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Wallabies v Fiji key player matchups

3 minute read

The key player matchups when Australia face Fiji in their Rugby World Cup pool match.

REECE HODGE of Australia looks for a pass during a training session at the Lensbury Hotel in London, England.
REECE HODGE of Australia looks for a pass during a training session at the Lensbury Hotel in London, England. Picture: Dan Mullan/Getty Images

WALLABIES V FIJI - THE KEY MATCHUPS

Wing - Reece Hodge (Aust) v Semi Radradra (Fiji)

Hodge has been handed one of the more unenviable tasks in the oval ball codes, trying to contain the former NRL superstar. Australia will sound emergency sirens if the "Semi Trailer" gets regular space and opportunities.

Five-eighth - Christian Lealiifano (Aust) v Ben Volavola (Fiji)

There's plenty at stake for Lealiifano, whose last Test performance was modest in the Eden Park thrashing from New Zealand, leaving Bernard Foley hot on his heels. The experienced Volavola knows the Wallabies well after Super Rugby stints with the Waratahs and Rebels.

No.8 - Isi Naisarani (Aust) v Viliame Mata (Fiji)

Naisarani has barely put a foot wrong in his rookie Test season but there's extra pressure on him to make forward progress with the under-sized "pooper" combination on the flanks. When it comes to size, few back rowers are a match for Fiji's Edinburgh-base powerhouse nicknamed "Big Bill".

Lock - Izack Rodda (Aust) v Leone Nakarawa (Fiji)

A four-year Wallabies contract would give anyone's confidence a boost so expect Rodda to play with energy after this week's announcement. If all the world's Test locks were lined up in a sprint race, daylight would be second when Paris-based Nakarawa crossed the line.

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