remembering that it was only a year ago that Fiji beat both England and Australia.
Byrne's unique insight and experience
One of the most intriguing factors in this matchup is Byrne himself. Briefly a member of the Scottish setup in the early 2000s, Byrne has been described as a pioneer of the skills coach role - his Aussie Rules career lending itself to kicking expertise - having worked for the Wallabies and the All Blacks. The 65-year-old's extensive background in rugby coaching, with experience across the globe for some of the world's best teams, equips him with a deep understanding of the elite tier Fiji are aiming to reach. His skills background, particularly in kicking and set-piece play, Byrne has instilled a well-rounded approach in the Fijian squad that aims to make them more adaptable and resilient in international competition. His first head coach role was with Fijian Drua, whom he took to the Super Rugby Pacific quarter-finals last season, before he was announced as Fiji Rugby head coach. That means he now has the benefit of calling upon the country's superstars from the rest of the world's top leagues.
A lucky third for Fiji?
The Scotland-Fiji rivalry is marked by some memorable clashes. Historically, Scotland hold the upper hand, but Fiji have managed some famous upsets, including their first win over Scotland in 1998 in Suva. Almost twenty years later, Fiji were claiming another Scottish scalp, this time in Sydney. Fiji will know that if ever there was a time to add a third victory against the Scots, it is now, with a number of high-profile players unavailable for Saturday's match due to it falling outside of the Test window. These include Blair Kinghorn (Toulouse), Ben White (Toulon) and Finn Russell (Bath).
Players to watch
Fiji’s squad is brimming with exciting talent, including some familiar faces as well as emerging players who could make a big impact. Two Fijian players topped the try-scoring table in the Pacific Nations Cup (with four apiece): Elia Canakaivata (Drua), a Sevens World Cup winner in 2022, and rugby league convert Vuate Karawalevu of NSW Waratahs. Scotland’s defense on high alert. The 25-year-old flanker Vilive Miramira, who missed out on the Pacific Nations Cup despite his impressive form for Drua in Super Rugby Pacific, is also poised to showcase his potential on the international stage in order to show Byrne what he can do.
Why this match matters
For both teams, this game represents an opportunity to set the tone for their Autumn Nations Series campaigns. For Fiji, a victory would not only validate Byrne’s evolving vision for the team but also build their confidence ahead of further Tests against Wales and Ireland - all live on TNT Sports. For Scotland, the chance to defeat a resurgent Fiji side and defend their record at home will be a priority, particularly with back-to-back world champions and recent Rugby Championship winners South Africa to come the following week.
Scotland v Fiji, Saturday 2nd November, 17:40 GMT, Scottish Gas Murrayfield. Live on TNT Sports.
