"We have to get on top of Japan during the set pieces," Rauluni said. "We have to control our own set piece and control our own ball and keep them away from the ball because we know they can run it through." "Japan didn't put their strongest team out against Australia because they are aiming at us so it will be a very tough battle. "They will aim for our forwards as history says our forwards and set piece haven't been the strongest. "But hopefully we can do it well after all our training. I think the match is going to be very fast and very hectic." Fiji defeated Japan 30-15 in the Pacific Cup competition at Churchill Park in Lautoka two months ago. It wasn't an easy victory for the Flying Fijians as the side had to stage a second half come back. Rauluni admits Fiji has a slight advantage having watched Japan play its opening match against Australia. "If we had started before everyone else it would have been a bit tougher," Rauluni said. "But from just watching all the other games it has brought our spirit up. Seeing all the smaller teams go well against the bigger teams has given our guys lifted spirits. Teams like Portugal and Namibia have done really well and this has made our guys want to pull out a really big one against Japan." Rauluni said Japan has a unique style of game and will play hard for the full 80 minutes. Team manager Pio Bosco Tikoisuva said the long wait for the World Cup was finally over for many of the players. "It's been a hectic preparation period for the team and everyone's just eager to get out on the field," the former national captain said. "We're ready and we couldn't have come better prepared." National coach Ilivasi Tabua will look to Saracens halfback pairing of scrumhalf and Captain Mosese Rauluni and flyhalf Nicky Little to unlock Japan's defence, and for centre Seremaia Bai to show his tough tackling. Top of Page |