Preview of the Barbarians versus Fiji match, including predictions, squad updates, and lineups.
In the annual Killik Cup contest at Twickenham Stadium on Saturday evening, the Barbarians will play World Cup quarterfinalists Fiji. This will be the second of two back-to-back games in the home of English rugby; the first matchup is Wales vs. South Africa earlier in the afternoon.
This Saturday’s match in London has all the ingredients for an exciting encounter; Robbie Deans has returned to coach the Barbarians for a sixth time, and his team will be captained by All Black legend Sam Whitelock, who is set for one final swansong before retiring from an incredible career. The Barbarians have assembled a star-studded squad for this showdown, as is usually the case, and Fiji has made significant strides in recent years.
The Barbarians have won the first two of these teams’ three head-to-head meetings since 2013, while Fiji has won the most recent meeting in 2019. In a sensational display of running power that continued until the very last whistle, the Pacific Islanders emerged victorious in a back-and-forth contest 33–31.
Keeping that in mind, Saturday’s match is anticipated to provide yet another showcase of running rugby, highlighting the Fijians’ unrivaled attacking history that was evident during the competition. With their all-out, no-holds-barred style of rugby, the Flying Fijians qualified for the knockout stages ahead of Australia, winning over neutrals during the major show in France. The Pacific Islanders have been playing rugby in a more structured manner lately, but they should return to their classic ‘Fijian’ style in this encounter, focusing on individual strength and speed in one-on-one scenarios.
Fiji may have heart, but on paper, they appear vulnerable, especially at scrum time when they will be without some of their best players, including World Cup star Levani Botia.
Team News: Deans has selected a number of well-known players from the Saitama Wild Knights club side, including English back-rower Zach Mercer, who joins England’s most-capped men’s player Ben Youngs, Danny Care of the Harlequins, and Toulon prop Kieren Brookes within the Barbarians squad.
Without a question, Botia is the most important player missing from Fiji. His replacement in the back row is expected to be the young Kitione Salawa, who will play on the wings opposite Lekima Tagitagivalu. The expectation is that Ilaisa Droasese would assume the full-back position with Semi Radradra and Selestino Ravutaumada on the flanks, and Waisea Nayacalevu will resume captaincy duties from midfield alongside Iosefo Masi.
Starting lineup for the Barbarians: 15 Chay Fihaki, 14 Leicester Fainganuku, 13 Jonathan Joseph, 12 Gael Fickou, 11, Jonny May, 10 Fergus Burke, 9 Danny Care, 8 Zach Mercer, 7 Lachlan Boshier, 6 Cameron Woki, 5 Sam Whitelock, 4 David Ribbans, 3 Kyle Sinckler, 2 Shota Horie, 1 Scott Sio. 16 Lachlan Boshier, 17 Kieren Brookes, 18 Jack Cornelsen, 19 Fabian Holland, 20 Craig Millar, 21 Liam Mitchell, 22 Liam Mitchell, 23 Virimi Vakatawa
Starting lineup for Fiji: 15 Ilaisa Droasese, 14 Selestino Ravutaumada, 13 Waisea Nayacalevu (c), 12 Iosefo Masi, 11 Semi Radradra, 10 Caleb Muntz, 9 Frank Lomani, 8 Viliame Mata, 7 Kitione Salawa, 6 Lekima Tagitagivalu, 5 Albert Tuisue, 4 Isoa Nasilasila, 3 Luke Tagi, 2 Tevita Ikanivere, 1 Eroni Mawi. 16 Samuel Matavesi, 17 Peni Ravai, 18 Mesake Doge, 19 Meli Derenalagi, 20 Vilive Miramira, 21 Simione Kuruvoli, 22 Waisea Nayacalevu, 23 Sireli Maqala.
