Australia were beaten 35-17 by South Africa in their opening game in the Rugby Championship in Johannesburg, while Fiji went down to a 27-17 defeat against the Maori Al Blacks in Rotorua.
The Wallabies were leading 14-10 in the second half when they lost Taniela Tupou to a controversial yellow card issued by Kiwi referee Paul Williams for a shoulder charge to the chest in the 53rd minute. While he was off the field the Springboks punished the visitors by scoring two tries.
Wales meet Australia in their second pool match at Tokyo Stadium on 29 September and then face the Fijians in round three at Oita Stadium on 9 October. They will also meet Georgia and Uruguay.
While the Wallabies go on to face South Africa and New Zealand to complete their Rugby Championship campaign, John McKee’s Fijian side will get an early taste of the World Cup venues and conditions when they head to the Kamaishi Recovery Memorial Stadium to face Japan in the opening game in the defence of their Pacific Nations Cup title.
Having drawn their two match series against the Maoris 1-1, they will now have matches against World Cup host nation Japan, Canada and Samoa to continue their build-up. The games against Kingsley Jones’ Canadians and Samoa will both be in Suva.
“There have been some good learnings from our two matches against the Maori All Blacks and players have benefited from the physical matches over the past two weeks. We are taking a very strong squad to Japan for the important first round of the PNC,” said McKee.
Former Osprey centre Josh Matavesi is in the 27-man squad travelling to Japan for this weekend’s clash, where he will be joined by his brother Sam, while ex-Cardiff Blues prop Campese Ma’afu is another Fijian with Welsh links.
Fijian Squad to Face Japan
Backs: Frank Lomani, Henry Seniloli, Alivereti Veitokani, Ben Volavola, Levani Botia, Waisea Nayacalevu, Jale Vatubua, Filipo Nakosi, Patrick Osbourne, Josh Matavesi, Kini Murimurivalu
Forwards: Lee-Roy Atalifo, Campese Ma’afu, Eroni Mawi, Peni Ravai, Manasa Saulo, Kalivati Tawake, Mesulame Dolokoto, Ratu Vere Vugakoto, Sam Matavesi, Leone Nakarawa, Apisalome Ratuniyarawa, Albert Tuisue, Semi Kunatani, Viliame Mata, Dominiko Waqaniburotu, Peceli Yato
