THE Vodafone Fiji Bati will face a stern test when they take on Australia in their second round of the Rugby League World Cup at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane this Sunday.
The match kicks off at 9.05pm Fiji time, with the Bati aiming to build on their impressive first-round performance against the Cook Islands.
Fiji head into the clash with confidence after scoring 40 points against the Aitu, with captain Api Koroisau leading an experienced side into the battle against the defending rugby league powerhouse.
The Bati have retained the same squad that delivered an emphatic opening victory, with Wests Tigers winger Sunia Turuva and veteran prop Jacob Saifiti among the key players expected to make an impact.
Halfback Brandon Wakeham, who was named man of the match against the Cook Islands, will again be entrusted with directing Fiji’s attack.
However, the Kangaroos present a different challenge, despite making several changes to their line-up.
Australia have brought James Tedesco, Bradman Best, Sam Walker, Blayke Brailey and Lindsay Smith into the side for their first appearances of the tournament.
Best, Walker and Brailey are also set to make their Test debuts, while David Fifita will make his Kangaroos debut after previously representing Tonga at the 2022 World Cup.
Tom Dearden will start at five-eighth after replacing the injured Mitch Moses in Australia’s opening match against New Zealand.
The Australians have also reshuffled their forward pack, with Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, Jacob Preston and Patrick Carrigan moving to the interchange bench.
Despite the changes, Australia will remain a formidable opponent, with depth and experience across their squad.
For Fiji, the challenge will be to maintain the intensity, discipline and attacking precision that proved effective against the Cook Islands.
The Bati will need to make the most of their opportunities and remain defensively strong against an Australian side capable of punishing mistakes.
Sunday’s encounter will provide Fiji with an important opportunity to measure their progress against one of the tournament favourites as they look to continue their strong start to the World Cup.
