Wallabies Warned To Be Wary Of Wily Fijians

Sun Herald

Sunday September 23, 2007

By Greg Growden Montpellier

AUSTRALIAN fullback Chris Latham has warned the new-look Fijian team will be an unknown quantity, making the flamboyant islanders a dangerous prospect in tonight's pool match at Stade de la Mosson.

Although Fiji have opted against picking their best XV, the Wallabies know that the great problem is not exactly knowing what the Pacific islanders will do.

In recent years, Fiji's fascination with seven-a-side rugby has resulted in them adopting a wildly extravagant attacking style, but the overall effect has often been washed down by sloppy work at the set pieces in the 15-man version of the game.

So Australia realise that the two main ways to kill off Fiji early is to be totally focused on ensuring their defence is rigid, and then take advantage of their forward experience.

But Australia know they can't properly prepare for the Fijians because their line-up constantly changes and the islanders' philosophy depends on unpredictability.

Latham believes that even though Fiji are holding back several players for their last pool match against Wales in Nantes on Saturday, they remain threatening opponents.

"There's a little bit of the unknown," Latham said.

"As an example, if you look at Berrick Barnes's performance against Wales in Cardiff last week, the big difference there was that Berrick was the unknown for the Welsh team."

Latham explained the prime focus at Wallabies training during the week was to get rid of all the little problems in their own game.

"If that happens, then Fiji should be nullified, but we have to be clinical in our defence," he said.

"If we don't give Fiji a sniff then they can't do the things they love to do when they've got the ball.

"If we're not clinical there, and we turn over some ball, we know how dangerous the Fijians can get."

Latham also gave a gentle reminder to the Wallabies selectors that despite missing most of the season because of a knee reconstruction, he is eager to play in all four pool matches.

The plan was for Latham to miss their match against Canada in Bordeaux next Saturday, with Julian Huxley instead playing at fullback.

"I feel very confident that the more games I play, the better I am going to get, especially the amount of limited time I've had on the field," he said.

THE LINE-UPS

AUSTRALIA - Chris Latham; Drew Mitchell, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Matt Giteau, Lote Tuqiri; Berrick Barnes, George Gregan (capt); Wycliff Palu, Phil Waugh, Rocky Elsom, Dan Vickerman, Mark Chisholm, Guy Shepherdson, Stephen Moore, Matt Dunning. Reserves: Adam Freier, Greg Holmes, Hugh McMeniman, Stephen Hoiles, Sam Cordingley, Scott Staniforth, Julian Huxley.

FIJI - Norman Ligairi; Vilimoni Delasau, Maleli Kunavore, Seremaia Bai (capt), Isoa Neivua; Waisea Luveniyali, Jone Daunivucu; Jone Qovu, Aca Ratuva, Netani Talei, Ifereimi Rawaqa, Isoa Domolailai, Henry Qiodravu, Vereniki Sauturaga, Alefoso Yalayalatabua. Reserves: Bill Gadolo, Jone Railomo, Wame Lewaravu, Sisa Koyamaibole, Mosese Rauluni, Gabiriele Lovobalavu, Seru Rabeni.

Kick-off: 10.30 tonight.