France welcome Fiji to Bordeaux for a Saturday night (Sunday morning Fiji time) showdown in the Quilter Nations Series – a fixture that promises flair, physicality and fireworks.
Les Bleus are the reigning Guinness Men’s Six Nations champions with a squad full of attacking threats, but will be hurting from their loss to a 14-man Springbok team last time out.
Pacific Nations Cup champions Fiji are themselves battle-hardened from defeat to England at Allianz Stadium last weekend.
The last time these sides met, France ran out 34–17 winners in Paris, but Fiji’s offloading game and counter-attacking brilliance always make them a dangerous prospect.
With Bordeaux’s rugby-mad crowd behind them, France will be favourites, but Fiji have the firepower to cause an upset.
While France won the last meeting between the two – in the 2023 Summer Nations Series – their previous encounter was a 21-14 win for Fiji in 2018.
Tactical focus
France will look to dominate territory and tempo through the boot of fullback Thomas Ramos and the control of scrum-half Nolann Le Garrec – that is if head coach Fabien Galthié doesn’t decide to experiment with his line-up. France’s regular back three – including reigning Guinness Player of the Championship Louis Bielle-Biarrey and Damian Penaud – offer lethal finishing, but there are more than a few newcomers who could be tested against Fiji.
Fiji will counter with pace and unpredictability.
Caleb Muntz pulls the strings at fly-half, while hooker Tevita Ikanivere scored twice at Allianz Stadium against England, and will be a constant threat to the French.
Centre or wing Kalaveti Ravouvou, the joint top-try scorer in this year’s Pacific Nations Cup, is also one to look out for.
Bordeaux matchday experience
Expect a buzzing atmosphere in Bordeaux, where rugby passion runs deep.
Fans will gather early around Place des Quinconces and the Chartrons district, with bars like Le Bouchon Bordelais and Café Brun packed with supporters.
Whether you’re inside Stade Matmut-Atlantique or soaking it up nearby, matchday in Bordeaux will be one to remember.
The match kicks off at 8.10am on Sunday.
