All Blacks v Fiji preview: Scott Robertson to ‘rectify’ New Zealand’s issues and extend Pacific Islanders’ ‘dreadful’ record
The battle at number eight should be tasty in San Diego.
After a bruising couple of games against England, the All Blacks will look to find some rhythm when they face Fiji in San Diego.
It was a baptism of fire for new head coach Scott Robertson as Steve Borthwick’s men gave as good as they got, almost upsetting them in both Dunedin and Auckland.
Ultimately, New Zealand scraped through, and credit must go to both the players and the coaches for how they adapted in the two games. The decisions on and off the field enabled to them to make changes within the matches to turn likely losses into narrow wins.
That was the main positive in displays that were otherwise mediocre. There is plenty for Robertson to rectify and he will expect that to happen in this weekend’s encounter against Fiji.
The head coach has once again named a relatively experienced squad but he has selected five uncapped players on the bench as they seek to build some depth.
Against a Fiji side that have played just one proper Test this year – a 21-12 victory against Georgia on July 5 – the All Blacks will expect to win comfortably.
However, it is the performance which will concern the New Zealand head coach the most, with the lineout, kicking game and creativity in attack the biggest work-ons.
Where the game will be won
The All Blacks may have made mass changes – 11 to be exact – but the scrum will remain a potent weapon, while the lineout should get an easier ride against the Pacific Islanders. The set-piece is notoriously where Fiji have been let down but, under previous head coach Simon Raiwalui, it functioned much better, even becoming a weapon at the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
It is therefore absolutely vital that the new coaching staff – headed by Mick Byrne – builds on the work of his predecessor if they are to stand a chance. If the scrum and lineout remains stable then the Flying Fijians will absolutely go hard at the breakdown and will hope to put that misfiring New Zealand attack under pressure.
Any turnovers would allow them to get the ball quickly into the hands of their dangerous runners out wide, who have the talent and skill set to exploit space. But if the All Blacks are mistake-free then they may well find themselves pinned back in their own half. If that’s the case and their exits are poor – the kicking game is another area of fallibility – it will be a long 80 minutes in California.
Ireland great makes stunning ‘fragile’ All Blacks claim as ‘powerful cloak’ disappears
Last time they met
What they said
New Zealand boss Robertson fully expects their young players to perform after six uncapped players were named in the 23.
“They have earned their opportunity; they have prepared well, and they are ready for Test match rugby,” Robertson said.
“We have a lot of respect for Fiji who will be fast and physical, and we are looking forward to the contest.
“It has been a superb week in in San Diego. Our leaders have fed off the younger players’ energy and our focus is now on performing.”
Meanwhile, Fiji head coach Byrne knows the task in hand against the mighty All Blacks.
“We have had a great opportunity to bond as a team here in San Diego, and the players have adapted well to the conditions,” he was quoted saying.
“We know the challenge ahead against the All Blacks, but we are focused on our strengths and what we can bring to the game.
“Physicality will be a key aspect of our game plan. We have worked hard to sharpen our set pieces and improve our defensive structure.”
Players to watch
There’s only one place to start and that’s with the rookies. At centre, Billy Proctor is the sole new cap in the starting XV having been rewarded for a stunning season with the Hurricanes. Proctor takes the place of Rieko Ioane and offers both athleticism and skill in that outside channel. Robertson will hope his off-loading game can fire the All Blacks attack, which faltered in both Tests against England.
Another rookie – albeit not a debutant – is Cortez Ratima, who made a good impression in his first cap last weekend. Ratima came on for Finlay Christie and was proficient in most facets, from his passing to his kicking game. The youngster appears to have the majority of the fundamentals nailed down, so it will be fascinating to see how that translates this weekend.
At the other end of the experience spectrum is Beauden Barrett. The All Blacks centurion starts after two superb displays off the bench and, as a result, his combination with Damian McKenzie will be closely monitored. Of course, Barrett can only work with what ball he is given and New Zealand will hope Tupou Vaa’i’s presence solidifies the lineout.
As for Fiji, everyone knows about their natural flair and the athleticism they have throughout the 23, but to operate successfully you still need a functioning set-piece and defence. We’re unsure as to whether they can hold their own against the All Blacks front-row, but in Eroni Mawi and Mesake Doge Fiji do have two excellent props.
Equally, hooker Tevita Ikanivere is exceptionally gifted and is already a very good Test player. Ikanivere’s accuracy in the lineout, as well as his relationship with the locks, Isoa Nasilasila and Temo Mayanavanua will therefore be important as they seek to get a supply of good ball.
After the set-piece, the kicking game is the next area the Pacific Islanders need to get right – another stereotypical weakness – but like they have done up front, the Fijians have started to produce some talented playmakers with 20-year-old fly-half Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula very highly rated. The pivot had a good season for Fijian Drua in Super Rugby Pacific and he will hopefully display his talent on a big stage this weekend.
Main head-to-head
Two rather exceptional athletes will face off when Ardie Savea and Viliame Mata collide. Savea is deservedly the current World Rugby Player of the Year but he has a tough opponent in San Diego. You never know, Mata could be challenging for that title if Fiji had more top level matches, but their lack of action rather counts against him.
Mata’s a superb carrier whose off-loading threat opens space for others and allows the Fijians to change the point of attack. He can operate both close to the ruck and out wide, which gives him free reign to roam the field. Savea also has that capability, but the All Black probably offers more without the ball.
Prediction
Fiji’s record is dreadful against the All Blacks and we can’t see that changing. They have never got close and, although New Zealand have yet to find their rhythm under Robertson, Friday’s game could change that. The set-piece should set them up nicely while Fiji’s defence won’t be quite as stubborn as England’s. All Blacks by 40 points.
Previous results
2021: New Zealand won 60-13 in Hamilton
2020: New Zealand won 57-23 in Dunedin
2011: New Zealand won 60-14 in Carisbrook
2005: New Zealand won 91-0 in Auckland
2002: New Zealand won 68-18 in Wellington
1997: New Zealand won 71-5 in Auckland
1987: New Zealand won 74-13 in Christchurch
The teams
All Blacks: 15 Beauden Barrett, 14 Sevu Reece, 13 Billy Proctor, 12 Anton Lienert-Brown, 11 Caleb Clarke, 10 Damian McKenzie, 9 Cortez Ratima, 8 Ardie Savea, 7 Ethan Blackadder, 6 Luke Jacobson, 5 Tupou Vaa’i, 4 Scott Barrett (c), 3 Fletcher Newell, 2 Asafo Aumua, 1 Tamaiti Williams
Replacements: 16 George Bell, 17 Ethan de Groot, 18 Pasilio Tosi, 19 Sam Darry, 20 Wallace Sititi, 21 Noah Hotham, 22 Jordie Barrett, 23 Emoni Narawa
Fiji: 15 Vilimoni Botitu, 14 Jiuta Wainiqolo, 13 Waisea Nayacalevu (c), 12 Inia Tabuavou, 11 Semi Radradra, 10 Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, 9 Frank Lomani, 8 Viliame Mata, 7 Kitione Salawa, 6 Lekima Tagitagivalu, 5 Temo Mayanavanua, 4 Isoa Nasilasila, 3 Mesake Doge, 2 Tevita Ikanivere, 1 Eroni Mawi
Replacements: 16 Zuriel Togiatama, 17 Haereiti Hetet, 18 Samu Tawake, 19 Albert Tuisue, 20 Elia Canakaivata, 21 Simione Kuruvoli, 22 Caleb Muntz, 23 Sireli Maqala
Date: Friday, July 19
Venue: Snapdragon Stadium, San Diego
Kick-off: 19:30 local (02:30 GMT, 03:30 BST, 14:30 NZST – Friday)
Referee: Matthew Carley (England)
Assistant Referees: Anthony Woodthorpe (England), Luke Rogan (USA)
TMO: Ian Tempest (England)
