Why there is a lot at stake for Scotland v Fiji

The spotlight, and eight of Scotland’s star players, may be on the British and Irish Lions tour of Australia, but in Fiji in the small hours of Saturday there is a lot at stake.

Scotland are in Suva for the first time since 2017, and it matters. Yes, because it is a Test match against a strong side.

But more than that, it could help set the trajectory for Gregor Townsend’s side in the run up to the 2027 World Cup.

The pool-stage draw is in December, which means the summer internationals and autumn internationals in November are the final chances to collect precious ranking points.

Scotland know more than most the significance of getting up the rankings before the World Cup draw, given they ended up with defending champions and eventual winners South Africa, and a formidable Ireland team in 2023.

It ended in an exit at the first hurdle.

Scotland are currently ranked seventh, between Argentina and Australia, with Fiji in ninth.

Points are awarded for victories and lost for defeats, but there’s a catch.

An away win is worth more than a home win, and a win against a side above you is more valuable than one against a nation below you.

Two away victories are crucial for Scotland at this stage, then, while a defeat against a lower-ranked nation would be extra costly.

With Argentina visiting Murrayfield in November, Scotland have a chance to get themselves into the top six.

That would mean being a top seed in one of six pools, given the World Cup’s expansion to 24 nations for 2027.

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.

Fiji: Salesi Rayasi, Kalaveti Ravouvou, Sireli Maqala, Josua Tuisova, Jiuta Wainiqolo, Caleb Muntz, Simione Kuruvoli; Eroni Mawi, Tevita Ikanivere, Mesake Doge, Isoa Nasilasila, Temo Mayanavanua, Lekima Tagitagivalu, Elia Canakaivata, Viliame Mata.

Replacements: Samuel Matavesi, Haereiti Hetet, Samuela Tawake, Mesake Vocevoce, Albert Tuisue, Sam Wye, Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, Vilimoni Botitu.

Scotland: Kyle Rowe, Darcy Graham, Cameron Redpath, Tom Jordan, Kyle Steyn, Fergus Burke, Jamie Dobie; Rory Sutherland, Ewan Ashman, Elliot Millar Mills, Marshall Sykes, Grant Gilchrist, Jamie Ritchie, Rory Darge (capt), Matt Fagerson.