Fiji v Wales, Rugby World Cup, October 2, 2011
Wales focus on Fiji clash
ESPNscrum Staff
September 30, 2011
Wales' Scott Williams celebrates his third try, Namibia v Wales, Rugby World Cup, Stadium Taranaki, New Plymouth, New Zealand, September 26, 2011
Scott Williams' three tries against Namibia has earned him another start against Fiji © Getty Images
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Wales face Fiji in their final pool game with avoiding injuries surely the primary concern of the coaching staff.

Warren Gatland's team have already qualified for the quarter finals as runners up in Pool D after Samoa failed to beat South Africa in North Shore on Friday. With the Springboks over the horizon with 18 points, Wales and Samoa are level on ten points. But Wales' victory over the Pacific Islanders earlier in the tournament means even defeat in their final match against Fiji would see them progress.

Samoa's defeat to the Springboks has relieved much of the pressure on a fixture that haunted Wales in recent years. Four years ago Fiji dumped Wales out of the World Cup with a shock 38-34 victory in Nantes that saw the Fijians progress to the quarter finals at the expense of the Welsh. And the next time the two nations met, in Cardiff in 2010, Fiji again infuriated the Welsh as they secured a late draw at the Millennium Stadium.

Gatland is unlikely to be calling for vengence with his sights firmly set on the quarter finals, where Ireland are likely to lie in wait. However, avoiding injuries and running into optimum form will be high on his wish list for the match.

Fiji have failed to ignite as they did four years ago. They opened with a strong win over Pool whipping boys Namibia in their opening match but subsequent defeats to South Africa and Samoa have seen them drift out of contention quielty.

Fiji - Player to Watch: Netani Talei is one of only five survivors from the disappointing defeat to Samoa and he will take on huge responsibility as captain and the man charged with trying to give Fiji a platforn in the setpiece. It will be a tought task as he faces the accomplished Adam Jones at scrum time.

Fiji - Team News: Samu Domoni makes ten changes with Netani Talei taking over as captain in the absence of Deacon Manu, who misses out altogether. Rupeni Nasiga joins him in the back-row alongside Sakiusa Matadigo. Wame Lewaravu returns to the second-row at the expense of Seko Qaraniqio, while Setefano Somoca takes over at tight-head from Manu, with Waisea Nailago comes in at loose-head for Campese Ma'afu. Nick Little will again wear ten but he has been joined in the half-backs by Vitori Buatava. Ravai Fatiaki starts ahead of Seremaia Bai while Albert Vulivuli and Michael Tagicakibau replace Vereniki Goneva and Napolioni Nalaga out wide, while Iliesa Keresoni is preferred to Kini Murimurivalu at fullback.

Wales - Player to Watch: With talented ball players and lighting runners throughout their side, Fiji will be at their most dangerous with turnover ball against a disorganised defence. Therefore Sam Warburton will have to be first to the breakdown and prevent Fiji from pilfering counter-attack ball.

Wales - Team News: Rhys Priestland reclaims the No.10 jersey from Stephen Jones and the Scarlets playmaker will be joined in the half-backs by Mike Phillips, who returns at the expense of Tavis Knoyle. Jamie Roberts slots back into the midfield in place of Jonathan Davies, while Aled Brew loses his place to giant winger George North. Hooker Huw Bennett and prop Adam Jones take over from Lloyd Burns and Craig Mitchell in the front-row, while Luke Charteris returns to the second-row.

Key Battle: Inside centres Jamie Roberts and Gaby Lovobalavu will both be crucial players in their teams' aspirations of getting over the gainline early and playing with the oppositions defence in retreat. They both have the bulk and the pace to put their sides on the front foot.

Stats: Nicky Little is Fiji's leading international points scorer with 670

Trivia: Wales won all of their previous eight matches with Fiji until their defeat in the 2007 Word Cup and their draw at the Millennium Stadium last November

Quote Unquote:

"The biggest word we have been focusing on during the week is energy. We'll bring plenty of that plus effort and desire, which has pretty much been our focus for every game."
- Fiji coach Samu Domoni demands a lively performance from his side

"We have to give them respect because four years ago they played a fantastic game against Wales. We have not spoken about it for the past week, so we'll go out there with confidence."
- Rhys Priestland says Wales have been looking forward not back this week

Prediction: Wales to amplify the already positive atmosphere within the camp ahead of the quarter finals with an efficient performance against Fiji, setting up the victory with dominance up front.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

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