Fiji v Cook Islands tips & predictions | Pacific Championships
| Fiji v Cook Islands Pacific Bowl Odds & Game Info | |
|---|---|
| Best odds | Fiji -454.55 at Neds | Cook Islands +360 at Bet365 |
| When | Saturday, October 26 | 8:10pm FJT (7:10pm AEDT) |
| Where | HFC Bank Stadium, Suva |
| Last time they met | Fiji 22-18 Cook Islands (Oct 22, 2023) |
| Watch live | Nine, Fox Sports, Kayo |
Fiji v Cook Islands best bets
Fiji to win
Viliame Kikau anytime tryscorer
Under 51.5 total points
Fiji v Cook Islands match preview
The Fiji Bati and Cook Islands Aitu will meet in the 2024 Pacific Championships on Saturday night in Suva, with both sides looking to bounce back after losing each of their last two outings.
These two nations have met on 13 occasions, with Fiji winning seven times — all home games. As such, it is no surprise that online bookmakers have the Bati pegged as $1.22 favourites this weekend.
Cook Islands coach Karmichael Hunt has made several changes since his side’s 22-18 loss to Fiji last year, naming Reubenn Rennie and Delahia Wigmore in the centres and Rixson Andrew on the wing. Tepai Moeroa replaces Takai Mokohar in the front row, with Kobe Tararo, Mason Teague and Junior Teroi named on the bench.
Bati coach Waisake Kativerata has also made changes following last week’s defeat to Papua New Guinea. James Valevatu will start at hooker, with Penioni Tagituimua dropping back to the bench alongside Kylan Mafoa and Ronald Philitoga, who replace Nathan Kegg-King and Joe Lovodua.
Fiji v Cook Islands team lists
Fiji
- Sunia Turuva
- Maika Sivo
- Michael Jennings
- Waqa Blake
- Semi Valemei
- Kevin Naiqama
- Kurt Donoghoe
- Tui Kamikamica
- James Valevatu
- Ben Nakubuwai
- Viliame Kikau
- Taane Milne
- Caleb Navale
- Penioni Tagituimua
- Kitione Kautoga
- Kylan Mafoa
- Jordan Miller
- Ratu Rinakama
- Ronald Philitoga
- Nathan Kegg-King
- Joe Lovodua
Cook Islands
- Esom Ioka
- Steven Marsters
- Reubenn Rennie
- Delahia Wigmore
- Rixson Andrew
- Brad Takairangi
- Esan Marsters
- Tepai Moeroa
- Rua Ngatikaura
- Davvy Moale
- Zane Tetevano
- Reuben Porter
- Pride Petterson-Robati
- Kobe Tararo
- Mason Teague
- Justin Makirere
- Junior Teroi
- Rhys Dakin
- Malachi Morgan
- Makahesi Makatoa
- Alex Glenn
Fiji v Cook Islands predictions
Fiji struggled in their 12-point loss to the PNG Kumuls last weekend, largely due to their poor defensive efforts and set-completion rate. This week, against a slightly less experienced Cook Islands forward pack, Fiji should be able to maintain control of the middle third. Back the Bati to win again at home as $1.22 favourites with top rugby league bookmakers.
Fijian second-rower Viliame Kikau has made 16 appearances for the Bati in almost a decade, scoring nearly a dozen tries for his nation. Although he has struggled in his last two international matches, his combination with five-eighth Kevin Naiqama is improving. There is great value in the $2.35 price at BetOnline for Kikau to return to try-scoring form.
There is also solid value in the $1.90 quote for this match to go under 51.5 total points. Four of the last six clashes between these two nations have had less than 52 points scored, and it is likely their attacking structures will still be slightly disjointed as players continue building their combinations.
Best rugby league bookmakers
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