SPOTLIGHT: The highly-anticipated fixture between Scotland and Fiji could offer up a few surprises this Saturday at Murrayfield.

The Scotland-Fiji rivalry is marked by some memorable clashes.

Historically, Scotland hold the upper hand, but Fiji have managed some famous upsets, including their first win over Scotland in 1998 in Suva. Almost twenty years later, Fiji were claiming another Scottish scalp, this time in Sydney.

Fiji will know that if ever there was a time to add a third victory against the Scots, it is now, with a number of high-profile players unavailable for Saturday’s match due to it falling outside of the Test window. These include Blair Kinghorn (Toulouse), Ben White (Toulon) and Finn Russell (Bath).

For both teams, this game represents an opportunity to set the tone for their Nations Series campaigns.

For Fiji, a victory would not only validate Mick Byrne’s evolving vision for the team but also build their confidence ahead of further Tests against Wales and Ireland.

For Scotland, the chance to defeat a resurgent Fiji side and defend their record at home will be a priority, particularly with back-to-back world champions and recent Rugby Championship winners South Africa to come the following week.

Gregor Townsend has selected the most experienced XV available to him for Saturday’s Test against a Fiji side missing several key men.

Sione Tuipulotu will lead the Scotland side and partner with Huw Jones in the midfield.

Darcy Graham and Duhan van der Merwe are named on the wings.

The big news is the return of Ali Price.

The scrumhalf makes his first start for Scotland since the 2023 World Cup final group game against Ireland, pairing up with former Glasgow Warriors teammate Adam Hastings.

“We’ve gone for Ali because we believe he’s in the best form right now,” Townsend said.

“I think he looked really refreshed after having a summer off. His last performance against Cardiff was excellent, he got man of the match.

“Ali’s a British and Irish Lion, he’s played over 50 caps, so he’s a quality player and he’s in form. George and Jamie are quality players too, so we have really good depth at nine and Ali’s got an opportunity this week.”

Turning his attention to the match in front of a sold-out Murrayfield, Townsend said: “This is a massive game. We are privileged to play for Scotland in front of a packed crowd.

“We know the responsibility and the players will give it their all.

“It is likely to be a fast game, so we have to bring the intensity.

He added: “I love how Fiji play the game. They are very physical. They move the ball and got great handling skills.

“We have to bring the physical and we know we are going to be tested in defence.”

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For Scotland: It will be opptotninu for players to show their grit. Eyes will certainly be on Ali Price and his halfback partner Adam Hastings. The midfield of Sione Tuipulotu and Huw Jones will be out to cause problem, while the wings Darcy Graham and Duhan van der Merwe are always players who are eager to get inot the thick of things. In the forwards, the familiar sight of Zander Fagerson and Pierre Schoeman combine at prop, with Ewan Ashman starting at hooker. While the Durban-based Sharks forward Dylan Richardson will be out to make an impact from the bench.

For Fiji: Fiji’s squad is brimming with exciting talent, including some familiar faces as well as emerging players who could make a big impact. Two Fijian players topped the try-scoring table in the Pacific Nations Cup (with four apiece): Elia Canakaivata (Drua), a Sevens World Cup winner in 2022, and rugby league convert Vuate Karawalevu of NSW Waratahs. Scotland’s defense on high alert. The 25-year-old flanker Vilive Miramira, who missed out on the Pacific Nations Cup despite his impressive form for Drua in Super Rugby Pacific, is also poised to showcase his potential on the international stage in order to show Byrne what he can do.

Predictions: 

@rugby365com: Scotland by 10 points

Teams: 

Scotland: 15 Kyle Rowe, 14 Darcy Graham, 13 Huw Jones, 12 Sione Tuipulotu (captain), 11 Duhan van der Merwe, 10 Adam Hastings, 9 Ali Price, 8 Jack Dempsey, 7 Rory Darge, 6 Matt Fagerson, 5 Scott Cummings, 4 Grant Gilchrist, 3 Zander Fagerson, 2 Ewan Ashman, 1 Pierre Schoeman.
Replacements: 16 Dylan Richardson, 17 Rory Sutherland, 18 D’Arcy Rae, 19 Max Williamson, 20 Gregor Brown, 21 Jamie Dobie, 22 Tom Jordan, 23 Stafford McDowall.

Fiji: 15 Isaiah Ravula; 14 Vuate Karawalevu, 13 Apisalome Vota, 12 Inia Tabuavou, 11 Ponipate Loganimasi; Caleb Muntz, 9 Frank Lomani; 8 Elia Canakaivata, 7 Kitione Salawa, 6 Ratu Meli Derenalagi, 5 Ratu Leone Rotuisolia, 4 Isoa Nasilasila, 3 Samuela Tawake, 2 Tevita Ikanivere (captain), 1 Haereiti Hetet.
Replacements: 16 Mesulame Dolokoto, 17 Livai Natave, 18 Jone Koroiduadua, 19 Mesake Vocevoce, 20 Vilive Miramira, 21 Simi Kuruvoli, 22 Kemueli Valetini, 23 Waqa Nalaga.

Date: Saturday, November 2
Venue: Murrayfield, Edinburgh
Kick-off: 17.40 (17.40 GMT; 05.40 Fiji time, Sunday, November 3)
Referee: Craig Evans
Assistant referees: Christophe Ridley, Luc Ramos
TMO: Brett Cronan

Source: NationsSeries