Fiji head coach John McKee wants his players to understand all that’s at stake in their Rugby World Cup Pool D match against Wales.
All eyes back home in rugby-mad Fiji will be on Wednesday’s game at Oita Stadium, where Fiji must beat the Six Nations champion to maintain their very small chance of reaching the quarter-finals.
“They’ve got to realise that the things that they do set an example for future generations,” McKee said.
“These boys are very proud of representing their country and they really want to put in a performance that makes the whole nation proud.”
Before the Flying Fijian backs can torment Wales with their electrifying running game and inspirational off-loading, there’s a big battle up front to be won.
There was significant improvement in Fiji’s scrum play in the 45-10 win against Georgia, which is just as well considering what the Fijian forwards will be facing.
“We take some good momentum out of the Georgia game but know we have to step up against Wales, who are a much tougher prospect than Georgia,” McKee said.
“We have got some very good back-rowers, and whichever way we play them it is a very strong back row.”
Viliame Mata, the No.8, has fully recovered from the calf strain he picked up in the 39-21 defeat to Australia, and which reduced him to about 20 minutes against Georgia because the medical staff were cautiously managing his recovery.
“He gets his opportunity in the starting group and we will be looking to Peceli Yato to have a big impact off the bench,” said McKee.
McKee tips the breakdown contest as “one of the closest battles” and a potentially vital factor in deciding the outcome of the game.
If the Welsh take the sting out of Fiji’s momentum, then that’s a large part of their job done.
“That is going to be a critical area for us, firstly to make sure we get good continuity and that secondly we are effective enough to get quick ball,” McKee said
“We are going to have to work much harder for scoring opportunities against Wales. They are such a good defensive side.”