HOW AUSTRALIA’S WORLD CUP CLASH WITH FIJI IN CARDIFF IS SHAPING UP
Games played: 19
Australia: 16 wins
Fiji: 2 wins
Drawn: 1
World Cup record:
Australia: 33 wins, 8 losses
Fiji: 9 wins, 16 losses
Best World Cup finish:
Australia: Champions (1991, 1999)
Fiji: Quarter-finalists (1987, 2007)
World ranking:
Australia: 2
Fiji: 9
Recent clashes between the two nations:
2010: Australia win 49-3 in Canberra
2007: Australia win 55-12 in Montpellier, France (World Cup fixture)
2007: Australia win 49-0 in Perth
Recent form:
Australia: 47-10 win over the USA; 41-13 loss to New Zealand; 27-19 win over New Zealand
Fiji: 35-11 loss to England, 47-18 win over Canada; 39-29 win over Samoa.
Key players:
Australia: Israel Folau became the first player to win consecutive John Eales medals this year, and for good reason – he’s a freak. One of the most elusive runners of the football in world rugby, Folau is near-flawless under the high ball and a constant threat with ball in hand.
Fiji: Nemani Nadolo is Fiji’s main man. The 130kg winger has drawn comparisons with All Blacks great Jonah Lomu and it’s not hard to see why. A destructive runner of the ball, Nadolo gave England plenty of headaches. Can kick goals as well.
Teams:
Australia: Israel Folau, Rob Horne, Tevita Kuridrani, Matt Giteau, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Bernard Foley, Will Genia, David Pocock, Michael Hooper, Scott Fardy, Rob Simmons, Kane Douglas, Sekope Kepu, Stephen Moore (capt), Scott Sio. Res: James Slipper, Greg Holmes, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Will Skelton, Dean Mumm, Nick Phipps, Matt Toomua, Kurtley Beale.
Fiji: Metuisela Talebula, Waisea Nayacalevu, Vereniki Goneva, Gabiriele Lovobalavu, Nemani Nadolo, Ben Volavola, Nikola Matawalu, Netani Talei, Akapusi Qera (capt), Peceli Yato, Leone Nakarawa, Tevita Cavubati, Manasa Saulo, Tuapati Talemaitoga, Campese Ma’afu. Res: Viliame Veikoso, Peni Ravai, Isei Colati, Nemia Soqeta, Malakai Ravulo, Nemia Kenatale, Joshua Matavesi, Aseli Tikoirotuma.
