Fiji vs Portugal
Fiji have their destiny in their own hands as they only need a point in this match against Portugal to book their place in the quarter finals. They will not be taking anything for granted as The Wolves have shown plenty of attacking intent especially if the Fijians are complacent. Portugal have been one of the the better Tier 2 countries with their exciting brand of running rugby and were unlucky in the last match as they dominated possession for long periods but struggled to turn it into points. They have game breakers in wingers Raffaele Storti and Rodrigo Marta who will be looking to attack at every opportunity
TIP: Fiji have made several changes for this match in the backline as Vilimoni Botitu comes in at flyhalf for his first start of the tournament in place of Teti Tela. There is also no Semi Radradra who has a slight niggle and is rested for the match. Portugal know they are going home after this match and have made changes so that all their squad players get a game. They will be looking to run the ball at every chance as the Fijians will have the advantage at the set pieces. The bookies have Fiji as favorites and I’m also tipping them for the win. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Betway 1.05, Gbets 1.05 and Hollywoodbets 1.05
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATS
Fiji vs Portugal
- This is the first ever meeting between these teams.
Latest results for both teams
Fiji beat Georgia 17-12 in their last match while Portugal lost 34-14 to Australia in their last match.
PREDICTION
Fiji have always been blessed with amazing backline players but this is the first time at a World Cup that they have the forward pack to match. The likes of Viliame Mata and Levani Botia are the best in their respective position with Botia in particular being one of the stars of the tournament. Both teams love to run the ball so we could be in for an exciting match. The selection of Botitu is an interesting one as the weak link in the Fijians backline is the inability of previous ten, Tela in linking his array of stars. If the new flyhalf has a great game then we could see him in the quarter finals. I am predicting a Fiji win by 20 points.
Probable Starting XVs
Fiji
15 Sireli Maqala, 14 Selesitino Ravutaumada, 13 Waisea Nayacalevu (c), 12 Josua Tuisova, 11 Vinaya Habosi, 10 Vilimoni Botitu, 9 Frank Lomani, 8 Viliame Mata, 7 Levani Botia, 6 Meli Derenalagi, 5 Temo Mayanavanua, 4 Isoa Nasilasila, 3 Luke Tagi, 2 Samuel Matavesi, 1 Eroni Mawi
Portugal
15 Manuel Cardoso Pinto, 14 Raffaele Storti, 13 Pedro Bettencourt, 12 José Lima (c), 11 Rodrigo Marta, 10 Jerónimo Portela, 9 Samuel Marques, 8 Rafael Simões, 7 Nicolas Martins, 6 David Wallis, 5 Steevy Cerqueira, 4 José Madeira, 3 Diogo Hasse Ferreira, 2 Mike Tadjer, 1 Francisco Fernandes
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Fiji victory are as follows:
Betway 1.05
Gbets 1.05
Hollywoodbets 1.05
Odds comparison on the Fiji handicap:
The complete odds on the Fiji handicap:
Betway 1.90 (-20.5)
Gbets 1.87 (-20.5)
Hollywoodbets 1.89 (-20.5)
Predictions and Odds in details
There is no money to be made on the Fiji outright win therefore we suggest backing them on the handicap. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Betway 1.90 (-20.5), Gbets 1.87 (-20.5) and Hollywoodbets 1.89 (-20.5)
Other tips for the weekend (Predicted winners are in BOLD text)
Canterbury vs Auckland
France vs Italy
Taranaki vs Tasman
England vs Samoa
Ireland vs Scotland
Japan vs Argentina
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Sports crazy fan that follows all major sport but the game with the oval ball is my real passion. Was an age level rugby coach and a huge supporter of the Springboks and diehard Liverpool man. I’m an experienced punter and sports writer whose predictions/tips are sure to stir up the emotions. I love the occasional wager on the underdog.
