Scotland vs Fiji – Autumn Nations Series Match Preview

Scotland will welcome Fiji to Murrayfield as the Scots kick off their autumn campaign.

Gregor Townsend’s side is one of the more entertaining teams to watch in the game today.

There are many sensational players in Scotland’s squad, and they will look to capitalise on some significant results in 2024, leading into the 2025 Six Nations.

Fiji will provide an exciting challenge for the Scottish team, and it is safe to say that we could be treated to an expansive game.

The prospect of throwing the ball around promises an exhilarating match and exciting betting options.

Scotland

Over the next three years, heading into the 2027 World Cup in Australia, you can’t help but feel Scotland has to capitalise on the electrifying group of players they have at their disposal.

They looked like potential title contenders in last year’s Six Nations, yet they struggled to maintain consistent performance at a high level.

The loss to Italy highlights this perfectly; although the Italians are a much-improved outfit, it was a game Scotland should have won, with massive implications for the title race.

MONTEVIDEO, URUGUAY – JULY 27: Rory Darge of Scotland struggles to evade a tackle from Ignacio Álvarez of Uruguay during a test match between Uruguay and Scotland at Estadio Charrua on July 27, 2024 in Montevideo, Uruguay. (Photo by Ernesto Ryan/Getty Images)

They have a big autumn ahead, with clashes against South Africa and Australia in store. Of course, Finn Russell, Duhan van der Merwe, and Sione Tuipulotu will be looking to show their class over the coming weeks.

However, against Fiji, Adam Hastings will get a run-out with the number ten on his back. Hastings returned to Glasgow Warriors after a stint at Gloucester and has looked like a smooth operator in the backline.

Scotland will look to get their campaign off with a bang and produce a dominant display against their Fijian opposition.

Fiji

Fiji have always been known as a highly entertaining team; their rugby style is easy on the eye, and they are making a strong presence on the international stage.

There is a wealth of promising talent for the coaching staff to choose from, and they are no longer an easy outing for tier 1 nations.

The World Cup quarter-final illustrates this perfectly, as few would have expected Fiji to progress to the latter stages of the competition ahead of Australia.

HIGASHIOSAKA, JAPAN – SEPTEMBER 21: Fiji players and staffs celebrate at the award ceremony after the team’s 41-17 victory in the World Rugby Pacific Nations Cup Final between Fiji and Japan at Hanazono Rugby Stadium on September 21, 2024 in Higashiosaka, Osaka, Japan. (Photo by Paul Miller/Getty Images)

They are an open side that is not afraid to keep the ball in hand and have scored many sensational tries throughout their history.

They are coming off a Pacific Cup campaign, which saw them lift the trophy ahead of Japan, Samoa, and Tonga.

Their unpredictability and fearless approach make them a dangerous side heading into the autumn. They could look to cause some upsets and will hope to do that against Scotland at Murrayfield.

The Bets

We can expect an entertaining clash because both teams are known for playing open rugby. Scotland appears to have a stronger team on paper, and with the home advantage, they will look for a comfortable result to kick off the autumn.

This is why the best bet is for Scotland to win by over 20 points. Tuipulotu has been on fire for Glasgow lately, scoring some impressive tries for his club in the URC.

His scores are even more impressive as they often come off the first phase, and he will look to replicate this for Scotland.

There is good value in Tuipulotu being an anytime try scorer. A fantastic longshot option is for the total points to be between 56 and 62, highlighting the potential for a high-scoring, thrilling game.

Best Bet: Scotland to win by more than 20 points – 10/11
Value Bet: Sione Tuipulotu to be an anytime try scorer – 21/10
Longshot Bet: Total number of points for the contest to be between 56-62 – 7/2

READ MORE: England vs All Blacks – Match Preview

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