Fiji coach Mac McCallion admitted his side were “lucky to get away with the win” against the USA Eagles in their last match eight days ago and will be looking for a much improved performance against Japan at Dairy Farmers Stadium in Townsville.
Their opponents Japan, while not having recorded a victory, have received the plaudits of many in the rugby fraternity for their impressive performances against Scotland and France.
Form guide
Fiji have won one and lost one match at Rugby World Cup 2003, their victory against the USA Eagles in Brisbane on 15 October coming by the slenderest of margins 19-18 – after fly half Mike Hercus missed an injury time conversion.
Japan have lost both opening games but caused Scotland real problems before being overrun in the last quarter. The plucky Cherry Blossoms fought back twice against France and trailed by only one point early in the second half before going down 51-29.
Previous meetings
There have been five games between Fiji and Japan, the first of them back in March 1990 when the Pacific Islanders posted the biggest victory, 32-6 at Prince Chichibu Stadium in Tokyo.
The last meeting was more than three years ago, in the 2000 Pacific Rim Championship, at the same venue when Fiji triumphed 47-22 to take a 3-2 lead in the series with the Cherry Blossoms.
Ins and outs
Japan has made seven changes to the side beaten by France in their last start. The Cherry Blossoms have lost the services of their experienced lock Hiroyuki Tanuma for the rest of the Tournament after the 30 year old damaged ligaments in his right knee against France. He has been replaced in the starting line up by Hajime Kiso.
Other starters in the pack include props Hajime Yamamoto, coming off the bench for Shin Hasegawa, and Masahiko Toyoyama.
In the back line, fly half Takashi Tsuji returns for Yuji Sonoda, Yukio Motoki and Ruben Parkinson are the new midfield combination while Tsutomu Matsude wears the No. 15 jersey.
Fiji has also made seven changes to their team with loose head prop Isaia Rasila in the starting side after attending his mother’s funeral in Fiji.
Lock Kele Leawere, fly half Waisale Serevi and full back Norman Ligairi also get another chance to impress. While Emori Katalau (No. 4), scrum half Sami Rabaka and centre Epeli Ruivadra all get their first start at RWC 2003.
Key players
Rupeni Caucaunibuca is again missing for Fiji, the wing serving the second of his two match suspension, although Vilimoni Delasau proved a more than adequate replacement with some dazzling runs against the Eagles.
Fly half Nicky Little will again be an important figure for the Pacific Islanders and not only for his kicking.
However Fiji will not be the only team with explosive wings at Dairy Farmers Stadium with the Cherry Blossoms’ own Daisuke Ohata and Hirotoki Onozawa having caused France and Scotland no end of problems with their speed.
New Zealand born fly half Andrew Miller was at the heart of everything Japan did against France, making several breaks and kicking well for touch.
What it means
A heavy defeat by France in their opening game and a narrow victory over the USA Eagles means Fiji must win this match, and win handsomely, to keep alive their hopes of a first quarter final appearance since the 1987 Tournament.
Japan are not in contention for a quarter final berth, but after strong performances in their opening two matches the Cherry Blossoms will be seeking to end an eight match losing streak and claim only their second Rugby World Cup victory.
What they said
Japanese coach Shogo Mukai on how they will handle the size of the Fijians said: "If you look at it, there is no team smaller than the Japanese team. We just have to tackle low, hard and push them over."
On who is the underdog of the Japan-Fiji match Mukai said: "The two sides are of the same ability. We still believe that we are the challenger and need to have a challenging spirit."
Match details
Fiji v Japan
Dairy Farmers Stadium, Townsville
Kick off: 20:00 local time
Match Officials:
Referee: Nigel Williams (Wales)
Touch judges: Tony Spreadbury (England) and Iain Ramage (Scotland)
Television match official: Donal Courtney (Ireland)