Star Players
The Fijian Forward pack may be lacking in some big name players, but it is a completely different story when looking to the backline. Outside backs such as Aseali Tikoirotuma, Timoci Nagusa, and Nemani Nadolo all have experience playing in top class clubs such as the Chiefs, Crusaders, and Montpellier. An issue for all Polynesian Island nations in the past few years has been the player poaching from large top class teams and nations. The lack of funds in the Fijian rugby union forces players to go overseas in search of a living and makes it difficult to create a culture in the team. The union is trying to fix this and there are now numerous players in this Fiji squad that play for Fijian clubs. Although this makes it difficult to gain international fame it promotes their home nation and is very good for the future of Fijian rugby. Finally there is hope for island nations due to a loophole in the qualification rules allowing for players to play for multiple countries. This means legends such as Joe Rokocoko, Lelia Masaga, and Sitiveni Sivivatu could all play for Fiji in this year’s world cup. All these players have experienced time with the All Blacks previously and are now revitalising their careers in France.
How They've Fared
Fiji had an indifferent 2013 were due to ill discipline and poor tactical choices Fiji lost numerous times on a tour of the northern hemisphere. In one match they were defeated 37-31 by Italy, although they were trailing 20-5 at half time. In that match they conceded five yellow cards due to foul play, which severely impacted the result. Since then they have had a massive turnaround beating Italy 25-14 last year, and then fielding an impressive display against rivals Tonga in a 45-17 win. Unfortunately due to a poor 2013 season Tonga qualified ahead of Fiji, leaving Fiji to play against the Cook Islands for the penultimate place in Pool A; they beat the Cook Islands easily in a 108-6 victory, although Pool A will be far from this easy lining up against heavy weights England, Australia, and Wales for what will be a very entertaining pool stage, if they can trip up a top tier nation it could prove the difference come the finals time.
Vs. England 18/09
Twickenham
Vs. Australia 23/09
Millenium Stadium
Vs. Wales 01/10
Millenium Stadium
Vs. Uruguay 06/10
Stadium MK
Martin Dobey