A proud rugby nation, Fiji’s outstanding success in rugby sevens somewhat overshadows their achievements in the 15-man code. Nevertheless, Fiji arrive in New Zealand with high expectations after an impressive showing in France four years ago saw them advance to the quarter-finals for the second time. Pool D presents the Fijians with a chance to repeat this glory, pitting them against champions South Africa and fierce rivals Samoa in a dramatic pool that also features minnows Namibia and a rematch with Wales reminiscent of 2007.
Historically the premier team in the Pacific Islands, Fiji’s star had waned somewhat under the changing world of professional rugby. Victories over teams such as the British Lions in the 1970’s and an impressive World Cup quarter-final berth in 1987 underlined the potential of a nation which has since suffered from the loss of their best players to top tier nations – of the calibre of Josevata Rokocoko and Lote Tuqiri amongst others. This effect is exacerbated as many elite Fijian national players are often unavailable internationally due to overseas club commitments. A second quarterfinal appearance in France 2007 however, due to a rousing 34-38 victory over fellow Pool D contester Wales in pool play along with wins over Japan and Canada, showed the quality a full Fijian squad do possess; the following quarter-final against eventual champions South Africa was close-fought and subsequently won Fiji many plaudits.
The Fijians traditionally play an entertaining brand of running rugby and have exceptional physical talent out wide especially, with the 2011 vintage being no different. Castres’ Seremaia Bai takes on the role of elder statesman in the centres, while Isa Nacewa’s steadfast refusal to play for his country of birth gives ageless fly-half and multiple Fijian record holder Nicky Little a deserved swansong tournament. Captain Deacon Manu and veteran campaigner Sisa Koyamaibole will look to guide a less vaunted forward pack that blends youth with experience. In an interesting twist of fate, Saracens’ wing Michael Tagicakibau may have the opportunity to line up against his older brother Sailosi when Fiji clash with Samoa on the 25th September.
Fiji open their World Cup account in Rotorua as favourites against Namibia on 10th September, before a tough rematch with South Africa on the 17th beckons in the capital. Two hotly anticipated games follow, with the derby against Samoa at Eden Park prefacing another World Cup rematch with Wales on the 2nd October, both of which will most likely be pivotal in determining the final make-up of the pool.