Fiji seek repeat of 2007 Welsh win

Sep 29, 2015 - 6:22 PM Akapusi Qera well remembers playing in a fired up Fiji side when they knocked Wales out of the 2007 World Cup and he's demanding a repeat effort at the Millennium Stadium on Thursday.

It will be a big day for the Fiji skipper and Montpellier flanker who will become only the third Fijian to play 50 Tests.

But any celebrations will be muted if Fiji don't achieve their aim of pulling off another historic win to keep alive their chances of automatic qualification for the next World Cup.

They came into this tournament confident of at least one upset and opening losses to England and Australia leaves Wales as the remaining target with only minnows Uruguay left to play.

"There's still a lot for us to play for," coach John McKee emphasised.

"Though the quarter-finals are beyond us, third place in the pool is still a very important position as it automatically qualifies you for the next World Cup."

Qera, who scored a try in the classic match eight years ago, said the memory of the 38-34 success drives him on.

"The 2007 win is history for me and stays in the back of my mind," he said. while playing down the 66-0 hiding they took from Wales four years later.

"We know Wales have a changed team from the past two World Cups and they are ranked No.2 in the world. We need to play the best we can."

Injuries and indiscretions have forced Fiji to make six changes, notably covering star wing Nemani Nadolo who is suspended, Waisea Nayacalevu who is out of the tournament injured and halfback Nikola Matawalu, unavailable because of a back injury.

"But I know the other boys have an opportunity and they'll grab it with both hands," Qesa said.

The last time Fiji played Wales, with largely the same line ups, they were narrowly beaten 17-13 at Millennium Stadium last November.

"We missed a few penalties in that game and we're excited about Thursday because they have a similar team to then and anything is possible in a World Cup," Koto said.

Source: AAP