Simione Kuruvoli on the ball as Fiji players train in Bordeaux Photo: Fiji Rugby Union
Fiji have form and history on their side, but the Pacific Islanders are ignoring that as they prepare for their opening Rugby World Cup game.
The Flying Fijians kick off their campaign against Wales in Bordeaux on Monday morning (New Zealand/Fiji time).
Fiji famously beat Wales 38-34 in France during the 2007 World Cup, while just two weeks ago they scored their maiden win over England at Twickenham.
The Fijians assistant coach Seremaia Bai, who played in that famous game in 2007, said it's history they cannot fall back on.
Bai, whose much travelled playing career also included a stint of club rugby in Wales, said the Welsh will be tough and physical.
Despite winning just one of their Six Nations games this year, Bai said that should not be a yardstick to judge them by.
"You do not underestimate the Welsh team because of the previous tournaments where they have not performed to the best of their abilities," Bai said.
"They are one of the Tier One nations and we respect that.
"They've got a good bunch of players and world class coaches so we expect it's gonna be tough."
Bai said the two teams share a long history, which makes the clash more exciting.
The Fijians have been training in Bordeaux, southern France, over the past week, after arriving from London.
While a lot of Fijian fans keep referring to the 2007 win over the Welsh, Bai, who played in the centres in that victory, said things have changed over the years.
"It's history now but don't forget that we got a hiding in 2011 (66-0)."
Fiji have reached the knockout stages of the World Cup twice, in 1987 and 2007.
Despite now being lowly ranked, Australia are still the bookmakers' favourites to top pool C ahead of Wales and Fiji.
Fiji's Caleb Muntz celebrates after the game with Selestino Ravutaumada and Zuriel Togiatama after beating England at Twickenham, 2023. Photo: Photosport
Flyhalf out of action
Losing first-choice first-five Caleb Muntz to injury is a big loss for the Fijians.
The 23-year-old, who played a key role in the win over England, suffered a knee injury during training and has been ruled out of the tournament.
Bai said the team is focused and believe Teti Tela, who has played for the Fiji Warriors and the Fijian Drua, is capable of stepping up if selected.
"Very gutted for him (Muntz), he has been doing well but rugby is a team sport and we have got Teti Tela and he has a role to fill and we are confident he will step up to the mark," Bai said.
Prop Mesake Doge, who played in France before heading to Wales to play for the Dragons, said he was looking forward to playing against Wales if selected.
He said he was grateful to the Dragons club for giving him the chance to play rugby with them.
"Actually loved playing in Wales. I enjoyed my time with the Dragons," Doge said.
"Elias (Ryan Elias) is a good mate and I'm looking forward to going up against him on Sunday."
Kele Leawere scores a try against Wales at the 2007 Rugby World Cup in Nantes. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Fiji to stop for the game
Meanwhile, Doge says Fiji will come to a standstill on Monday morning in Fiji for the game.
He expects fans to converge in different venues, even on the remote islands, to watch the televised coverage of the clash.
"I imagine in the villages they will be taking their television sets up the hills to get reception to watch the game," he said.
"And I am sure some people will not get to work.
"For Fijians, rugby is such a big occasion and they say rugby can make a nation stand still."
Bordeaux will host the Fiji and Wales battle at 9pm on Sunday night (French time) while Fijian fans at home will be watching the televised game around 7am on Monday.
