By Matt Findlay

“Challenges such as those ahead of us bring out the best in top competitors and top teams”.

That’s exactly what Fijian head coach John McKee is hoping his side does at the Rugby World Cup (RWC) – rise to the occasion.

There has been plenty of talk surrounding the Fijian side, which is brimming with talent and enthusiasm, and whether it can produce any, or many, performances worthy of upsetting Australia, England or Wales in pool A, the pool of death.

With an exciting squad, McKee is sure it’s possible, particularly on the back of Fiji’s World Rugby Pacific Nations Cup 2015 title-winning campaign earlier in the year.

“After the successful Pacific Nations Cup campaign and current training camp here in Fiji the squad is working well towards the challenges ahead,” he said.

“Pool A is a very challenging pool and I have every confidence that this team will rise to the challenge and bring their best game to every match at the RWC.

“With this talented group of rugby players, fiercely proud of representing their country, I believe we have a team of players who will bring their best game to the biggest contest in international rugby.”

The Fijians get no time at all to warm into the tournament, playing England, Australia and Wales in their opening three fixtures respectively, before getting somewhat of a reprieve against the much less fancied Uruguay side.

Akapusi Qera has been given the honour of leading Fiji in the RWC, and the squad is boosted by the recovery of Crusaders winger Nemani Nadolo while former Australian under 20 pivot Ben Volavola will compete wih Lepani Boti, Gabby Lovobalavu and Josh Matavesi for the No.10 jersey – an exicting battle between several very talented halves.

PLAYER TO WATCH: Nemani Nadolo (wing)

A sensation on the wing for the Crusaders in Super Rugby, Nadolo is set to take the 2015 RWC by storm.

He eats five eggs for breakfast, five fish for lunch and a whole chicken at dinner, weighs 20 stone and is six foot five.

Then, consider that he runs 100 metres in under 11 seconds.

How in the world do you stop that?

Super Rugby sides haven’t really found a foil for Nadolo’s brute strength, and the Fijians are hoping no international sides will either.

Expect fireworks.

SQUAD

Forwards: Lee Roy Atalifo, Isei Colati, Campese Ma’afu, Peni Ravai, Manasa Saulo, Sunia Koto (vice-captain), Tuapati Talemaitoga, Viliame Veikoso, Tevita  Cavubati, Leone Nakarawa, Api Ratuniyarawa, Nemia Soqeta, Masi Matadigo, Akapusi Qera (captain), Malakai Ravulo, Netani Talei, Dom Waqaniburotu, Peceli Yato.

Backs: Nemia Kenatale, Nikola Matawalu,Henry Seniloli, Lepani Botia, Gabby Lovobalavu, Josh Matavesi, Ben Volavola, Vereniki Goneva (vice-captain), Kini Murimurivalu, Nemani Nadolo, Waisea Nayacalevu, Metuisela Talebula, Asaeli Tikoirotuma.

WALLABIES WATCH:

Do Fiji pose a threat to the Wallabies?

Yes. Undoubtedly.

But, it really depends which Fiji side shows up to play Australia at Millennium Stadium next Wednesday.

Like all the island nations, Fiji has always been enigmatic at international level, hot and cold, but they always remain enthusiastic, tough and above all unpredictable.

In a way, it’s a shame Fiji was pooled with Australia, England and Wales, because had they been grouped with weaker nations there would be a real chance the Fijians could have progressed.

But, while they have the potential to upset any nation on any given day, it would take a special performance for Fiji to upset Australia.

FIXTURES:

Friday, September 18: vs England; Twickenham, London; 8pm

Wednesday, September 23: vs Australia; Millennium Stadium, Cardiff; 4.45pm

Thursday, October 1: vs Wales; Millennium Stadium, Cardiff; 4.45pm

Tuesday, October 6: vs Uruguay; Stadiummk, Milton Keynes; 8pm