Spain vs Fiji U20 Predictions - Spain to edge Fiji in a tightly contested World Rugby U-20 Championship

Nigel Williams

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Last updated: 2 hours ago

Nigel Williams 2 hours ago

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Spain are slight favourites, having won the only previous head-to-head vs Fiji.
Both teams lost their last 7 matches and seek a first Pool D win.
Spain tipped to cover the -3.5 handicap in a closely contested match.

Spain to edge Fiji in a tightly contested World Rugby U-20 Championship (Getty Images)

Spain vs Fiji U20 Predictions

Spain are favourites, having won the one previous meeting against Fiji. My best bet is Spain to cover the -3.5 handicap.

Spain vs Fiji U20 Predictions
Head to Head
Spain U20 Form
Fiji U20 Form
Team News

Spain has won the only previous match against Fiji.
Spain lost 57-32 to France in their previous match.
Spain has lost the last 7 matches.
Fiji lost 53-17 to Australia in their previous match.
Fiji has lost the last 7 matches.

Head to Head

Spain secured a close 24-19 victory over Fiji in the 11th-place play-off in 2024 in their only meeting.

Spain U20 Form

Spain were defeated by France 57-32, after leading 20-17 at half-time in a Pool D match at the AIA Arena in Kutaisi, Georgia.

Spain put up a formidable fight in the opening 40 minutes, with tries from Hugo Avogadro, Oriol Marsinyac, Solomon Ibeoba, and Miguel Narvarte to take an unexpected lead into the break. France completely shifted gears in the second half, heavily capitalising on their depth and momentum to win the match.

Spain did not fare well at last year's World Rugby U20 Championship. They lost 49-11 to France, 33-30 to Argentina, and 35-25 to Wales in the pool stages.

Fiji U20 Form

Fiji were totally outplayed by a strong Australia side in their previous Pool D match, losing 53-17, after trailing 36-3 at half-time.

Despite being overpowered in the forwards, Fiji flashed their signature resilience and offloading ability in the second half. Tries from Maleli Nauvasi and Epeli Roseruvakula gave the Fijians moments of attacking brilliance, but repeated handling errors and the yellow-card periods prevented them from building any sustained momentum.

Fiji faced heavy pressure, being shown three yellow cards (Jehoshua Ratulomai, Savenaca Qabale, and Jacob Job) throughout the physical contest.

Team News

Both teams are searching for their first Pool D win after opening against tournament heavyweights Australia and France.

Spain

Starting XV: 1 Daniel Chico, 2 Ivan Farace Fabra, 3 Solomon Ejike Ibeoba, 4 Max Artigas, 5 Marco Radizza, 6 Miguel Narvarte, 7 Unax Salvador, 8 Marcal Carreras, 9 Bernat Fernandez, 10 Mateo Antem, 11 Pelayo Serrano, 12 Oriol Marsinyac, 13 Marcos Lopez, 14 Jorge Garreta, 15 Telmo Fisher.

Replacements: 16 Mauro del Campo, 17 Lucas Official, 18 Daniel Navarro, 19 Rocky Kenneally, 20 Manex Pujana, 21 Malakai Hafoka, 22 Bosco Vilallonga, 23 Inigo Rapallo.

Fiji

Starting XV: 1 Sylvestre Vakauliafa, 2 Osea Dasalusalu, 3 Jehoshua Ratulomai, 4 Francis Peters, 5 Setareki Turagacoke, 6 Isoa Koroinawai, 7 Mosese Tabuakoto, 8 Epeli Roseruvakula, 9 Isikeli Bari, 10 Cale Maurice, 11 Judah Draiva, 12 Sailosi Taka, 13 Maleli Nauvasi, 14 Apete Rokosuka, 15 Tevita Ledua.

Replacements: 16 Timoci Gadolo, 17 Marika Koroi, 18 Raymond Navunikaba, 19 Savenaca Qabale, 20 Suliano Savenaca, 21 Epeli Vocea, 22 Savenaca Durusolo, 23 Sevuloni Satala.