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11 Jul, 2025
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Why there is a lot at stake for Scotland v Fiji
@Source: bbc.com
The incentive is there for Scotland to register a victory, and the 14 changes Townsend has made from the win over the Maori All Blacks reflects that. Kyle Steyn, Darcy Graham, Grant Gilchrist, captain Rory Darge, Jamie Ritchie and Matt Fagerson are all in from the start. However, Fiji are stacked with talent and playing in front of their own in Suva. It is also a very different side to the one shorn of stars which was demolished at Murrayfield in November. They led Australia right to the wire last week, before conceding in the penultimate minute to lose 21-18. One of their tries in that game came from a magnificent run from Toulon winger Jiuta Wainiqolo, who scored 11 tries last season for his club. The exploits of the destructive centre Josua Tuisova - 'The Bus' - are also well known - it's fair to say his opposite number Tom Jordan may have sore shoulders after Saturday. And Salesi Rayasi, a former New Zealand sevens player, also scored on his debut last week and plays at full-back. Fiji have threats everywhere. Scotland need no reminder of what awaits them. Back in 2017 on Townsend's first tour, a Leone Nakarawa-inspired Fiji won with a combination of the brutal and sublime. "Their biggest strength is their physicality," Townsend said. "They are probably the biggest, most powerful men in world rugby. More so than even the South Africans. "They combine speed with raw power, their big hits in defence and contact clears. "They are blessed with skill and physicality - and that's what makes them such tough opponents."
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