Where to watch Australia vs Fiji live stream, TV channel, lineups, betting odds for 2023 Rugby World Cup match

Jonathan Burnett

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Where to watch Australia vs Fiji live stream, TV channel, lineups, betting odds for 2023 Rugby World Cup match image

The Wallabies return to Rugby World Cup action in Saint-Etienne, where they'll take on a Fiji side ranked two places above them in the world rankings. After defeating a strong Georgian side 35-15 at the Stade de France, Australia will be looking to claim a second bonus-point victory and establish themselves as the side to beat in Pool C.

There's no doubting that Eddie Jones' side had a turbulent build-up to the tournament, suffering five straight defeats by an aggregate score of 179 points to 87, but two tries in either half sealed a bonus point in Saint-Denis to give the Wallabies coach his first victory of the year at the sixth attempt, and first in the green and gold since his first management stint back in 2005.

 In contrast, the Flying Fijians entered the tournament riding the crest of a Pacific wave, upsetting England 30-22 to win at Twickenham for the first time ever, and climbing above both Australia and Wales in World Rugby's rankings to become statistically the best side competing in the increasingly close-to-call Pool C.

However, they couldn't quite outmatch Wales in their opener, which could well go down as the game of the tournament. Racing into a 14-8 first-half lead, Fiji were pegged back by Wales throughout the middle third of the game and were down 32-14 going into the last 10 minutes. They rallied with two late tries, couldn't quite overturn the deficit as Wales held on to win 32-26, though the Pacific Islanders did come away with both losing and four-try bonus points.

And so, to this must-win match for both sides. Australia's first win of 2023 may spark a run of form which takes the Wallabies deep into the latter stages of the tournament, but Fiji have shown they're more than capable of toppling the Tier 1 powerhouses. It's set to be a cracker in Saint-Etienne, and one which is far too close to call.

MORE: Player ratings for each player in Wallabies' World Cup win over Georgia

What time does Australia vs. Fiji kick-off?

Australia and Fiji face off in Pool C of the 2023 Rugby World Cup, at the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard in Saint-Etienne, France. The game kicks off at 4:45 p.m. GMT on Sunday, September 17, 2023.

Here are the kick-off times for this game around the world:

Location Date Time
UK Sun, Sept. 17 4:45 p.m. GMT
Australia Mon, Sept. 18 1:45 a.m. AEDT
Canada Sun, Sept. 17 11:45 a.m. ET
New Zealand Mon, Sept. 18 3:45 a.m. NZDT
USA Sun, Sept. 17 11:45 a.m. ET
India Sun, Sept. 17 9:15 p.m. IST
Singapore Sun, Sept. 17 11:45 p.m. SGT
Malaysia Sun, Sept. 17 11:45 p.m. MYT
Hong Kong Sun, Sept. 17 11:45 p.m. HKT

Australia vs. Fiji TV channel, live stream

TV networks worldwide will be showing all 48 matches at the tournament live, including many on free-to-air television.

On social platforms alone, video content from the Rugby World Cup and organisers World Rugby drew more than 2.1 billion views in 2019 – almost six times the previous figure.

  TV channel Streaming
USA — Peacock
Canada TSN

TSN+

UK ITV ITV X
Australia Channel 9 Stan Sport, 9Now
New Zealand Sky GO Sky GO
India — Fan Code
Hong Kong BeIN Sports BeIN Sports
Malaysia BeIN Sports BeIN Sports
Singapore BeIN Sports BeIN Sports

The tournament also has its own app, delivering highlights, news and more across the seven weeks of action in France.

MORE: All previous winners of the Rugby World Cup

Australia vs. Fiji line-ups

24-year-old Waratah Ben Donaldson announced himself on the world stage against Georgia, making his first start for the Wallabies and scoring two tries, three conversions and penalties apiece. His 25-point haul sees him retain the number 15 jersey for this game, and he's joined in the backline by fellow scorers Jordan Petaia and Mark Nawaqanitawase.

Co-captain Tate McDermott was forced off with a first-half head knock against the Lelos, meaning Will Skelton will lead the side throughout and the experienced Nic White will wear number nine. Up front, an untimely injury to Taniela Tupou, another standout in the opener, could see him miss the rest of the tournament, and former captain James Slipper will slot in at tighthead in the Tongan Thor's place.

Australia starting XV: Ben Donaldson, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Jordan Petaia, Samu Kerevi, Marika Koroibete, Carter Gordon, Nic White; Angus Bell, Dave Porecki, James Slipper, Nick Frost, Will Skelton, Tom Hooper, Fraser McReight, Rob Valetini.

Australia replacements: Jordan Uelese, Blake Schoupp, Zane Nonggorr, Richie Arnold, Rob Leota, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, Lalakai Foketi, Suliasi Vunivalu.

It's a Fijian back-line absolutely jam-packed with quality, as Josua Tuisova and captain Waisea Nayacalevu, both try-scorers against Wales, start in the centres. Tuisova's promotion from the bench to the 12 jersey sees Semi Radradra shift to the left wing, a position he's excelled at in both rugby league and union. 

Fiji's pack pulverised Wales' at times in the opener, with three of their forwards being denied close-range scores that would've turned the game in their favour. One of these forwards, exciting utility Levani Botia, moves from the bench to start at openside, moving Lekima Tagitagivalu, who finished the Fijians' second first-half try in as many minutes, to the other flank. The prop combination of Eroni Mawi and Luke Tagi will also look to cause the Wallabies plenty of problems at scrum-time.

Fiji starting XV: Ilaisa Droasese, Jiuta Wainiqolo, Waisea Nayacalevu, Josua Tuisova, Semi Radradra, Teti Tela, Simione Kuruvoli; Eroni Mawi, Sam Matavesi, Luke Tagi, Isoa Nasilasila, Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, Lekima Tagitagivalu, Levani Botia, Viliame Mata.

Fiji replacements: Tevita Ikanivere, Peni Ravai, Mesake Doge, Temo Mayanavanua, Albert Tuisue, Frank Lomani, Vilimoni Botitu, Vinaya Habosi.

MORE: The Wallabies squad out to taste World Cup glory at France 2023

Australia vs. Fiji betting odds, prediction

Pool C is shaping up to be one of, if not the most competitive of the four groups at this World Cup, with Australia, Fiji, Georgia and Wales all fancying their chances of reaching the last eight.

Australia's win over Georgia in their opener saw the Wallabies finish their chances clinically, scoring with two early attacks inside the opening 10 minutes, and capitalising on errors from the Lelos to add another two in the second half.

In contrast, Fiji, while also crossing for four tries themselves, blew another three opportunities with Wales' try-line there for the taking, with two knock-ons and a double movement proving costly. Therefore, given the Wallabies are an equally attack-minded team, we're tipping Australia to execute their chances and defeat Fiji by the narrowest of margins. 

Result Australia (Unibet) UK (BetOnSports)
Australia win 1.40 1/3
Draw 23.00 20/1
Fiji win 3.10 5/2

Jonathan Burnett

Jonathan Burnett Photo

Jonathan is a freelance content producer and commentator for Sporting News UK, with a focus on international rugby tournaments like the Six Nations and Rugby World Cup. He also works as a commentator for StatsPerform’s football network, covering matches across Europe including the Champions League, 2022 FIFA World Cup, and the 2023 Women's World Cup. He’s a regular contributor to the history and statistics website Rugby League Project.

Jonny graduated from Leeds University with a journalism degree in 2021 and was Head of Media at Widnes Vikings RLFC in 2023. A self-confessed nerd of rugby league, union and football (soccer). Jonathan’s coverage across several sports can be found on the TSN site.