Australia v Fiji, preview

[Jehna]

Australia v Fiji, preview
19/09/2007 7:33:59 AM

Venue and time
Stade de la Mosson, Montpellier, Sunday, September 23. 22:30 (AEST)

Head to head
Played 17: Australia 14 – Fiji 1 – Drawn 2

Last time
Subiaco Oval (Perth), 2007. Australia 49-0 Fiji.

Walking wounded
Australia will be without flyhalf Stephen Larkham until at least the quarter-finals after he underwent knee surgery on Sunday. Skipper Stirling Mortlock will be rested against Fiji after dislocating his shoulder against Wales and is also unlikely to return until the knockout stages. Winger Adam Ashley-Cooper is still battling to overcome a toe injury sustained in the opening match against Japan and will be monitored throughout the week.

Form
The Wallabies ended their losing run at Millennium Stadium in fine style on Saturday, with an impressive 32-20 victory in front of the Cardiff faithful. But coach John Connolly will look for an improved second-half performance against Fiji, after his side was out-scored 7-17 by Wales after the break. Australia easily accounted for the Fijians 49-0 in June but faces a vastly different line-up in Montpellier and will need to pay close attention to the Fijian's potent attack.

Fiji survived a late scare in its previous Pool B clash against Canada to register a 29-16 victory - its second bonus-point triumph in as many matches. The Fijians have played some electrifying rugby in the tournament to date, but must eradicate the basic errors which plagued them against Japan and Canada, if they hope to keep pace with the Wallabies.

Who's hot
Berrick Barnes' performance in Cardiff will live long in the memory of all Wallabies fans following his 11th hour call-up to replace veteran Stephen Larkham. The 21-year-old looked right at home on the big stage laying on the Wallabies' opening try and calmly slotting a drop-goal in an impressive showing. Man-of-the-match Chris Latham returned to his ominous best against the Welsh, sealing the game with a piece of trademark individual brilliance.

Rampaging fullback Kameli Ratuvou was the hero in his side's win over Canada, scoring a 90 metre runaway try at the death - his second of the match - to seal the win. Imposing winger Vilimoni Delasau was at his rampaging best against Canada and is a player to watch in the remaining pool matches.

Teams
Australia:

1. Matt Dunning
2. Stephen Moore
3. Guy Shepherdson
4. Mark Chisholm
5. Dan Vickerman
6. Rocky Elsom
7. Phil Waugh (vc)
8. Wycliff Palu

9. George Gregan (c)
10. Berrick Barnes
11. Lote Tuqiri
12. Matt Giteau #50
13. Adam Ashley-Cooper
14. Drew Mitchell
15. Chris Latham (vc)

16. Adam Freier
17. Greg Holmes
18. Hugh McMeniman
19. Stephen Hoiles
20. Sam Cordingley
21. Scott Staniforth
22. Julian Huxley

Key: #50 = 50th Test Cap

Match notes

* Australia won its lone Test against Fiji in 2007 (49-0 in Perth).
* Australia has not lost to Fiji since 1954 (16-18, SCG, Sydney).
* Australia and Fiji have never met in Rugby World Cup match.
* The countries have played out one drawn Test, 3-all in 1961.

Upcoming Wallabies Milestones

* Chris Latham needs one try (5 points) to reach 200 Test points.
* Latham has moved up to 7th on the all time Wallabies point scorers list (surpassing Elton Flatley).
* Matt Giteau requires 12 points to move into 5th place on the all time Wallabies point scorers list (ahead of Joe Roff, 244 pts)

Fiji: (edit: Finally - J)

1 Alefoso Yalayalatabua
2 Vereniki Sauturaga
3 Henry Qiodravu
4 Isoa Domolailai
5 Ifereimi Rawaqa
6 Netani Talei
7 Aca Ratuva
8 Jone Qovu

9 Jone Daunivucu
10 Waisea Luveniyali
11 Isoa Neivua
12 Seremaia Bai (c)
13 Maleli Kunavore
14 Vilimoni Delasau
15 Norman Ligairi

16 Bill Gadolo
17 Jone Railomo
18 Wame Lewaravu
19 Sisa Koyamaibole
20 Mosese Rauluni
21 Gabiriele Lovobalavu
22 Seru Rabeni