The Flying Fijians are the entertainers of international rugby. Their athletic prowess means they can do things other teams simply can't. The combination of speed and power is a frightening prospect for their opponents. Unfortunately their lack of resources and infrequent game time means they have struggled to string results together despite the incredible individual talent at their disposal.

 

2023 might just be the year they're able to bring it all together. Fiji are in a pool alongside Wales and Australia who are both in disarray after last minute coaching changes (although Fiji were forced to make changes of their own when Vern Cotter left in February this year). These are familiar opponents for the Fijians having faced Australia at the last two World Cups and Wales in the last four. Fiji will be hoping to replicate their exploits in 2007 when they sent Wales packing from the pool stage with a 34-38 victory. The Fijians also benefit from a far stronger player pool this tournament due to the creation of a Fijian Super Rugby team two years ago. This has allowed a number of players to compete together regularly against top quality opposition and unearth new talent including the centre Kalaveti Ravouvou and winger Vinaya Habosi.

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Fiji will be looking for their stars to shine and align this World Cup. Levani Botia will have a talismanic aura in the pack after back-to-back Champions Cup titles for La Rochelle. In the backline, Fiji will be looking to the likes of Josua Tuisova and Semi Radradra to break through opposition defences. If there is a Fijian side which can progress to the quarter finals, it is this one.

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