KEY POINTS:
SUVA - Fiji have always struggled to replicate their rugby sevens success in the Test arena but once again they hope to spring a few surprises in the World Cup with their free-running game.
Coach Ilivasi Tabua, who has the rare distinction of having played for two countries in the World Cup, is aware his side is vulnerable in scrums and lineouts.
He is working hard to ensure the forwards can provide a strong platform for the free-running backline.
Tabua was dropped in to the deep end early this year following the sudden departure of New Zealander Wayne Pivac, who said he was leaving to spend more time with his family in New Zealand.
Despite the usual problems of tight finances and the need to meld a band of overseas professionals with local players, Fiji still believe they have a chance of advancing to the knockout stages.
This would require victory against Canada and Japan and what would be a major upset against Wales.
While Fiji can't offer their players the lucrative financial incentives being dangled by the top tier rugby powers, that won't be important to the team, says Tabua, who played for Australia in the 1995 World Cup and for Fiji four years later.
"You must be proud to be play for Fiji in its colours. And thats the main motivating factor - the rest is a bonus," Tabua told reporters.
A young team has been selected, including two uncapped players in sevens exponents Filimoni Bolavucu and Jone Daunivucu and 22 first timers to the Rugby World Cup.
Fly-half Nicky Little is the most capped player after 60 Tests followed by fullback Norman Ligairi (38), scrum-half Mosese Rauluni (35) and No. 8 Sisa Koyamaibole (34).
Fiji's best World Cup performance so far has been reaching the quarter-finals in 1987 before going down 31-16 to France but it has come tantalisingly close to the knockout stages in the last two tournaments.
The Islanders were denied a quarter-final spot by France in 1999 when leading 19-13 with 20 minutes to play. The French pressure on Fiji and some questionable refereeing decisions eventually turned the tables and the eventual beaten finalists went on to win 28-19.
A last gasp try by prop Tom Smith gave Scotland a 22-20 win in pool play in 2003 to again deny Fiji a quarter-finals spot.
Their form going into the World Cup has been mixed, including losses to both local rivals Samoa and Tonga in the Pacific Nations Cup but they also surprised with a 14-14 draw against Australia A.
Fiji does not want to leave a stone unturned in its bid for a spot in the quarters this year and will even be taking its own food, including Fijian staple starchy root crops taro and sweet potatoes to France, the home of fine cuisine.
"We want something that we are familiar with and besides we want to maintain the weight," Tabua said.
COACH
Ilivasi Tabua
The fierce former flanker known as "the human skewer" for his bone-crunching tackles for Australia's Wallabies and his native Fiji, Tabua took over early this year after the surprise departure of New Zealander Wayne Pivac.
Tabua represented Australia in 10 Tests between 1993 and 1995 and played 17 Tests for Fiji before retiring after the 1999 World Cup, putting him in the rare position of playing for two countries in the World Cup.
His aim is for Fiji to play to its strengths in free-running back play while improving on its weaknesses in defence and set plays.
KEY PLAYER
Netani Talei, flanker
Netani Talei has grown steadily to become Fiji's best utility back rower. He blends size and athleticism, allowing him to play anywhere in the back row and showed his prowess in the No. 7 jumper during the Pacific Nations Cup.
The 24-year-old has also played at lock but will feature for Fiji in the World Cup in his preferred position at flanker.
The 24-year-old is relatively inexperienced with seven caps for his country, and has signed a one-year deal with English club Worcester. He stood out in the recent IRB Pacific Nations Cup, being named man of the match against Japan.
- AFP
