Is New Zealand vs. Fiji on TV? UK kick-off time, live stream info and team news

[ad_1]

New Zealand face Fiji on Saturday, a week after Tonga’s much-criticized beating.

The All Blacks are likely to face a bigger test than they had with opponents from the Pacific Islands last weekend as Tonga were crushed 102-0.

The two teams have only met five times since the 1987 Rugby World Cup, with their last meeting in 2011.

Here’s everything you need to know before the game:

When is New Zealand playing in Fiji? What time is kick-off in the UK?

New Zealand will face Fiji on Saturday July 10 in the first of two tests. The match will start at 8:05 am UK time and 7:05 pm local time at Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin.

Is New Zealand vs. Fiji on TV? What about live streaming?

New Zealand v Fiji is broadcast live and on demand in the UK via Rugby Pass on liverugby.net.

The service costs 4.99 per weekend.

What are the team’s news?

Brodie Retallick will make his first All Blacks appearance since the 2019 World Cup.

The massive lock has not been available to coach Ian Foster so far, but has returned from a stint with the Kobelco Steelers in the Japanese Top League.

Aaron Smith will captain New Zealand for the first time in his 98th test with Beauden Barrett starting at the opener.

Only center Rieko Ioane and winger George Bridge kept their place on the side that mutilated Tonga.

George Bower will take his first steps as a free pillar, while stubborn Ethan de Groot is set to make his debut on the bench.

Fiji also have a top lockdown in their ranks for the first time since the World Cup, with Leone Nakarawa set to start after injury and fitness issues.

They are deprived of full-backs Frank Lomani, Moses Sorovi and Teti Tela who were unable to make it to New Zealand due to a Covid outbreak in Australia, so 22-year-old scrum-half Simione Kuruvoli will make his mark. first start.

New Zealand: 15. Jordie Barrett, 14. Sevu Reece, 13.Rieko Ioane, 12. David Havili, 11. George Bridge, 10. Beauden Barrett, 9. Aaron Smith (capt); 1. George Bower, 2. Codie Taylor, 3. Nepo Laulala, 4. Patrick Tuipulotu, 5. Brodie Retallick, 6. Shannon Frizell, 7. Ethan Blackadder, 8. Hoskins Sotutu.

Replacements: 16. Dane Coles, 17. Ethan de Groot, 18. Tyrel Lomax, 19. Samuel Whitelock, 20. Luke Jacobson, 21. Finlay Christie, 22. Damian McKenzie, 23. Will Jordan.

Fiji: 15. Kini Murimurivalu, 14. Eroni Sau, 13. Waisea Nayacalevu, 12. Levani Botia (capt), 11. Nemani Nadolo, 10. Ben Volavola, 9. Simione Kuruvoli; 1. Peni Ravai, 2. Samuel Matavesi, 3. Mesake Doge, 4. Temo Mayanavanua, 5. Leone Nakarawa, 6. Johnny Dyer, 7. Mesulame Kunavula, 8. Albert Tuisue.

Replacements: 16. Peni Narisia, 17. Haereiti Hetet, 18. Leeroy Atalifo, 19. Tevita Ratuva, 20. Peceli Yato, 21. Setareki Tuicuvu, 22. Eneriko Buliruarua, 23. Manasa Mataele.

What did the coaches say?

New Zealand head coach Ian Foster: “The Fijian team will bring a very different challenge to Tonga. They are a more established team made up mostly of overseas-based players, who are some of the best players in the world. ‘Europe.

“We can’t wait to play under the roof of Forsyth Barr Stadium. It should be a fast and physical game and our team are excited about what the weekend will bring.

“Aaron is a special player with true mana and a natural leader and his preparation is second to none. I’m sure he, his wife Teagan and his large whnau will be proud of what he has accomplished.”

Fiji head coach Vern Cotter: “We will need leadership and the attackers will have to be very good because we have to protect Simione Kuruvoli, who is only playing her second game with Fiji.

“Leone Nakarawa’s return to the squad has helped keep the roster together and roster calls as he brings experience.

“We were happy with the preparation. When we see what’s going on in Fiji [rising Covid cases], we just want to play well and I hope we cheer up on the island.

“It’s cold in Dunedin but we’ll be playing under a covered roof, it’s going to be a dryball game that’s fine for us and we’re going to play Fijian rugby that’s right for us and we’re good.”

Read more related articles Read more related articles

[ad_2]