After the opening round of results and Australia´s emphatic win over Scotland last night, Italy came into the game knowing that a win over Fiji would guarantee them a place in the knockout stages, regardless of how many Australia put past them next week.

But with Italy getting an eighteen point start on the handicap coupon, the smart money was on Fiji getting a decent win and then only needing to beat the battered Scots next weekend to ensure that it was they who progress in the competition.

This was the second ever meeting between the two sides, Fiji winning the only previous encounter by 38-10 during the group stages of the 2017 World Cup. Conditions were set for a competitive match on the 4G pitch at Kingston Park in Newcastle.

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After the opening round of results and Australia´s emphatic win over Scotland last night, Italy came into the game knowing that a win over Fiji would guarantee them a place in the knockout stages, regardless of how many Australia put past them next week.

But with Italy getting an eighteen point start on the handicap coupon, the smart money was on Fiji getting a decent win and then only needing to beat the battered Scots next weekend to ensure that it was they who progress in the competition.

This was the second ever meeting between the two sides, Fiji winning the only previous encounter by 38-10 during the group stages of the 2017 World Cup. Conditions were set for a competitive match on the 4G pitch at Kingston Park in Newcastle.

READ MORE ON THIS STORY...