Why Wallabies are prioritising Flying Fijians over the Lions

Australia are gearing up for an important match against Fiji this weekend, less than a month before they face the British and Irish Lions.

It might surprise some Lions fans, but Wallabies head coach Joe Schmidt, a former All Blacks assistant mentor, and his men are treating the upcoming game against the Flying Fijians as a top priority.

The Lions, who touched down in Australia last week, recently played against the Western Force, a Super Rugby Pacific team, and won decisively 54-7. The visitors faced the Queensland Reds in Brisbane on Wednesday night and won convincingly 52-12.

Six players from the Force and 11 from the Reds have been picked for the Wallabies' squad to play against the Lions in a three-test series, beginning with the first game on 19 July at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane.

Despite this, the focus remains on the test match against the Fijians, especially as the Australians prepare for the more hyped series against the Europeans.

To highlight this focus, prop Taniela Tupou has been sent back to play for his club, the NSW Waratahs, in a match against the Lions on Saturday in Sydney, which has led some to speculate he might not play for Australia again.

The Wallabies faced a tough time on 18 September 2023, when they lost 15-22 to Fiji for the first time in 69 years, marking a major moment that led to changes in the coaching staff.

Fraser McReight, a Wallabies flanker in that historic loss, told journalists that while they have reviewed some clips from the World Cup game, they are not thinking about revenge. Instead, they're focused on respecting the Fijian team.

He says the players understand that it has been a while since they faced Fiji and have no interest in reliving that challenging experience.

Dejected Wallabies after their historic loss to Fiji. Photo/Andrew Cornaga/Photosport

The upcoming match in Newcastle is expected to be intense, and while Schmidt is treating it seriously as preparation for the forthcoming Lions series, he has not ruled out Tupou's involvement in future games.

This match against Fiji will serve as a way for the Wallabies to gauge their readiness. Tupou, the A$1.1 million (NZ$1.18m) tight-head prop, who is tipped to join French club Racing 92 next season, could make the final cut if he impresses Schmidt and Co for the NSW Waratahs when they take on the Lions at Allianz Stadium in Sydney on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Fiji have put together a strong squad, blending players from both local and international teams, which adds a competitive edge to their lineup.

Coach Mick Byrne announced a 32-member squad to face the Wallabies on Sunday and Scotland in Suva on 12 July.

While 13 players are from the Fijian Drua, who finished 10th in the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific competition, Byrne has also selected 10 players based in France and five in England.

The backline includes European stars Josua Tuisova (Racing 92), who scored a try in their World Cup win over Australia, Sireli Maqala (Bayonne) and Salesi Rayasi (Vannes).

But former powerhouse NRL winger Semi Radradra, who plays for Lyon, is a notable omission. Veteran forwards Eroni Mawi (Saracens), Samuel Matavesi (Lyon), and Albert Tuisue (Gloucester) bolster a dominant forward pack.

Tevita Ikanivere, Caleb Muntz, and Iosefo Masikau Baleiwairiki are among players named from the Drua after strong Super Rugby performances.

In a statement, Byrne says Fiji will need to rise to the occasion against respected teams like Australia and Scotland.

“We’ve focused on combinations that give us both tactical adaptability and the trademark Fijian spirit," he says. “We want to win, but more importantly, we want to win playing our brand of rugby.

“This squad reflects the depth, strength, and we will give a performance that will make all Fijians proud.”

The Fiji-Australia match will also hold special significance as both teams will compete for the Vuvale Bowl, a trophy that will be presented by the Prime Ministers of Australia and Fiji.

The Flying Fijians celebrate their win against the Wallabies at the World Cup in 2023. Photo/Andrew Cornaga/Photosport

This event, attended by Prime Ministers Anthony Albanese and Sitiveni Rabuka, aims to strengthen the ties between the two nations.

Prime Minister Albanese told reporters he and Rabuka recently met and discussed the importance of their close economic and social connections. But he says that for about 80 minutes during the match, their friendship will turn competitive as they cheer on their teams.

Rabuka is looking forward to supporting the Flying Fijians during the game, saying sports like rugby play an important role in bringing countries together, enhancing their partnership, and uniting people.

The match continues a historical rivalry, as Fiji and Australia previously competed for the Kava Bowl, which was first given to Australia in 1984. The bowl was later returned to the Fiji Rugby Union and has now been renamed the Vuvale Bowl, meaning "my home is your home" in Fijian.

Meanwhile, the Fijian women's rugby team - Fijiana - and their Australian counterparts, known as the Wallaroos, also compete for the Vuvale Bowl, with Australia currently holding the title after their victory in Suva earlier this year.

The highly-anticipated match between the Flying Fijians and Wallabies will kick off at 3.30pm, New Zealand time, in Newcastle on Sunday. The Flying Fijians then take on Scotland on 12 July in Suva.

FIJI: Eroni Mawi, Luke Tagi, Haereiti Hetet, Mesake Doge, Peni Ravai, Tevita Ikanivere, Samuel Mativesi, Kavaia Tagivetaua, Isoa Nasilasila, Mesake Vocevoce, Temo Mayanavanua, Setareki Turagacoke, Viliame Mata, Elia Canakaivata, Lekima Tagitagivalu, Albert Tuisue, Etonia Waqa, Motikai Murray. Simione Kuruvoli, Philip Baselala, Sam Wye, Caleb Muntz, Isaia Armstrong-Ravula, Vilimoni Botitu, Josua Tuisova, Iosefo Masikau Baleiwairiki, Sireli Maqala, Kalaveti Ravouvou, Ponipate Loganimasi, Jiuta Wainiqolo, Selesitino Ravutaumada, Salesi Rayasi.

AUSTRALIA: Allan Alaalatoa, Angus Bell, Nick Champion de Crespigny, Matt Faessler, Nick Frost, Langi Gleeson, Tom Hooper, Fraser McReight, Zane Nonggorr, Billy Pollard, David Porecki, Tom Robertson, Will Skelton, James Slipper, Darcy Swain, Carlo Tizzano, Taniela Tupou, Rob Valetini, Jeremy Williams, Harry Wilson. Filipo Daugunu, Ben Donaldson, Jake Gordon, Len Ikitau, Max Jorgensen, Andrew Kellaway, Noah Lolesio, Tom Lynagh, Tate McDermott, Hunter Paisami, Dylan Pietsch, Harry Potter, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Corey Toole, Nic White, Tom Wright.