Rugby World Cup 2015: Ben Volavola warns Wallabies that Fiji can ‘do a Japan’ on them

AUSSIE-raised Fiji playmaker Ben Volavola has sent a message to the Wallabies ahead of their World Cup clash: we can match Japan and topple a giant.

England's winger Anthony Watson (L) and Fiji's fly-half Ben Volavola jump to catch a cross-field kick during a Pool A match of the 2015 Rugby World Cup between England and Fiji at Twickenham stadium in south west London on September 18, 2015. AFP PHOTO / ADRIAN DENNIS RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE, NO USE IN LIVE MATCH TRACKING SERVICES, TO BE USED AS NON-SEQUENTIAL STILLS

AUSSIE-raised Fiji playmaker Ben Volavola has sent a warning to the Wallabies ahead of their World Cup clash on Thursday morning: we believe we can match Japan and topple a giant.

The Brave Blossoms’ win over the Springboks may have put other tier one nations on high alert about the threat of tier two teams, but it also served to embolden the minnows about painting targets on to the big boys of world rugby.

Fiji pushed England in the opening game and then watched as Japan stunned the Boks a day later. Both games have left the Fijian side believing they too can put themselves in a position beat Australia and shock the world. Again.

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“I think we knew from the start, even before this competition started, that these results are possible,” Volavola said.

“It is a knockout competition and on the day it is anyone’s game. The Japanese win over the Springbok was a big testament to that and Georgia-Tonga as well. It is a knockout tournament, and anything can happen. On the day if you play well it could be anyone’s game.”

Fiji received a blow overnight, however, with backrower Dominiko Waqaniburotu banned for the Wallabies game for a tip tackle on England’s Jonny May in the first game.

Volavola said the example of Japan stubbornly refusing to die off in the late stages against South Africa had definitely been noted by Fiji.

“Especially with our pool, with some of the best nations in the world, if you can hold on for as long as possible, in those dying minutes anything can happen,” he said.

Fiji’s confidence had also risen after they watched the tape of their loss to England, in which they were only trailing 18-11 in the second half.

“We understand now that we had a great chance to take that game but we weren’t good enough to finish the game off and take our chances,” he said.

Volavola’s history with Michael Cheika and many of the Wallabies will only serve to boost Fiji’s chances as well.

The 24-year-old spent three years with the Waratahs but after being blooded in 2013, was overlooked by Cheika for 2014 and 2015 despite being a full-time squad member.

He trained every day under Cheika and alongside the likes of Israel Folau, Bernard Foley and Kurtley Beale, and his Super Rugby-honed skills have served him well in six Tests for Fiji.

Volavola’s composed direction and long boot have allowed Fiji to play with more structure and using territory and set-piece gameplans.

Volavola, who has also signed for the Crusaders next season, said he was not out to prove a point to Cheika.

“I have nothing against Cheik. He has always been good to me,” Volavola said.

“He is basically the reason why I got my first crack at first-class rugby and Super Rugby. I am always going to be thankful towards Cheik and the Waratahs coaching staff.

“I am very thankful to have been able to spend three years with world class players like Izzy, and not just him but guys like Adam Ashley-Cooper, Rob Horne and all those guys.

“Training with those guys and learning a lot from them on and off the training paddock, I can now implement those skills on the field.

Originally published as Rugby World Cup 2015: Ben Volavola warns Wallabies that Fiji can ‘do a Japan’ on them