Rugby World Cup 2015: Fiji vs Wales preview

Wales will look to continue their unstained record in the “Pool of Death” of the 2015 Rugby World Cup when they face Fiji on Oct. 1 at Millennium Stadium. Wales share the lead in Pool A with world No. 2 Australia, while Fiji remains winless in the pool bracket, along with group minnow Uruguay.

Wales will try to extend their winning streak to 3-0 in a Rugby World Cup fixture that features world No. 9 Fiji, who are still unable to break into the win column. Wales, ranked as world No. 4, had a tough game against host team England, but coach Warren Gatland is unlikely to rest any of his players ahead of Thursday’s clash in Cardiff.

Wales defence coach Shaun Edwards said the Welsh team will focus on continuing to win to secure a quarterfinal slot, despite the team’s high attrition during the World Cup. Scott Williams and Hallam Amos are set to be ruled out of the tournament after the former suffered a leg injury, while the latter with a shoulder injury.

"One thing you find out about Welsh teams, or any rugby team, is that when you get some momentum you want to keep that going," Edwards told the BBC . "So, we will be putting out a pretty strong team against Fiji, showing them the respect they deserve after they have played so well so far in the competition.”

Wales defeated England 28-25 at Twickenham courtesy of Gareth Davies’ late try off a cross-field kick from Lloyd Williams, and Dan Biggar’s 23 points from an unblemished boot. Biggar fired over a penalty kick from the half-way line after striking the conversion from Davies’ try in the last 10 minutes of the game.

Meanwhile, Fiji will try to earn their first winning result in the World Cup after losing their first two games against England and Australia. Coach John Mckee said his side is aware of the consequences if they give Biggar opportunities to kick points. "We didn't really see anything different last night but certainly their goal-kicking is spot on, so we're going to have to be careful to be well-disciplined in our own half," Mckee told The Star .

Fiji bowed down to Australia last week after being defeated 28-13. The Pacific Islanders started the game slowly and have trailed from the start of the match. But despite an underwhelming performance, McKee was still able to praise his side, insisting that Fiji controlled the game in the first half, but let go of many opportunities to capitalise.

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