Exclusive: Prediction, squad news, and lineups for the Barbarians vs. Fiji match preview
The annual Killik Cup game, which takes place at Twickenham Stadium on Saturday night, will pit the Barbarians against Fiji, the World Cup quarterfinalists.
At the home of English rugby, this match will be the second of two straight up against South Africa and Wales earlier in the day.
The Barbarians have selected a star-studded team for this match, as is customary, and with Fiji having made major progress recently, the encounter on Saturday in London looks to be an exciting one.
For the sixth time, Robbie Deans is back to coach the Barbarians, and this time, All Black icon Sam Whitelock, who is about to finish off an amazing career with one last game, will lead his team.
These sides have faced off against each other three times since 2013, with the Barbarians winning the first two meetings and Fiji winning the most recent one in 2019.
The Pacific Islanders emerged victorious in an exciting 33-31 showdown, displaying their impressive running ability till the very last whistle. The game was a back-and-forth contest.
In light of this, Saturday’s match is anticipated to provide yet another display of running rugby, highlighting the Fijians’ unmatched attacking legacy, which was evident throughout the World Cup.
With their all-out, no-holds-barred style of rugby, the Flying Fijians won over neutrals during the great spectacle in France and advanced to the knockout stages ahead of Australia.
The Pacific Islanders are anticipated to return to their classic ‘Fijian’ style of rugby in this encounter, prioritizing individual strength and speed in one-on-one scenarios, although having adopted a more structured strategy in recent years.
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 Updates
Lachlan Boshier, Jack Cornelsen, Craig Millar, and Liam Mitchell are among the well-known players Deans has selected to join the Barbarians team from the Saitama Wild Knights club side.
Along with Ben Youngs, the most-capped men’s player in England, Danny Care of the Harlequins, and Kieren Brookes, the prop for Toulon, Zach Mercer, is another Englishman who made the team.
Botia, the unquestionably important absence for Fiji in the back row, is expected to be replaced by the talented Kitione Salawa, who will play opposite Lekima Tagitagivalu on the sides.
Ilaisa Droasese is slated to assume the full-back position with Semi Radradra and Selestino Ravutaumada on the flanks, while Waisea Nayacalevu is anticipated to resume captaincy duties from midfield alongside Iosefo Masi.
Barbarians starting lineup:
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
Replacements:
16 Lachlan Boshier 17 Kieren Brookes, 18 Jack Cornelsen, 19 Fabian Holland, 20 Craig Millar, 21 Liam Mitchell, 22 Liam Mitchell, 23 Virimi Vakatawa.
Fiji starting lineup:
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
Replacements:
16 Samuel Matavesi, 17 Peni Ravai, 18 Mesake Doge, 19 Meli Derenalagi, 20 Vilive Miramira, 21 Simione Kuruvoli, 22 Waisea Nayacalevu, 23 Sireli Maqala