Scotland v Fiji: Autumn Nations Series 2022, Match Preview pt II – head to heads

Just 14 of the 46 players return from the last time these sides met in 2018. There are 5 returning starters for Fiji with another 2 players promoted from the bench from that previous game. Four years ago Stuart Hogg, Grant Gilchrist, Jamie Ritchie and Matt Fagerson also started while Jonny Gray, Adam Hastings and Chris Harris were on the bench.

Tale of the tape

BACKS
63   Tries   28
94kg   Average weight   91kg
262   Total caps   103
27.7   Average age   27.3

FORWARDS
914kg   Pack weight   941kg
24   Tries   15
325   Total caps  158
29.1   Average age   29.4

SUBSTITUTES
143   Total caps   57
17   Tries   3
26.1   Average age   26.8

6 Scotland changes from last Test (v Australia)

• 15 – Hogg for Smith [+]
• 13 – Harris for Bennett [+]
• 12 – Redpath for Tuipulotu [=]
• 10 – Hastings for Kinghorn [+]
• 2 – Turner for Cherry [+]
• 4 – Gray for Skinner [-]

Head to heads

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Overall

Backs – advantage Scotland

As ever, huge attention will be focused on the half-backs with Scotland restoring Adam Hastings to the 10 shirt for the first time since October 2020 and Fiji opting to give an exceptionally talented centre in the shape of Vilimoni Botitu a run at stand off. The two scrum halves have been pretty much ever-present since the last RWC – could both sides do with a bit more serious competition for the 9 jersey running into the next World Cup?

Progression of half-back pairings in this fixture over the last decade:

• 2012 – Blair / Laidlaw v Matawalu / Ralulu
• 2017 – Pyrgos / Horne v Vularika / Volavola
• 2018 – Laidlaw / Russell v Lomani / Volavola
• 2022 – Price / Hastings v Lomani / Botitu

Forwards – advantage Scotland

There is plenty of experience throughout the front row and back row for the home side and the visitors but a massive contrast between the respective lock pairings. 33-year-old Richie Gray and 32-year-old Grant Gilchrist have played a combined 518 top-level matches. 25-year-old Temo Mayanavanua and 24-year-old Ratu Leone Rotuisolia have played 34. Wily veterans v a younger, more athletic pairing – who comes out on top?

Subs – advantage Scotland

Peni Matawalu’s previous biggest moment in Scotland was playing for Glasgow Hawks in the Melrose 7s. On Saturday he will get the chance to do something that big brother Niko never did and run out at Murrayfield in a Test match. Fiji can also spring 2021 Olympic gold medallist, Sireli Maqala, from the bench – a player who has been tearing it up for Bayonne since joining them last season.

Miscellany

– Split of selection by league:

• Scotland: URC – 16, Premiership – 7.
• Fiji: Super Rugby – 8, Top 14 – 8, Premiership – 5, Pro D2 – 1, Other – 1.

– There are a combined 587 caps in the starting lineup. Gregor Townsend has only once named a more experienced XV during his time in charge.

– Cameron Redpath will make his first-ever Test appearance at Murrayfield.

– While Richie Gray will make his first international start since March 2017, his wee brother, Jonny Gray, will be on the bench for Scotland for the first time since March 2019.

– The Fagerson brothers have both started the last 8 Tests in a row for Scotland, the longest current streaks of starts for the national side.

– There are 7 Test-capped Lions in the Scotland 23, matching the professional era record for the national side that was set during the Six Nations against England (and matched a week later versus Wales).

– Darcy Graham has gone 4 games without a try for Scotland, the longest drought of his international career.