Will Fiji once again excite the rugby world? Authors of a fiery end to the match during the first day before falling by six points against Wales (32-26), the island players are tackling a new serious challenge, Sunday September 17 ( 5:45 p.m. on France 2), against Australia, outsider for the title. At 9 p.m., it will be the turn of the XV de la Rose, reinvigorated after its victory against Argentina (27-10) to face the other big piece of group D, Japan, logical winner of Chile in the first match (42-12).
A World Cup classic. For the third edition in a row, Australia and Fiji meet in the group stage of the World Cup. The Wallabies, who have seven players of Fijian origin in their group on Sunday, won in the last two clashes, 28-13 in 2015, then 39-21 in 2019. The sign that the gap between the two nations is reduced, while the 2007 World Cup in France saw Australia crush the Fijians 55-12. For this match, the “Flying Fijians” field numerous players playing in the French championship, such as the veteran Levani Botia (La Rochelle), the colossus Josua Tuisova (Racing 92, ex-Lyon) or the explosive Semi Radradra (Lyon ).
English hero George Ford reappointed. He was very prominent during the first match, scoring all of his team’s points, including three decisive drops. Fly-half George Ford was brought back to face Japan. He was again preferred to Marcus Smith in the absence of usual captain Owen Farrell, for whom this will be the last match of his suspension. England coach Steve Borthwick has renewed his confidence in the vast majority of the Pumas winners, with the exception of pillars Dan Cole and Ellis Genge, respectively replaced by Kyle Sinckler and Dan Cole.
Japan, outsider in doubt. Winners with the offensive bonus, but without shining against the Chileans, the Japanese resumed their march forward. Before the World Cup, they had nine defeats in ten matches since July 2022, counting only a meager victory against Tonga. They will be able to count on the return of their captain, third row Kazuki Himeno, who missed the first match due to a calf injury. “We will have to live up to our nickname of Brave Blossoms. We are ready to give 100%, even 120%”assured the former Highlanders player, in Super Rugby.