Fiji have warmed up for their Rugby World Cup opening showdown against Australia with a streaky 29-19 win over Tonga in Auckland.

The Flying Fijians scored five tries to three in a feisty affair at Eden Park on Saturday, a contest marked by physical defence and some flashes of brilliance from the team who will tackle Michael Cheika’s at Sapporo on September 21.

Victory lifts the Fiji one place in the world rankings to ninth, three behind Australia, and is a reminder they won’t be comfortable opponents for any team in pool D.

A full strength Fijian side were fully tested by the Tongans, spending much of the match on defence but always threatening to strike on the counter with their faster, more accomplished backs.

After Tonga opened the scoring through skipper Siale Piutau, former NRL star Semi Radradra set up Fiji’s opener with his first touch, sending winger Josua Tuisova clear in a 70m raid.

Fiji’s other tries went to Vereniki Goneva, captain Dominiko Waqaniburotu, Samuel Matavesi and Semi Kunatani, the latter a member of the victorious Rio Olympics gold medal sevens squad.

Winger Goneva’s try was his 22nd in Tests, extending his Fiji all-time record.

Australia may have noted an apparent Fijian weakness at the maul, with Tonga’s last two tries emanating from lineout drives.

The early match of a double-header featured a 36-19 win for Samoa over an amateur New Zealand Heartland XV.

The World Cup-bound Samoans complete their build up with a Test next Saturday against Australia in Sydney.