Scotland face unpredictable Fijians

Scotland’s turbulent World Cup ride encounters its most serious obstacle when they face the unpredictable Fijians at Sydney’s Aussie Stadium with a place in the quarter-finals at stake.

The losers will be on their way home while the victors travel to Brisbane to play the winners of Pool A, to be decided later in the day when Australia play Ireland.

Both sides come into the match with wins over Japan and the USA, a defeat to France and generally erratic form, but will be hoping that changes to their line-ups bring the needed performance at such a crucial moment.

Scotland coach Ian McGeechan has shuffled his resources by introducing Chris Paterson at fly-half and shifting veteran Gregor Townsend to centre, while Nathan Hines has ousted Scott Murray at lock.

Simon Danielli has been rewarded for his excellent form and line-breaking ability with a place on the right wing.

Fiji have brought back brilliant winger Rupeni Caucau after his suspension and he will take his place on the left wing to present Danielli with a huge defensive challenge.

Vilimoni Delasau is unlucky to be pushed to the bench because of Caucau’s return and the desire of coach Mac McCallion to keep Aisea Tuilevu in the starting line-up.

Tuilevu moves from centre to the right wing, with the in-form Epeli Ruivadra starting in the number 13 jersey.

Saracens fly-half Nicky Little is back in the first XV with the vastly experienced Waisale Serevi injured.

Strong winds are still bedevilling Sydney and are likely to provide a test for the kickers as the design of Aussie Stadium causes wind patterns to break into unpredictable swirls.

Scotland: Metcalfe, Danielli, Townsend, Henderson, Logan, Paterson, Redpath, Smith, Bulloch, Douglas, Hines, Grimes, Beattie, Mather, Taylor.

Replacements: Russell, McIlwham, White, Petrie, Blair, McLaren, Hinshelwood.

Fiji: Ligairi, Tuilevu, Ruivadra, Rabeni, Caucaunibuca, Little, Rauluni, Rasila, Smith, Vetayaki, Rawaqa, Naevo, Maimuri, Sewabu, Doviverata.

Replacements: Seru, Tawake, Koyamaibole, Salawa, Raulini, Isikeli, Delasau.

Referee: Tony Spreadbury (England)