After Fiji’s opening defeat last week to France, how determined will they be to come back strongly against Wales?
The players will be determined to correct a few errors that occurred in the match. The Flying Fijians (FF) will take great satisfaction with some of the tries that they scored last weekend and this will be spoken about in camp.
Fiji are no stranger to upsetting the odds against Wales, do they have the firepower to cause a shock this weekend?
I certainly think Fiji have the fire power – especially with Goneva and Matavasei that have come into the mix. If the forwards can manage the set piece and win the battle of the breakdown we will be in with a chance.
The fact Wales have made a number of changes to the side that lost against Australia, will that give Fiji a sniff that Wales could be under-strength, thereby giving them an extra boost to go for a victory?
Wales will have prepared well for this match and the team will no doubt have done their homework on Fiji. The Welsh are playing at home which will mean that they are overwhelming favourites again. The fact that new energy has been brought into the Welsh side has meant they will raise their game against Fiji.
Where do you see the strength in this Fiji squad?
I think there is a mix of raw talent and more seasoned players this season. I think if you look across the board there is a side that has professionals throughout the team as opposed to four years ago when there was just a handful.
With the World Cup around the corner, how important is this game psychologically? Or will the fact both teams face other in the World Cup not even come into the equation this far out?
I don’t think it is an issue at all.
With players spread across New Zealand, Fiji and Europe, how difficult are these autumn tours to prepare for, as you have so little time together beforehand?
Yes it is hard but all the Pacific teams are in the same situation. The Home nations have spent time as a squad throughout the season and are well more advanced than that of teams such as Fiji.
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If you could pick 2 players from the Fiji squad to look out for, who would they be – and why?
Metuisela Talebula and Vereniki Goneva, –Â world class players.
How much do you miss being captain of Fiji and being involved in international rugby?
I certainly miss the hype and build-up of the games and hope to be involved with Fiji rugby in the coming few months.
What is your score prediction?
I’m not the best at score predictions but ‘Im going to say 22-20 to Fiji.
