Australia's 2017 Test season gets underway in Melbourne on Saturday afternoon with Fiji taking to AAMI Park for the first time. Thankfully, the debacle that was the AAMI Park surface in 2016 no longer looks to be an issue, meaning players can scrummage confidently in the knowledge that a cavernous hole won't open up as it did throughout much of last year. Once a weakness of their game, Fiji showed great improvement at scrum time at Rugby World Cup 2015; they will need that to continue on Saturday if their talented collection of backs are to have room to move.
For Wallabies coach Michael Cheika, Saturday's Test will be a welcome opportunity to distance his outfit from the wider doom and gloom of Australian rugby. Cheika has done his best to find positives in what has been a poor Australian Super Rugby season, particularly the arrival of some young forwards at the elite level. He reflected that by selecting the likes of Ned Hanigan, Jack Dempsey and Richard Hardwick in his 33-man squad while also bringing code-hopper Karmichael Hunt into the Test frame for the first time.
Given this is the first Test outing for both sides, on little more than a week's preparation, there will no doubt be elements of rust as old combinations are adjusted -- and new ones blooded for the first time. The Fijians are in Melbourne with nothing to lose and the freedom to play their natural game, and that combined with their improvement around the set-piece ensures they are a dangerous opponent. Still, anything other than a comfortable victory from Australia will be deemed a failure that delivers a further black eye on rugby when it is struggling terribly for relevance.
Team news
Australia: Israel Folau; Dan Haylett-Petty, Tevita Kuridrani, Karmichael Hunt, Henry Speight; Bernard Foley, Will Genia; Scott Higginbotham, Michael Hooper, Ned Hanigan; Adam Coleman, Sam Carter; Allan Alaalatoa, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Tom Robertson. Reserves: Stephen Moore, Toby Smith, Sekope Kepu, Rory Arnold, Richard Hardwick, Joe Powell, Quade Cooper, Reece Hodge.
Fiji: Kini Murimurivalu; Timoci Nagusa, Albert Vulivuli, Jale Vatubua, Vereniki Goneva; Ben Volavola, Nikola Matawalu; Akapusi Qera (c), Naulia Dawai, Dominiko Waqaniburotu; Leone Nakarawa, Tevita Cavubati; Peni Ravai, Sunia Koto, Campese Maafu. Reserves: Tuapati Talemaitoga, Joeli Veitayaki, Kalivati Tawake, Api Ratuniyarawa, Viliame Mata, Nemani Nagusa, Seurpepeli Vularika, Benito Masilevu.
Key match-up
Bernard Foley vs Ben Volavola
After a concussion-marred start to 2017, Bernard Foley has been among the Waratahs' best in recent weeks. While NSW have found wins hard to come by, as is the case with all Australian Super Rugby franchises, their attack has flowed nicely and much of that has been down to Foley. The Wallabies No. 10 spoke earlier this year of the benefits of his stint at No. 12 during the 2016 Rugby Championship, and the directness of his play has been evident. He will also be glad to have Will Genia's assured service hitting the mitts from the inside.
Ben Volavola, meanwhile, has had a difficult couple of years as he searches for a permanent Super Rugby home. The Fijian No. 10 left was released by the Crusaders last year, after Richie Mo'unga asserted himself as the dominant playmaker and rising star Mitchell Hunt emerged. Volavola has since spent this year in and out of the Melbourne Rebels run-on side, but he has enjoyed a little more game time in recent weeks and no doubt he will be buoyed by the opportunity to re-join his Test teammates with whom he enjoyed an excellent World Cup as Fiji pushed England, Wales and Australia in three tight pool games. If Volavola can secure some decent ball, he is good enough to create space for those outside him.
Key stats
- Australia and Fiji have met on 20 occasions, with the Wallabies winning 17 times and Fiji twice. There has been one draw.
- Australia have two Fijian-born players suiting up this week.
Weather
Melbourne is heading for a mostly sunny day on Saturday with a top of 15 degrees. No rain is expected.
Ubet Odds
Australia $1.01, Fiji $15
Fiji has played Australia 20 times, and they have beaten the Wallabies twice...but that was back in the 1950's. The price suggests the Wallabies should win, and win easily. The last time they met, Australia won 28-13, so that would explain the interest being shown in Fiji with 28.5 points' start ($1.90).
Verdict
This is a far easier assignment for the Wallabies, compared with England last year, but there can be little room for complacency from Cheika's side. Remember Samoa 2011, anyone? While Australia's Super Rugby teams have underperformed, there has been a smattering of players who've kept their reputations intact and Cheika will be looking for the likes of Michael Hooper, Bernard Foley and the returning Will Genia to lead the way. Fiji will have their moments, and will offer a huge threat on the counter; but Australia should overcome some early rust to run out comfortable winners.
Australia by 18.