After their hammering of Tonga, the All Blacks turn their attention to a Fijian side that is missing some big-name players due to Olympic Sevens commitments. While the Fijians are likely to put up more of a fight than their neighbours, they are unlikely to pose much threat to the ABs.
New Zealand v Fiji
Saturday 10 July
Forsyth Barr Stadium
To Win (80 Mins)
New Zealand N/A
Draw 40/1
Fiji 20/1
Handicap
New Zealand (-44.5) 9/10
Fiji (+44.5) 9/10
Well, what more could you have asked of the Kiwis last week? They faced A Tongan side featuring a number of amateur players and posted a cricket score on the board that the Black Caps would have been proud of after the game ended 102-0.
Crusaders utility back Will Jordan had an absolute field day and he scored five of his sides 16 tries. The scoreboard could have actually looked a lot worse had it not been for Richie Mo’unga leaving his kicking boots at home.
Speaking of Mounga, the Crusaders pivot will fall out of the squad altogether with Beauden Barrett coming in as the starting ten. Barrett will link up with his fellow veteran Aaron Smith with the duo forming the halves pairing. There are further changes to the backline with the impressive Quinn Tupqea being replaced by David Havili in the centres, while Sevu Reece and George Bridge come in on the wings. Jordie Barrett rounds off a lethal back three, with the Hurricanes talisman coming in for Damien McKenzie who drops to the bench.
As noted earlier, Fiji will field a far more experienced side than Tonga, but the Islanders are missing a couple of their big guns with Semi Radradra away with the Olympics squad and Josua Tuisova nowhere to be seen.
Fiji still have some experienced, quality players to call upon with Nemani Nadolo, Levani Botia and Ben Valavola featuring in a very exciting looking back division.
Verdict: New Zealand (-44.5) 9/10
While I think Fiji will give New Zealand more of a challenge, I can’t see them keeping pace with the Kiwis over the course of 80 minutes. I fully expect New Zealand to cover this handicap with change to spare.
