Preview – Fiji v Scotland

Fiji v Scotland
Saturday 12 July 2025, kick-off 3pm (local time, Saturday 12 July 2025, kick-off 4am BST).
HFC Bank Stadium, Suva
Live on Premier Sports

This weekend Scotland take on Fiji in Suva for the first time since 2018. Scotland flew into Fiji on Sunday following the 29-26 victory over the Maori All Blacks.

Based in Suva, Scotland have been on the receiving end of a tradiational Fiji welcome in a rugby mad country with a raucous atmosphere expected on Saturday at the HFC Bank Stadium.

The history

Scotland will play their first game on Fijian soil since 2017 (Saturday 12 July). Fiji won that game in Suva at the end of Gregor Townsend’s first summer tour as Scotland head coach, but Scotland have won the last two encounters at Scottish Gas Murrayfield, most recently in last year’s Autumn Nations Series when they ran out 57-17 winners, with Darcy Graham scoring four tries.

Team news

Saracens fly-half Fergus Burke will win his first Scotland cap on Saturday, in Suva, fresh from being involved in the win over the Maori All Blacks last weekend.

Qualifying for Scotland through his Edinburgh-born grandfather, Burke was first called up earlier this year for the Guinness Six Nations and will become Scotland Men cap number 1235.

Rory Darge will captain the side for the first time on the tour with Kyle Steyn and Grant Gilchrist named as vice-captains.

Known for their flair and physicality the Flying Fijians came into the match following a narrow 21-18 loss against Australia over the weekend. Ranked ninth in the world, Fiji last played Scotland in November when Darcy Graham scored four tries in a 57-17 victory. Prop Mesake Doge comes in for Peni Ravai, while Sireli Maqala replaces Iosefo Balewairiki at outside centre. Halfback Sam Wye could make his debut after being named on the bench ahead of Philip Baselala, with Vilimoni Botitu providing cover for the centres.

Pre-match thoughts

Former Scotland kicking coach, Mick Byrne is now the head coach of Fiji. Byrne emphasized the need to counter Scotland’s physicality, particularly at the breakdown.

“We must make sure we’re ready for that. There were areas we improved in the second half last week, and we’ll keep working on those.

The coach also highlighted the depth in the centres, calling the selection dilemma a “great problem.”

“When you have world-class players like Balewairiki, Tuisova, Maqala, and Botitu, it’s tough to choose,” Byrne admitted.

Match Officials

Referee: Ben O’Keeffe (New Zealand); Assistants: Jordan Way and Reuben Keane (both Australia); TMO: Oli Kellett (Australia)