Much like Tonga or Samoa, Fiji is one of the countries New Zealanders like to think of as our friendly neighbourhood. Our backyard as it were. Our backyard where fantastic players seem to grow on trees. Fantastic players who we poach, put in a fancy All Black uniform, and then never let play for their own side again.
But that's competition for you.
The question for this World Cup is whether Fiji can convert its skill in the seven-man game to the fifteen. After all, Fiji seriously loves its rugby. When the most recent coup was about to take place, the current dictator decided to pause the take-over of the country... for a game.
But hey, it is the national sport after all.
Fiji's style has been described as "razzle-dazzle", which is kind of a nice way of saying they run fast and move the ball lots. And while this is a great way to play Sevens, they're unlikely to be able to apply the pressure of a highly-trained side.
If it's any measure, even at their own level in the Pacific Rugby Cup the game is dominated by Samoa. Fiji made the finals last year but fell short this year after a difficult season.Once again, this is probably a combination of being a 2nd tier side under recruitment pressure from the Big Brothers New Zealand and Australia.
Regardless, Fiji are a spirited side, and will doubtless paste the Japanese and Canadians in their Pool. Were they to achieve a miracle and disappoint the Welsh there is every chance they could make the Quarters. I doubt it but.
Fiji play Japan on 12 September, the Canucks on 16 September, will be pasted by the Criminal Element on 23 September, and face off the Welsh on the 29th.
So, the number one thing to look out for in Fiji? The military. The buggers are as mad as snakes.
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