The Kangaroos are bracing for an all-out “bash fest” when they face a Fiji side fuelled by brotherly love at the Rugby League World Cup.
Tim Sheens’ tournament favourites are looking to build some much-needed momentum in Saturday’s (Sunday AEST) clash in St Helens after a sluggish performance in their opening 28-20 win over England.
Fiji have never come within 50 points of Australia in three previous Test matches but a side littered with NRL talent and spearheaded by ageless warrior Petero Civoniceva is tipped to put up an improved showing.
The side features two sets of brothers in Ashton, Tariq and Korbin Sims and Wes and Kevin Naiqama and the unity was on display in a sometimes-fiery 32-14 win over Ireland on Monday.
The Bati’s aggression and passion caught the eye and Kangaroos back-rower Luke Lewis predicts more of the same at Langtree Park.
“That’s what we’re expecting from them. It’s going to be a really big bash fest early on,” Lewis told AAP.
“You look at their side and they’ve got the Sims boys, Petero leading from the front and (Lewis’ Cronulla teammate) Jayson Bukuya, who I love playing with but I’m not looking forward to playing against.
“They really gave it to them (Ireland) the other night and it’s not going to be a walk in the park for us.”
The Fijians also possess plenty of finishing talent, notably former Kangaroo Akuila Uate who opened with a hat-trick against Ireland, while fellow winger Marika Koroibete and fullback Kevin Naiqama are among the most exciting young backs in the game.
“That back three is probably one of the best in the game in terms of kick-returns,” Lewis said.
The match looms as a genuine selection trial for a host of Kangaroos fringe players, with Sheens making seven changes from the side which defeated England.
Daly Cherry-Evans gets a golden chance to stake a claim for a bench spot in the finals, named at halfback alongside Johnathan Thurston.
Jarryd Hayne, Michael Jennings and Josh Morris can also push for first-team selection after missing out in the opener.
Josh Papalii and Boyd Cordner will make their international debuts, with Sheens planning to have used every member of his 24-man squad inside the first two games.
Sheens has hinted at making positional changes after halftime if things go to plan against Fiji, predicting “the first half is going to be the tough half”.
With big guns including Billy Slater and Cooper Cronk rested, the coach will again rotate his side for Australia’s final group game against Ireland next week.
Ashton (leg) and Korbin Sims (hand) have been under an injury cloud but are expected to be fit to play.
